T’au Empire
The T’au Empire is a dynamic rising force in the galaxy, as yet unburdened by the bloody failures of a long history. United by their shared vision of the Greater Good, the T’au strive to bring enlightenment to other races, even if they must do so at the barrel of a gun.
Books
| Book | Kind | Edition | Version | Last update |
 T’au Empire | ||||
| T’au Empire | Codex | 10 | 1.3 | January 2025 |
 T’au Empire - Experimental Prototype Cadre | ||||
| T’au Empire - Experimental Prototype Cadre | Expansion | 10 | March 2025 | |
 Munitorum Field Manual | ||||
| Munitorum Field Manual | Expansion | 10 | 2.3 | March 2025 |
 Legends Field Manual | ||||
| Legends Field Manual | Expansion | 10 | 2.1 | March 2025 |
 Grotmas Calendar: T'au Empire - Auxiliary Cadre | ||||
| Grotmas Calendar: T'au Empire - Auxiliary Cadre | Expansion | 10 | December 2024 | |
 Boarding Actions | ||||
| Boarding Actions | Expansion | 10 | 1.0 | October 2024 |
 Kill Team: Vespid Stingwings | ||||
| Kill Team: Vespid Stingwings | Datasheet | 10 | October 2024 | |
 Imperial Armour: T’au Empire | ||||
| Imperial Armour: T’au Empire | Datasheet | 10 | September 2024 | |
| Legends: T’au Empire | ||||
| Legends: T’au Empire | Datasheet | 10 | September 2024 | |
FAQ
Codex: T’au Empire
| Q: | If I modelled my Crisis Battlesuits using the flying stems provided in the kit rather than glueing them directly to their bases, do those models then have a pivot value of 2"? |
| A: | No, their pivot value is 0". |
| Q: | If I am using the Kroot Hunting Pack Detachment, can I use a Kroot War Shaper’s War Leader ability to modify the CP cost of the Join the Hunt Stratagem, selecting as its target that War Shaper’s own Bodyguard unit that was just destroyed? |
| A: | No. |
| Q: | If I am using the Kroot Hunting Pack Detachment, if an enemy unit selects a KROOT unit from my army as a target of its ranged attacks, but I use the Hidden Hunters Stratagem so that my KROOT unit is no longer an eligible target for any of those attacks, and there are no other eligible targets for those attacks (as described in the Rules Commentary), can my nearby KROOTOX RIDERS unit still use its Kroot Packmates ability to shoot at that attacking unit? |
| A: | No. |
| Q: | Can I use an ETHEREAL’s Coordinated Leadership ability while it is embarked within a TRANSPORT? |
| A: | No. |
| Q: | Can a unit that contains an ETHEREAL equipped with a marker drone be an Observer unit as described in the For the Greater Good army rule? |
| A: | No, unless it is an Attached unit and the Bodyguard unit has the For the Greater Good army rule. |
Introduction
The Detachment rule listed here will apply to either your whole army or to particular units within it. If any additional restrictions or benefits apply to a Detachment, they will be listed here. This can include units your army either must include or cannot include, as well as additional keywords some of your units may gain.
When mustering your army, your chosen Detachment enables you to upgrade CHARACTERS using the Enhancements listed here, as described in the Core Rules (see the Select Units step). If you are playing a Crusade battle, you can instead use the Renowned Heroes Requisition to give your CHARACTERS Enhancements, as described in the main Crusade rules.
Your chosen Detachment gives you access to the Stratagems listed here in addition to the Core Stratagems. During the battle, you can spend Command points (CP) to use these Stratagems. You can find out more about how to use Stratagems in Core Rules.
Army Rules
For the Greater Good
The Hunter Cadres battle for the betterment of the T’au Empire, not for personal gain or egotistic accomplishments. This burning commitment allows for prodigiously effective covering fire. Enemies are pinned in place by deadly bursts of pulse blasts, or the infamous T’au markerlight is used to expose even well-fortified enemy positions, allowing other T’au warriors to fall on the vulnerable enemies with murderous force.
If your Army Faction is T’AU EMPIRE, then in your Shooting phase units from your army can work in pairs to help each other target specific enemy units. When they do this, one unit is the Observer unit and the other is their Guided unit. The enemy they are targeting is called their Spotted unit.Each time you select this unit to shoot, if it is not an Observer unit, it can use this ability. If it does, select one other friendly unit with this ability that is also eligible to shoot (excluding FORTIFICATION, Battle-shocked and Observer units). Until the end of the phase, this unit is considered a Guided unit, and that friendly unit is considered an Observer unit. Then select one enemy unit that is visible to both your units to be their Spotted unit.
Until the end of the phase:
- Each time a model in a Guided unit makes an attack that targets their Spotted unit, improve the Ballistic Skill characteristic of the attack by 1 and, if their Observer unit has the MARKERLIGHT keyword, the attack has the [IGNORES COVER] ability.
- Each time a model in a Guided unit makes an attack that does not target their Spotted unit, worsen the Ballistic Skill characteristic of the attack by 1.
Kauyon
Patient Hunter
The tactical philosophy known as the Kauyon allows for T’au commanders to draw the enemy into a deadly trap, springing it at the perfect moment to deliver a storm of fatal strikes against which none can escape.
From the third battle round onwards, all ranged weapons equipped by T’AU EMPIRE models from your army have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability, or the [SUSTAINED HITS 2] ability instead while targeting their unit’s Spotted unit.Enhancements
Long meditation upon the tenets of the Patient Hunter has seen this warrior master the application of this cunning ambush strategy. When they take to the battlefield, they embody the teachings of the Kauyon, much to the dismay of their luckless prey. T’AU EMPIRE model only (excluding KROOT SHAPER models). While the bearer is leading a unit, the Patient Hunter Detachment rule applies to that unit from the second battle round onwards instead of from the third. |
This warrior prowls the battlefield like a high-tech predator, stalking and assessing their quarry before they strike. When they do launch their assault, their every shot and blow is informed by careful observations, perfectly aimed where they will do the greatest harm. T’AU EMPIRE model only. Each time the bearer makes a ranged attack, add 1 to the Hit roll. From the third battle round onwards, add 1 to the Wound roll as well. |
This holowave-emitter drone projects beams of so-called heavy light, forming convincing illusory images while simultaneously masking the true locations of its allies with advanced refraction fields. T’AU EMPIRE model only. After both players have deployed their armies, select up to three T’AU EMPIRE units from your army and redeploy them. When doing so, you can set those units up in Strategic Reserves if you wish, regardless of how many units are already in Strategic Reserves. |
Under their calm tutelage of this leader, warriors of the Fire caste maximise every shot they fire, creating a blizzard of deadly energy. T’AU EMPIRE model only (excluding KROOT SHAPER models). While this model is leading a unit, each time that unit is an Observer unit, until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in their Guided unit have the [LETHAL HITS] ability while targeting their Spotted unit. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase. The first time you use this Stratagem, you must also select one objective marker that is not in your opponent’s deployment zone; until the end of the battle, this becomes your Trap objective marker.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack that targets an enemy unit within range of your Trap objective marker, add 1 to the Wound roll.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem during the first or second battle rounds.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack that targets an enemy unit within 9", improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem during the first or second battle rounds.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that has just been selected as an Observer unit (see For the Greater Good).
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack that targets their Spotted unit, improve the Ballistic Skill characteristic of that attack by 1 and, if your unit has the MARKERLIGHT keyword, that attack has the [IGNORES COVER] ability.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE INFANTRY unit from your army that was selected as one of the targets of that charge, and one friendly TRANSPORT.
EFFECT: Your unit can embark within that TRANSPORT. If it does, your opponent can select new targets for that charge.
RESTRICTIONS: Every model in your T’AU EMPIRE INFANTRY unit must be within 3" of that TRANSPORT and there must be sufficient transport capacity to embark the entire unit.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE GRENADES unit from your army that was selected as one of the targets of that charge.
EFFECT: That enemy unit must immediately take a Battle-shock test, and until the end of the phase, subtract 2 from Charge rolls made for that enemy unit.
TARGET: One STEALTH, GHOSTKEEL or COMMANDER SHADOWSUN unit from your army.
EFFECT: Remove your unit from the battlefield and place it into Strategic Reserves.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot target a unit that is within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
Mont’ka
Killing Blow
Mont’ka is the most aggressive style of T’au warfare. Its singular focus is the art of identifying a target of opportunity and attacking it swiftly with an overwhelming application of force.
During the first, second and third battle rounds, ranged weapons equipped by T’AU EMPIRE models from your army have the [ASSAULT] ability. During the first, second and third battle rounds, while a unit is a Guided unit, its ranged weapons have the [LETHAL HITS] ability.Enhancements
This leader eschews their own martial glory in favour of seeking out an advanced vantage point then exploiting it to guide in the firepower of their fellows. T’AU EMPIRE model only (excluding KROOT SHAPER models). While the bearer is leading a unit, each time that unit is an Observer unit, until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in their Guided unit have the [sustained hits 1] ability while targeting their Spotted unit. |
This warrior has perfected the art of the Killing Blow, formulating swift and decisive battle plans and leading their cadres from the front in aggressive strikes. T’AU EMPIRE model only (excluding KROOT SHAPER models). While the bearer is leading a unit, the Killing Blow Detachment rule applies to that unit during the fourth battle round as well. |
A wise commander appreciates the strategic value of seizing a vital battlefield asset swiftly to establish a foothold, employing it as a jumping off point for further assaults or a rallying post for a swift retreat. T’AU EMPIRE model only. At the start of the first battle round, before the first turn begins, select one objective marker on the battlefield. While a friendly T’AU EMPIRE model is within range of that objective marker and the bearer is on the battlefield, add 1 to that friendly model’s Objective Control characteristic. |
This commander knows victory is best assured by taking the fight to the enemy as soon as battle is joined. T’AU EMPIRE model only. At the start of the battle, before any moves are made using the Scouts ability, you can select up to two friendly T’AU EMPIRE units within 6" of the bearer that do not have the Scouts ability. Until the end of the battle, all models in the selected units have the Scouts 6" ability. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit (excluding KROOT units) from your army that was just destroyed. You can use this Stratagem on that unit even though it was just destroyed.
EFFECT: Until the end of the battle, each time a T’AU EMPIRE unit (excluding KROOT units) from your army makes an attack that targets the enemy unit that just destroyed your unit, you can re-roll the Hit roll.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that has not been selected to move this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, if your unit Advances, do not make an Advance roll for it. Instead, until the end of the phase, add 6" to the Move characteristic of models in your unit.
TARGET: Two T’AU EMPIRE units from your army that have not been selected to shoot this phase, and one enemy unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in either of your units makes an attack, it can only target that enemy unit (and only if it is an eligible target for that attack), and when resolving that attack, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic by 1.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot use this Stratagem during the fourth or fifth battle rounds.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE INFANTRY unit from your army that disembarked from a TRANSPORT this turn.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack that targets the closest enemy unit, you can re-roll the Wound roll.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE INFANTRY unit (excluding KROOT units) from your army that has just shot, and one enemy unit (excluding MONSTERS and VEHICLES) hit by one or more of those attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of your opponent’s next turn, that enemy unit is shaken. While a unit is shaken, subtract 2 from its Move characteristic and subtract 2 from Advance and Charge rolls made for it.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack is allocated to your unit, subtract 1 from the Damage characteristic of that attack.
Retaliation Cadre
Bonded Heroes
Cadres of T’au Battlesuit pilots fight in a manner inspired by the dynamism and determination of famous and beloved war leaders. Indeed, some of the specialist piloting manoeuvres they employ are named after such icons, in a few rare - and sometimes unofficial - cases even after those who have since fallen far from favour with the Ethereal Council. Either way, these bonded veterans are experts in the deadly art of engaging the enemy in close confines. They plunge into the heart of the enemy army where the fighting is fiercest, and prevail in the name of the Greater Good.
Each time a T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT model from your army makes a ranged attack that targets a unit within 12", improve the Strength characteristic of that attack by 1. If that attack targets a unit within 9", improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1 as well.Enhancements
These thigh plates house deployment rails of high-explosive bomblets. As the pilot jets over the foe, the racks can be triggered to dispense a rain of death. T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT model only. The bearer has the Grenades keyword, and each time the bearer ends a Normal move, you can select one enemy unit that it moved over during that move. If you do, roll six D6: for each 4+, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound. |
Famed battlesuit pilots are often more than willing to assist Earth caste scientists infield-testing the latest in experimental weapons technology. T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT model only. Each time the bearer is selected to shoot, select either the [LETHAL HITS] or [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. Until those attacks are resolved, ranged weapons equipped by the bearer have the selected ability. |
Commander Puretide was the most gifted T’au war leader of all time. Upon his death, his memories were stored in a neurochip. When implanted into the brain, the bearer can access much of this wisdom. T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT model only. Each time you target the bearer’s unit with a Stratagem, roll one D6: on a 4+, you gain 1CP. |
The ignition thrusters on selected battlesuits are augmented with optional feed-selectors, allowing the pilot to release a jet of enriched accelerant upon take-off and sending the pilots streaking skywards. T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT model only. At the end of your opponent’s turn, if the bearer’s unit is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, you can remove that unit from the battlefield and place it into Strategic Reserves. |
Stratagems
TARGET: That destroyed model’s unit. You can use this Stratagem on that unit even if that unit was just destroyed.
EFFECT: Before removing your model from play, if it has the Deadly Demise ability, do not roll for that ability; instead, you can choose whether the result of that roll is a 1 or a 6. If your model does not have the Deadly Demise ability, roll one D6 for each unit within 6" of it: on a 4+, that unit suffers D3 mortal wounds.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, models in your unit have the Feel No Pain 6+ ability.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT unit from your army that is arriving using the Deep Strike ability this phase.
EFFECT: Your unit can be set up anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 6" horizontally away from all enemy models.
RESTRICTIONS: A unit targeted with this Stratagem is not eligible to declare a charge in the same turn.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack that targets an enemy unit that contains 6 or more models, that attack has the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability. If that attack targets an enemy unit that contains 11 or more models, it has the [SUSTAINED HITS 2] ability instead.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT unit from your army that can FLY whose attacks have been resolved this phase.
EFFECT: If your unit is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, it can make a Normal move. If it does, your unit cannot declare a charge this turn
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT unit from your army that was selected as a target of that charge.
EFFECT: That enemy unit must immediately take a Battle-shock test and you must roll one D6 for each model in that enemy unit: for each 6, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound.
Kroot Hunting Pack
Hunter’s Instincts
The Kroot naturally predate upon weakened foes, drawn by the scent of spilled blood and viscera.
Each time a KROOT model from your army makes an attack, add 1 to the Hit roll if the target of that attack is below its Starting Strength, and add 1 to the Wound roll as well if the target of that attack is Below Half-strength.Skirmish Fighters
Though ill-suited to protracted warfare, the Kroot are experts at light, swift skirmishing. Here their fieldcraft and wiry natural agility help them to evade the hostile attentions of their foes.
KROOT models from your army have a 6+ invulnerable save against melee attacks and a 5+ invulnerable save against ranged attacks.KEYWORDS
If you select this Detachment, KROOT CARNIVORE units from your army have the Battleline keyword.Enhancements
The Kroot found the flesh of the Borthrod so irresistible they hunted them to extinction. This preserved gland still exudes pheromones that drive nearby Kroot into a ravenous frenzy. Kroot Flesh Shaper only. While the bearer is leading a unit, each time a model in that unit makes a melee attack, an unmodified Hit roll of 5+ scores a Critical Hit. |
This leader has painstakingly established a deep-seated bond with a small flock of Kroothawks. The avian creatures circle on high, spying out and revealing the hiding places of the prey or warning of ambushing enemies with wing-dips, diving stoops and harsh shrieks. KROOT model only. Ranged weapons equipped by models in the bearer’s unit have the [IGNORES COVER] ability, and enemy units that are set up on the battlefield as Reinforcements cannot be set up within 12" horizontally of the bearer. |
This Shaper’s followers have become adept at the loping pursuit, snapping off harassing fire as they tirelessly and mercilessly run their victims to ground. KROOT TRAIL SHAPER model only. While the bearer is leading a unit, add 3" to the Move characteristic of models in that unit and ranged weapons equipped by models in that unit have the [ASSAULT] ability. |
Just as the Kroot venerate the so-called Roots from which their culture derives, so they prize the traditional forms of Root-carved weapons and must perform exceptional deeds to be permitted to wield them in war. Kroot War Shaper model only. All weapons equipped by the bearer have the [PRECISION] and [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] abilities. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One KROOT INFANTRY or KROOT HOUNDS unit from your army that was just destroyed. You can use this Stratagem on that unit even though it was just destroyed.
EFFECT: Add a new unit to your army identical to your destroyed unit, in Strategic Reserves, at its Starting Strength.
RESTRICTIONS: This Stratagem cannot be used to return destroyed CHARACTER units to Attached units. You can only use this Stratagem once per battle.
TARGET: One KROOT unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: After your unit has resolved its attacks this phase, select one enemy unit that was hit by one or more of those attacks. Until the end of the phase, each time a KROOT model from your army makes an attack that targets that enemy unit, unless the attacking unit is Battle-shocked, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
TARGET: One KROOT GRENADES unit from your army within 8" of that enemy VEHICLE unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, worsen the Weapon Skill and Ballistic Skill characteristics of that enemy VEHICLE unit’s weapons by 1.
TARGET: One KROOT unit from your army that destroyed one or more enemy units this phase.
EFFECT: In your opponent’s next Command phase, each enemy unit within 6" of your unit must take a Battle-shock test. If the unit taking that test is Below Half-strength, subtract 1 from that test. Enemy units affected by this Stratagem do not need to take any other Battle-shock tests in the same phase.
TARGET: That KROOT unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to shoot and declare a charge.
TARGET: One KROOT unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit can only be selected as the target of a ranged attack if the attacking model is within 18".
Auxiliary Cadre
The T’au’va emphasises the integration of alien auxiliaries into Fire caste military operations wherever they are of greatest value. Typically, this sees units of Kroot, Vespid, or other aliens fighting as specialists alongside predominately T’au formations or deployed in dedicated warbands, such as the Kroot hunting packs. In the case of Auxiliary Cadres, however, the doctrine of unity is realised on a grand scale. These forces comprise a majority of alien auxiliaries, fighting alongside limited numbers of T’au specialists and heavy combat assets and provided with overall T’au strategic command. Such integrated cadres provide versatile response forces to plug gaps in Fire caste lines of battle, blunt enemy aggression in dense terrain, and selflessly act as lures in grand Kauyon ambushes to spare valuable T’au lives.
Integrated Command Structure
T’au officers given charge of auxiliary cadres receive additional training in optimised doctrinal and strategic alien amalgamation; this – coupled with specialised translation drones and endless integrated combat drills – allows them to get the best out of their alien subordinates.
KROOT and VESPID STINGWINGS units from your army have the following ability:Targeting Triangulation (Aura): While an enemy unit is within 9" of and visible to this unit, each time a ranged attack made by a friendly T’AU EMPIRE model (excluding KROOT, VESPID STINGWINGS and TITANIC models) targets that enemy unit, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by 1.
T’AU EMPIRE units (excluding KROOT and VESPID STINGWINGS units) from your army have the following ability:
Localised Stealth Projectors (Aura): While a friendly KROOT or VESPID STINGWINGS unit is wholly within 6" of and visible to this unit, that KROOT or VESPID STINGWINGS unit can only be selected as the target of a ranged attack if the attacking model is within 18".
Enhancements
This Shaper has not only studied the Code of Fire but has also adapted it to best suit their people’s skills. KROOT SHAPER model only. In the Declare Battle Formations step, you can select up to three KROOT CARNIVORES or KROOT FARSTALKERS units from your army. Models in those units have the Deep Strike ability. |
Having proven themselves to their alien charges, this T’au has won their fierce loyalty and become an iconic folk hero to them. T’AU EMPIRE model (excluding KROOT models) only. In your Command phase, you can select one KROOT or VESPID STINGWINGS unit within 12" of the bearer. If you do, until the start of your next Command phase, improve the Leadership characteristic of models in that unit by 1, and while such a unit is not Battle-shocked, add 1 to the Objective Control characteristic of models in that unit. |
This true believer strives to embody the T’au’va even more entirely than the T’au themselves. KROOT model only. The bearer’s unit has the For the Greater Good ability. |
This system detects transponders borne deep into the field by alien auxiliaries and guides its user unerringly in on their positions. T’AU EMPIRE WALKER model with the Deep Strike ability only. The bearer’s unit can be set up using the Deep Strike ability in the Reinforcements step of your first, second or third Movement phase, regardless of any mission rules. During your first Movement phase, when you set up the bearer’s unit, it must be set up within 12" of one or more friendly KROOT or VESPID STINGWINGS units and not within 9" horizontally of one or more enemy units. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One KROOT or VESPID STINGWINGS unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of weapons equipped by models in your unit by 1.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot or fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack, re-roll a Wound roll of 1. If it is a KROOT or VESPID STINGWINGS unit, you can re-roll the Wound roll instead.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that was eligible to fight this phase.
EFFECT: If your unit is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, it can make a Normal move of up to 6". Otherwise, your unit can make a Fall Back move. It cannot embark within a TRANSPORT at the end of this move if it disembarked from a TRANSPORT this turn.
TARGET: One KROOT or VESPID STINGWINGS unit from your army that has not been selected to move this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time your unit Advances, do not make an Advance roll for it. Instead, until the end of the phase, add 6" to the Move characteristic of models in your unit.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army.
EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to shoot in a turn in which it Advanced. If it is a KROOT or VESPID STINGWINGS unit, until the end of the turn, your unit is eligible to declare a charge in a turn in which it Advanced as well.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army (excluding KROOT and VESPID STINGWINGS units) that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, add 1 to the Strength characteristic of ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit. If your unit is wholly within 9" of one or more KROOT or VESPID STINGWINGS units from your army, add 2 to the Strength characteristic of ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit instead.
Experimental Prototype Cadre
A handful of elite cadres are equipped with prototype technology from the most renowned applied science divisions of the T’au Empire. It is the honour of these Fire caste warriors to field test the newest of these advanced and ingenious weapon systems under true battlefield conditions.
Superior Craftsmanship
The applied science divisions of the Earth caste labour endlessly to provide front-line units with expertly crafted instruments of destruction.
Add 6" to the Range characteristic of ranged weapons equipped by T’AU EMPIRE models from your armyEnhancements
Adapted from standard-issue fragmentation projectors, this weapon enables the bearer to fire explosive plasma charges on parabolic trajectories. These projectiles drop amongst the enemy and explode in a coruscating fireball that evaporates metal and flesh alike. T’AU EMPIRE model only. Select one airbursting fragmentation projector equipped by the bearer. Improve the Strength characteristic of that weapon by 3, and improve the Armour Penetration and Damage characteristics of that weapon by 1. |
The thermoneutronic projector uses volatile gases siphoned from the coronae of neutron stars to expel a flame capable of searing through the armour plating of a battle tank. T’AU EMPIRE model only. Select one T’au flamer equipped by the bearer. Improve the Strength characteristic of that weapon by 2, and improve the Armour Penetration and Damage characteristics of that weapon by 1. |
The plasma accelerator rifle blends pulse-induction technology with a high-yield plasma generator, rendering it highly effective against both infantry and light vehicles. T’AU EMPIRE model only. Select one plasma rifle equipped by the bearer. Improve the Strength characteristic of that weapon by 2, and improve the Attacks, Armour Penetration and Damage characteristics of that weapon by 1. |
Fusion blades resemble modified versions of the T’au fusion blaster. However, when fired, each weapon unleashes a continuous beam of volatile energy that extends from the muzzle of the weapon. T’AU EMPIRE model only. Select one fusion blaster equipped by the bearer. Improve the Attacks characteristic of that weapon by 1, improve the Strength characteristic of that weapon by 3, and that weapon has the [MELTA 4] ability. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT unit from your army.
EFFECT: Select one BATTLESUIT model in your unit: that model regains up to D3+1 lost wounds.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE BATTLESUIT unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time an attack targets your unit, if the Strength characteristic of that attack is greater than the Toughness characteristic of your unit, subtract 1 from the Wound roll.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time you roll one or more dice to determine the number of attacks made with a weapon equipped by a model in your unit, you can re-roll the result.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Select one of the following to apply to your unit until the end of the phase:
- Improve the Strength characteristic of ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit by 1.
- Improve the Strength and Armour Penetration characteristics of ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit by 1, and those weapons have the [HAZARDOUS] ability.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot target the same unit with the Experimental Ammunition and Threat Assessment Analyser Stratagems in the same phase.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army that has not been selected to shoot this phase.
EFFECT: Select the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] or [LETHAL HITS] ability. Until the end of the phase, ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit have the selected ability. You can instead select the [SUSTAINED HITS 1], [LETHAL HITS] and [HAZARDOUS] abilities to apply to those weapons until the end of the phase.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot target the same unit with the Experimental Ammunition and Threat Assessment Analyser Stratagems in the same phase.
TARGET: One T’AU EMPIRE CRISIS unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit can only be selected as the target of a ranged attack if the attacking model is within 18".
Drones
GUARDIAN DRONE  |
GUN DRONE 
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Crusade Rules
In this section you’ll find additional rules for playing Crusade battles that are bespoke to T’AU EMPIRE units.
The rules presented on the following pages enable you to take over different types of planet by diplomatic or military means in order to assimilate entire star systems into the burgeoning T’au Empire.
AGENDAS
T’AU EMPIRE armies can attempt to achieve unique Agendas in addition to those found in other publications. These represent the faction’s unique goals and their particular methods of waging war.
REQUISITIONS
T’AU EMPIRE armies have access to a number of bespoke Requisitions in addition to those found in other publications.
As they gain experience and prowess, T’AU EMPIRE units in your Crusade force can be given one of the Battle Traits in this section instead of one presented elsewhere.
CRUSADE RELICS
In addition to the Crusade Relics presented in other publications, T’AU EMPIRE CHARACTER models can claim one of the Crusade Relics found here.
CRUSADE BADGES
Here you will find three Crusade Badges representing goals you can set yourself when campaigning with your Crusade force. Once one is achieved, you could set yourself a new goal, or take the opportunity to start a new Crusade force.
Expanding The Empire
Planets
Each planet has the following characteristics:Diplomat Power and Military Power: Over the course of your Crusade games you will bring each of these planets into the fold, either through the efforts of the Water castes diplomats or the force of will of the Fire caste’s warriors as you see fit. The difficulty of achieving these tasks will be determined by a planet’s Diplomat Power and Military Power respectively. Your Crusade force will use Agendas to build up Diplomat points and Military points through your games, which can be used to assimilate planets into your growing empire. Each time you generate a new star system, both your Diplomat and Military points are reset to 0.
Each time you win a battle, your Crusade force gains 1 Military point.
Assimilation Abilities: You will encounter many different types of planet over the course of your journey, so vast and diverse is the galaxy, and each will have Assimilation Abilities that trigger when you take over that planet. These can either help or hinder your progress in that star system, so plan your strategy carefully.
Supply Line Effect: Once a star system has been fully brought in line with the teachings of the Ethereals, it is possible to incorporate it into your force’s supply lines in order to aid you in future conquests. To do so, you can select one planet from the assimilated star system and use the Set Up Supply Lines Requisition to gain the benefits of its Supply Line Effect.
In addition to the above, each system has one Core World. This will be the first planet that you generate, and you cannot attempt to take it over by any means, until all other planets within the system have been brought into the fold first.
Generating a New Star System
To generate a new star system, follow the three steps below. More detail on each of these steps can be found on the pages ahead.1. DETERMINE THE TEMPERAMENT OF THE SYSTEM’S INHABITANTS
2. DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF PLANETS
3. DETERMINE EACH PLANET’S TYPE
You can photocopy the blank Crusade tracker card to record the details of the star system you are assimilating.
Determine The Temperament Of The System’s Inhabitants
The T’au have encountered many different species and cultures in their journey across the stars, and incorporating each of them into the unifying power of the Greater Good always poses unique challenges to both the diplomats of the Water caste and the warriors of the Fire caste. When generating a new star system you must first determine the temperament of its inhabitants by rolling one D6 and consulting the table below.
Inhabitants’ TemperamentD6
The inhabitants of this system possess an aggressive temperament.
The denizens of this system will not be easily cowed.
The inhabitants of this system must be reconciled with the T’au'va to secure their allegiance.
The Empire already has a foothold in this system thanks to reciprocal trade contracts with local merchants.
It will be hard to convince such hedonistic beings of the benefits of the Greater Good.
This system lies firmly in the grip of a tyrannical regime.
Determine Each Planet’s Type
For each of the planets in your current star system, you must determine which type of planet it is. To do so, first roll one D6: on a 1-4, you will use the Common Planets table; on a 5-6, you will use the High-value Planets table. Then roll a second D6 and consult the table you are using: that second result determines the planet’s type.
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Shrine World
This world is pivotal to the faith of the local populace, be it a site of pilgrimage or of religious governance. Its conquest may shake the faith of some foes but will likely stoke the fervour and fury of others.
Diplomat Power: 5Military Power: 2
Assimilation Abilities
Shaken Faith: Select up to three planets; subtract 1 from the Diplomat Power of each of those planets (to a minimum of 1).
Stir the Flames: Add 1 to the Military Power of all planets.
Supply Line Effect
Collapse of Faith: While assimilating your Crusade force’s next star system, each time you perform a diplomatic takeover, you gain 1 Requisition point.
Civilian World
Worlds such as this boast large population centres, but are typically less well-defended than more strategically valuable worlds. Conquering this planet will cut off a stream of recruits for local military forces but will also spur neighbouring planets to accelerate their own martial preparations, fearing they may be invaded next.
Diplomat Power: 3Military Power: 2
Assimilation Abilities
Threat of Invasion: Add 1 to the Military Power of other Civilian World planets.
Recruitment Down: Subtract 1 from the Military Power of Fleet Installation and Military Base planets (to a minimum of 1).
Supply Line Effect
A Mingling of Cultures: Select up to three units from your Order of Battle with the Battle-ready or Blooded ranks. Each of those units gains 5XP.
Mining World
Made rich by its mineral deposits and the labour of countless unlucky souls, this world - and the military forces who guard and oversee excavations - have become lazy and easily corrupted. Conquering this planet will effectively starve the enemy war machine across the wider system.
Diplomat Power: 3Military Power: 4
Assimilation Abilities
Harvest Resources: Your Crusade force gains D3 Requisition points.
Starve the War Machines: Select up to two planets; subtract 1 from the Military Power of each of those planets (to a minimum of 1).
Supply Line Effect
Spoils of War: Your Crusade force gains D3+1 Requisition points.
Military Base
The fall of such a pivotal military strongpoint would weaken local defences enormously. Of course, overcoming this worlds conventional fortifications may prove extremely challenging. Other, subtler methods of conquest may prove more efficacious.
Diplomat Power: 4Military Power: 6
Assimilation Abilities
Force to the Table: Subtract 1 from the Diplomat Power of each other planet (to a minimum of 1).
Military Supplies: You can use the Fresh Recruits Requisition once without spending any Requisition points.
Supply Line Effect
Repurposed Infrastructure: Increase your Crusade forces Supply Limit by 400 points.
Fleet Installation
A powerful and valuable voidborne stronghold, this location acts as not only a centre for military might in the system but also a nexus for intelligence gathering and contingency planning. Its conquest would hurt the enemy both strategically and tactically, and likely produce a rich bounty of valuable information.
Diplomat Power: 4Military Power: 6
Assimilation Abilities
Invasion Plans: Select one planet; halve the Military Power of that planet (rounding up).
Orbital Dominance: You can use the Rearm and Resupply Requisition once without spending any Requisition points.
Supply Line Effect
Fleet Intel: After you generate your Crusade force’s next star system, subtract 1 from the Military Power of all planets in that system (to a minimum of 1).
Agri World
It is a truism that lines of supply win or lose wars. Capturing this breadbasket world will threaten enemy planets throughout the system with potential starvation, while also ensuring the invaders’ supplies are replenished and their warriors fed.
Diplomat Power: 2Military Power: 2
Assimilation Abilities
Empty Bellies: Select up to one Civilian World and up to one Military Base or Fleet Installation; subtract 1 from the Diplomat Power of each of those planets (to a minimum of 1).
Full Stomachs: You can use the Repair and Recuperate Requisition once for a cost of up to 2RP less than usual (to a minimum of 0).
Supply Line Effect
Rest and Recuperation: Select up to two units from your Order of Battle; remove one Battle Scar from each of those units.
Political Centre
From this well-defended world do the local rulers govern their system-wide empire. The conquest of such a planet will have huge ramifications, undermining the positions of local rulers on neighbouring worlds while bolstering the morale of the invaders as they see the heart of the enemy power structure laid low.
Diplomat Power: 6Military Power: 3
Assimilation Abilities
Sell-outs: Select one planet; halve the Diplomat Power of that planet (rounding up).
Belief in the Cause: You can use the Renowned Heroes Requisition once without spending any Requisition points.
Supply Line Effect
Diplomatic Contacts: After you generate your Crusade force’s next star system, subtract 1 from the Diplomat Power of all planets in that system (to a minimum of 1).
Traders’ Hub
Worlds such as this are no easy prize. Success in trade requires finely honed negotiating skill, while the combination of private contractors and heavy military investment ensures impressive defensive forces are always on station. Should such a well-protected world fall, however, the shock waves will ripple through the rest of the system to great effect.
Diplomat Power: 4Military Power: 4
Assimilation Abilities
Indirect Influence: Select one planet; switch the Diplomat Power and Military Power of that planet.
Supply Line Effect
Trade Networks: After you generate your Crusade force’s next star system, your Crusade force gains 2D3 Diplomat points and D3 Military points.
Research World
Whether it is an industrial manufacturing centre or an enclave of high-minded scientific experimentation, the technological advancements this world will yield to its conquerors are more than worth the military expenditure required to seize them.
Diplomat Power: 4Military Power: 3
Assimilation Abilities
Review Research: Your Crusade force gains 2D3 Requisition points.
Supply Line Effect
Scientific Integration: You can use the Renowned Heroes and Prototype System Requisitions once each without spending any Requisition points.
Taking Over a Planet
Each time you win a battle, you can choose for your Crusade force to take over one of the unconquered planets in the star system you are assimilating. If yot do, select one of those planets and decide whether you want to perform a diplomatic takeover or a military takeover.Diplomatic Takeover
There are times when words may prove a greater weapon than any quantity of bombs or bullets. A world overthrown through diplomatic means enters the fold willingly and unmarred by the devastation of war, sending the message to all that meek compliance may spare the defenders many horrors.
If your Crusade force has a number of Diplomat points equal to or higher than that planet’s Diplomat Power, subtract that planet’s Diplomat Power from your Crusade force’s Diplomat points total and your Crusade force takes over that planet. Remember to apply that planet’s Assimilation Abilities when it is taken over.Military Takeover
Those who will not accept the message of the T’au’va, and who cannot see the benefits of willing assimilation into the T’au Empire, must be rendered compliant through military force. They will still fall, of course, as battlesuit teams drop from the heavens with guns blazing and Hunter Cadres sweep unstoppably from one battlefront to the next. Regrettably, however, such conflicts may reduce the world’s infrastructure to ruins before they are done.
If your Crusade force has a number of Military points equal to or higher than that planet’s Military Power, subtract that planet’s Military Power from your Crusade force’s Military points total and your Crusade force takes over that planet. Remember to apply that planet’s Assimilation Abilities when it is taken over. Each time you perform a military takeover, roll one D6: on a 1-3, that planet has been razed by the conflict and cannot be selected for the Set Up Supply Lines Requisition. Make a note of this on your Crusade tracker card.The T’au make little distinction between void fleets intended for military conquest and those set up for rapid colonisation. When an enemy world is brought to heel, therefore, all the necessary Earth, Air and Water caste assets are already on hand to establish new supply lines.
If you selected a Core World for this Requisition, this Requisition costs 1RP; otherwise, it costs 2RP.
After purchasing this Requisition, generate a new active star system for your Crusade force.
Agendas
If your Crusade army includes any T’AU EMPIRE units, you can select Agendas from those presented here.Some amongst the enemy’s command structure are more open to the message of the Ethereals than others. Such contacts must be encouraged and exploited.
Secret Meeting: At the end of your Movement phase, if this model is not Battle-shocked, is eligible to shoot and is within 3" of the centre of the battlefield, it can use this ability. If it does, until the start of your next Command phase, this model cannot shoot or declare a charge. At the start of your next Command phase, this model gains 3XP and your Crusade force gains D3 Diplomat points. Each time this ability is used during the first three battle rounds, your Crusade force gains 3 Diplomat points instead of D3.
Whether they be defecting enemy officers or T’au diplomats or scientists who have been caught woefully out of position, these individuals must be secured swiftly.
Each Dignitary marker begins the battle with 3 Life points. At the end of your turn, each of your Dignitary markers that is not controlled by you loses 1 Life point. If a Dignitary markers Life points reach 0, it is destroyed and removed from the battlefield.
At the end of the battle, for each of your Dignitary markers still on the battlefield, your Crusade force gains 2 Diplomat points. If both of your Dignitary markers remain on the battlefield, you can also select one additional unit to be Marked for Greatness.
An enemy without the food, munitions or fuel to keep fighting is one more swiftly brought to heel.
At the end of the turn, if that unit is within range of an objective marker you control that has not been damaged by your army, that objective marker is said to be damaged by your army and that unit gains 1XP.
At the end of the battle, if at least half of the objective markers on the battlefield have been damaged by your army, your Crusade force gains D3 Military points. If all of the objective markers on the battlefield have been damaged by your army, your Crusade force gains 3 Military points instead.
T’au strategic doctrine places little emphasis on stolid territorial conquest, instead emphasising the outmanouevring and neutralisation of the foe.
It is incumbent upon T’au Commanders to embody at all times the teachings of the Code of Fire.
- Aggressive Tactical Philosophy: Each time a unit from your Crusade army destroys an enemy unit in the first battle round, that unit from your Crusade army gains 1XP.
- Patient Tactical Philosophy: Each time a unit from your Crusade army destroys an enemy unit in the fifth battle round, that unit from your Crusade army gains 1XP.
Requisitions
If your Crusade army includes any T’AU EMPIRE units, you can spend Requisition points (RPs) on any of the following Requisitions.Should local defenders begin to waver, and an opportunity be spotted to shatter their morale without further bloodshed, then the Air and Fire castes will gladly engage in the necessary theatrics. Sometimes all it takes is a little posturing and implied threat to see the hostile forces stand down and peace talks begin in earnest.
Shapers understand the ways in which their followers view their abilities and gladly employ a little psychosomatic pantomime if it bolsters the might and courage of the Kroot. Ritual infusions made from the choice sweetmeats, trophy-organs and harvested glands of powerful foes serve as a wonderful tonic.
- IMPERIUM: While that SHAPER model is leading a unit, re-roll Battle-shock tests taken for that unit.
- AELDARI: While that SHAPER model is leading a unit, add 2" to that unit’s Move characteristic.
- ORKS: While that SHAPER model is leading a unit, add 1 to the Strength characteristic of melee weapons equipped by that unit.
- LEAGUES OF VOTANN: While that SHAPER modelis leading a unit, add 1 to the Toughness characteristic of models in that unit.
- OTHER: While that SHAPER model is leading a unit, each time a model in that unit makes a melee attack, add 1 to the Hit roll.
Although each mark and pattern of battlesuit is different, there are many similarities in their standardised design. Certainly it is not uncommon for battlesuit pilots to switch from one type of battlesuit to another between - or even during - conflicts.
It is considered no small privilege to field test one of the Earth castes many powerful experimental weapon systems or other pieces of military hardware. Some T’au Commanders will selflessly request the honour through a desire to further the Greater Good. Others humbly accept such a vital responsibility when they are chosen for it as a reward for their military achievements.
Battle Traits
When a T’AU EMPIRE unit gains a Battle Trait, you can use one of the tables presented here to determine which Battle Trait that unit has gained.BATTLESUIT UNITSD6
Onboard Al sweep the battlesuit’s peripheral threat zones, allowing pilots more warning of hostile attackers while securing tactical assets.
A strong bond of loyalty has developed between the simple drone Als and their pilot masters, such that they seek to protect the T’au at all costs.
Angled micro-thrusts integrated into battlesuits plating allows their pilots to trigger a sudden burst of speed for interdiction assaults.
Advanced Al subroutines assist in rapidly selecting priority incoming targets and calculating responsive fire-solutions to eliminate them.
These miniature spread-launchers dispense clouds of electromagnetic interference and interdiction micro-munitions that foul long range enemy targeting and fire patterns.
It is no easy task to master the most advanced tenets of the Code of Fire, but those battlesuit pilots who do so can assail their enemies like a raging wildfire.
ETHEREAL MODELSD6
The renown of this Ethereal is such that their mere presence upon the battlefield inspires the T’au to even greater efforts.
Not merely through words do the Ethereal caste soothe and sustain their people. Some are also learned in almost supernatural healing arts.
In the wake of conquest, this Ethereal is practised in providing the inspirational addresses needed to heal societal breaches.
PATHFINDERS, STRIKE TEAM AND BREACHER TEAM UNITSD6
These warriors have fought the enemies of the Empire long enough for their idealism to be tainted with genuine hatred.
Excellent reactions, icy calm and a steady aim ensure that charging down the gunsights of this team is no easy proposition.
It has become second nature for this team to single out and exploit the weak spots on even the toughest targets.
KROOT UNITSD6
Kroot understand on an instinctive level that to eliminate those who lead their prey in war renders those who followed them more vulnerable. Some - be they master predators or veteran bounty hunters - make a study of this skill.
These Kroot specialise in singling out particular quarry and stalking them to the exclusion of all else. Whether at the behest of their Shapers or in service to a mercenary contract, they strive to ensure their victims do not escape the battlefield alive.
Accumulated through mercenary contracts and as rewards from grateful T’au, these Kroot bear sufficient examples of high-tech weaponry that they can bring down even the largest battlefield targets with surprising swiftness.
Crusade Relics
When a T’AU EMPIRE CHARACTER model gains a Crusade Relic, you can select one of the Crusade Relics presented here.Artificer Relics
Designed to undermine fortified positions and drive enemy soldiers from cover, the seismic destabiliser emits an ultra-low resonating frequency that causes localised earth tremors. The targeted structure is riven by a spiders web of fractures, and any garrisoned troops must evacuate or risk being buried.
At the start of your Shooting phase, select one enemy unit within 12" of the bearer that is not fully visible to the bearer due to intervening terrain or because it is within a terrain feature. Roll one D6, adding 2 to the result if the unit is on or within a ruins terrain feature: on a 3-5, that unit suffers D3 mortal wounds; on a 6+, that unit suffers 3 mortal wounds.This staff of office is said to have been carved through the erosion of flowing water over a thousand years. The touch of an Ethereal seems to awaken something within the stave, sending ripples of enlightened calm rolling outward to bring peace to all nearby T’au.
ETHEREAL model only. The bearer gains the following ability:Serenity (Aura): While a friendly T’AU EMPIRE unit is within 6" of this model, add 1 to that unit’s Leadership characteristic.
Loosely translated, this ancient root carved weapon is known as the Hungering One. None on Pech has ever been able to identify the strange material from which the weapon is formed, nor explain how it seems able at times to shift between the shape of one traditional Kroot weapon and another as the needs of the hunt dictate. What is certain, is that once Krep’chak has tasted the blood of fallen foes its wrath becomes greater than ever.
Once per battle, when the bearer’s unit destroys an enemy unit, select one melee weapon equipped by the bearer (excluding Extra Attacks weapons). Until the end of the battle, add 1 to the Attacks, Strength, and Armour Penetration characteristics of that weapon.Antiquity Relics
Onager gauntlets were developed during the Damocles Crusade to counter the tanks of the Imperium. Armed with such a weapon, a warrior could punch through inches-thick armour. Though the technology proved successful, the casualty rate amongst bearers was high, and of the twelve prototypes, only one remains.
BATTLESUIT model only. The bearer is equipped with the following melee weapon in addition to its other weapons:MELEE WEAPONS | RANGE | A | WS | S | AP | D |
| Onager gauntlet [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] | ||||||
| Onager gauntlet [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] | Melee | 4 | 3+ | 14 | -3 | 3 |
Rumour has it this armour-cladding incorporates plates salvaged from one of Commander Puretide’s own battlesuits, piloted by the martial savant during his wars against the Orks during the Second Sphere Expansion. It emphasises protective fortitude, rerouting gravitic micro-buffering and ionised counter-surges in response to incoming impacts. The result is personal protective plating that adapts and reacts to the enemy’s attacks with impressive speed.
BATTLESUIT model only. The bearer has a Save characteristic of 2+ and the Feel No Pain 5+ ability.Legendary Relics
Held in an armoured pendant, this crystal engram chip contains override codes for the T’au tactical net. These are coupled with priority strategic protocols mapped from Commander Puretide’s own mental engram and can change the face of a battle.
Once per battle, at the start of your Command phase, if the bearer is on the battlefield, you can do one of the following:- Select one objective marker you do not control. Until the start of your next Command phase, each time a T’AU EMPIRE unit from your Crusade army makes a ranged attack that targets a unit within range of that objective marker, that T’AU EMPIRE unit is considered to be a Guided unit and that target unit is considered to be that T’AU EMPIRE unit’s Spotted unit.
- Select one objective marker you control. Until the start of your next Command phase, each time an enemy unit makes an attack that targets a T’AU EMPIRE unit from your Crusade army that is within range of that objective marker, subtract 1 from the Wound roll.
Crusade Badges
When your Crusade force accomplishes specific long-term goals, you can earn the Crusade badges shown below, representing your warriors’ successes over many battles.Devotee Of The T’au’va
Through the measured and determined application of means both martial and diplomatic, you have proven your dedication to the advancement of the Greater Good. Entire worlds that once languished in darkness and ignorance now bathe in the enlightenment that you bring. By your efforts a new outpost of the T’au Empire has been established, one that can be used as the jumping off point for further altruistic conquests. As for you, your star is rising. The Ethereals know your name now. They watch with interest. See that you do not disappoint them....
- You have taken over four or more planets and used the Set Up Supply Lines Requisition once.
- You have won two or more battles.
Champion Of The T’au’va
Your reputation grows with every fresh conquest. Your likeness is used in repeating inspirational broadcasts across swathes of the T’au Empire, while famed diplomats, engineers, pilots and military commanders petition to join your expeditionary forces. Though personal glory is of little interest to such a dedicated servant of the Greater Good, the knowledge that you have brought entire planetary systems into the light of the Empire inspires you to yet greater deeds.
- You have taken over twelve or more planets.
- You have won six or more battles.
- At least one CHARACTER unit from your Order of Battle has reached the Heroic rank.
Hero Of The T’au’va
Elumble though you remain, it is stirring to hear some whisper that you are an echo of Commander Puretide’s genius. Your battle strategies have become required study in Fire caste academies across the T’au Empire, while the masterful methods of your Water caste diplomats serve as an example to all of their peers. An entire sept has been established from the worlds you have liberated, a new stronghold of the T’au’va that will stand eternal as testament to your achievements!
- You have taken over twenty or more planets.
- You have won ten or more battles.
- At least one CHARACTER unit from your Order of Battle has reached the Legendary rank.
Crusade tracker card
Download Crusade tracker card:
Boarding Actions
Introduction
Within the following pages you will find numerous Boarding Actions Detachments that can be used in your Boarding Actions games. Each lists which units you can include in your army, any modifications to those units’ army rule as presented in their Codex or Index, a Detachment rule unique to that Detachment, and a number of Enhancements and Stratagems that you can use.A keyword that will be shared by all units in your army.
MUSTERING RULES
Which units you are allowed to include in your army.
FORMING BOARDING SQUADS
Any additional rules that will apply in the missions Form Boarding Squads step. Note that not all Detachments will have these.
RULES ADAPTATIONS
Some units will be unable to use certain abilities in Boarding Actions battles. Where this is the case, these units and their relevant abilities will be listed here.
Due to the distinct nature of close-quarters battle in Boarding Actions, most army rules require some modifications to their effects. Where this is the case, these will be described here.
DETACHMENT RULE
Each faction will have a number of different Detachments to choose from, each with its own Detachment rule to reflect the unique fighting methods of such forces.
ENHANCEMENTS
Further Enhancements that you can give to CHARACTER models from your army, beyond those(Boarding Actions Enhancments), will be found here.
STRATAGEMS
Additional Stratagems that you can use, in addition to those (Boarding Actions Stratagems), will be found here.
Starfire Cadre
When mobilised en masse for shipboard warfare, the interconnected teams of a Starfire Cadre are swiftly moved into position by Air caste assets before commencing aggressive sweep-and-clear operations.
Mustering a Boarding Patrol
You can include up to two of the following unit (duplicate are not allowed):- CADRE FIREBLADE
- DARKSTRIDER
- ETHEREAL
- BREACHER TEAM (10 model)
- PATHFINDER TEAM (5 or 10 models)
- STRIKE TEAM (10 model)
- KROOT CARNIVORES (10 model)
- STEALTH BATTLESUITS (3 mode1)
- VESPID STINGWINGS (5 model)
- CRISIS FIREKNIFE BATTLESUITS (3 model)
- CRISIS STARSCYTHE BATTLESUITS (3 model)
- CRISIS SUNFORGE BATTLESUITS (3 model)
Forming Boarding Squads
- FIRE WARRIOR units that do not contain a Fire Warrior Shas’ui or Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui model after you have formed Boarding Squads lose the MARKERLIGHT keyword.
Rules Adaptations
- Rules that refer to Observer, Guided and/or Spotted units have no effect.
- CRISIS BATTLESUITS units lose the Deep Strike ability.
- The KROOT CARNIVORES unit loses the Fieldcraft ability.
- The STEALTH BATTLESUITS unit loses the Homing Beacon ability.
- The VESPID STINGWINGS unit loses the Deep Strike and Airborne Agility abilities.
Void Combat Discipline
Highly drilled and bonded Fire caste teams and guerrilla Kroot excel amidst the confines and open sight lines of shipboard conflict, filling corridors with blistering hails of inescapable fire.
Units from your army with the For the Greater Good ability lose that ability and T’AU EMPIRE units from your army gain this one.Each time a model in this unit makes a ranged attack, it can ignore other model in this unit for the purpose of determining visibility. In addition, this unit is eligible to perform the Set Overwatch Tactical Manoeuvre in a turn in which it Advanced or Fell Back.
Detachment Rule
Markerlight Precision
The inescapable data-beams of markerlights stab out through the venting steam and boiling smoke of the boarding action, questing to paint enemy targets and direct Tan firepower against them.
Each time a T’AU EMPIRE unit from your army (excluding KROOT units) is selected to shoot, ranged weapons equipped by models in your unit have their Ballistic Skill characteristic improved by 1 and have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability while targeting an enemy unit that is visible to one or more friendly MARKERLIGHT units that are not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy models.Enhancements
Target Optimisation Microdrones A swarm of tiny experimental drones swarm about this warrior, analysing weaknesses in enemy wargear. CADRE FIREBLADE model only. Once per turn, in your Shooting phase, when a friendly FIRE WARRIOR, PATHFINDER TEAM or CADRE FIREBLADE unit within 6" of the bearer is selected to shoot, the bearer can use this Enhancement. If it does, until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of ranged weapons equipped by models in that unit by 1. |
Duty’s Echo This tech-inlaid stave glows with the light of the T’au’va, inspiring nearby warriors to greater efforts. ETHEREAL model only. At the end of your Shooting phase, you can select one friendly FIRE WARRIOR or PATHFINDER TEAM unit within 6" of the bearer. If you do, that unit can make a Normal move of up to 3" and then counts as having performed the Set Overwatch Tactical Manoeuvre this turn. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One FIRE WARRIOR or PATHFINDER TEAM unit from your army that is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, has not fired Overwatch this turn and is within 9" of that enemy unit.
EFFECT: Your unit can shoot as if it were your Shooting phase, but when doing so, models in your unit can only target that enemy unit (and only if it is an eligible target) and, each time a model in your unit makes an attack, an unmodified Hit roll of 5+ is required to score a hit.
TARGET: One FIRE WARRIOR or PATHFINDER TEAM unit from your army.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit is eligible to shoot in a turn in which it Fell Back.
TARGET: That FIRE WARRIOR or PATHFINDER TEAM unit.
EFFECT: Until the end of the turn, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack that targets an enemy unit wholly on the opposite side of that Hatchway from them, a Critical Hit is scored on an unmodified Hit roll of 5+, instead of only a 6.
TARGET: One FIRE WARRIOR or PATHFINDER TEAM unit from your army that has not fired Overwatch this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes an attack while firing Overwatch, an unmodified Hit roll of 5+ is required to score a hit, instead of an unmodified 6.
Kroot Raiding Party
The Kroot are frighteningly effective combatants amidst the cramped conditions of a boarding action. Spilling from the Warspheres in fast-moving raiding parties, they hunt their victims deck by deck and leave carnage in their wake.
Mustering a Boarding Patrol
You can include up to two of the following units (duplicates are not allowed):You can include up to three of the following unit:
- KROOT CARNIVORES (10 models)
- KROOT FARSTALKERS (12 models)
- KROOT HOUNDS (5 models)
- KROOTOX RIDERS (1 model)
Forming Boarding Squads
- In the Form Boarding Squads step, a KROOT FARSTALKERS unit is split into two Boarding Squads, each containing 6 models.
Rules Adaptations
- KROOT CARNIVORES units can perform the Secure Site Tactical Manoeuvre as if they had the BATTLELINE keyword.
- Each time you set up a KROOT CARNIVORES unit in an Entry Zone, you can also set up a KROOT HOUNDS unit and/or a KROOTOX RIDERS unit in that same Entry Zone.
- If a KROOT CARNIVORES or KROOT FARSTALKERS unit from your army destroys an enemy unit while receiving the benefits of the KROOT FLESH SHAPER’S Rites of Feasting ability, the Feel No Pain 5+ ability they gain stays in effect, even after they stop receiving the benefit of that ability.
- The KROOT CARNIVORES unit loses the Fieldcraft ability.
- The KROOT HOUNDS unit loses the Loping Pounce ability.
- The KROOTOX RIDERS unit loses the Kroot Packmates ability.
Void Combat Discipline
Highly drilled and bonded Fire caste teams and guerrilla Kroot excel amidst the confines and open sight lines of shipboard conflict, filling corridors with blistering hails of inescapable fire.
Units from your army with the For the Greater Good ability lose that ability and T’AU EMPIRE units from your army gain this one.Each time a model in this unit makes a ranged attack, it can ignore other model in this unit for the purpose of determining visibility. In addition, this unit is eligible to perform the Set Overwatch Tactical Manoeuvre in a turn in which it Advanced or Fell Back.
Detachment Rule
Guerrilla Ambushers
So stealthy and swift are Kroot on the hunt they are often able to pounce upon their victims before the foe is even aware of their peril.
Each time an enemy unit is selected to fire Overwatch, roll one D6: on a 4+, until the end of the turn, that unit cannot make Overwatch attacks that target KROOT units from your army.Enhancements
Experienced Leader This Shaper has defeated - and quite possibly devoured - such foes before. They are well able to advise their warriors on how to fight them. At the start of the first battle round, select one enemy unit on the battlefield. Until the end of the battle, each time a KROOT model from your army makes an attack that targets that enemy unit, if the bearer is on the battlefield, you can re-roll the Wound roll. |
Quill Marker Subtly adapted through careful shaping, this warrior can use their pheromone dart-quills to mark prey that their raiding party then descend upon with predatory fury. At the start of your Charge phase, select one enemy unit within 12" of the bearer. Until the end of the phase, each time a KROOT unit from your army declares a charge, if it is within 6" of that enemy unit, it can include that enemy unit as a target of that charge, even if it is not visible to it. |
Stratagems
TARGET: One KROOT unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of melee weapons equipped by models in your unit by 1. In addition, each time a model in your unit makes an attack, on a Critical Wound, improve the Armour Penetration characteristic of that attack by an additional 1.
TARGET: One KROOT unit from your army that has not been selected to fight this phase.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a Pile-in or Consolidation move, it can move up to 6" instead of up to 3". In addition, when making a Consolidation move, that model can end that move within Engagement Range of the closest enemy unit that was not visible to its unit when it started that move.
TARGET: That KROOTOX RIDERS unit.
EFFECT: Roll one D6 for each unit that is within 3" of that Hatchway, if that Hatchway is visible to that unit and that unit is wholly on the opposite side of it from your unit: on a 2-4, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound; on a 5+, that enemy unit suffers 2 mortal wounds.
TARGET: One KROOT unit from your army.
EFFECT: Select one enemy unit within 9" of and visible to your unit and roll one D6: on a 2+, until the start of your next Shooting phase, halve the Move characteristic of models in that enemy unit and halve Advance and Charge rolls made for it.
Pivot Value
Unless otherwise stated, the following pivot values apply.
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*Note that AIRCRAFT models have separate rules for pivoting.
The KROOT and INFANTRY keywords are used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
Note that CHARACTERS cannot use their Aura Abilities while %000015069performing actions%.
The CHARACTER keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
The Starting Strength of an Attached unit is equal to the combined Starting Strengths of all of its units (i.e. the number of models in the Leader unit added to the number of models in the Bodyguard unit). If either the Leader unit or the Bodyguard unit in an Attached unit is destroyed, the Starting Strength of the remaining unit is changed to be equal to its original Starting Strength.
For the purposes of rules that are triggered when a unit is destroyed, such rules are still triggered when one of the individual units that made up an Attached unit is destroyed (the Leader or the Bodyguard unit).
TARGET: One KROOT INFANTRY or KROOT HOUNDS unit from your army that was just destroyed. You can use this Stratagem on that unit even though it was just destroyed.
EFFECT: Add a new unit to your army identical to your destroyed unit, in Strategic Reserves, at its Starting Strength.
RESTRICTIONS: This Stratagem cannot be used to return destroyed CHARACTER units to Attached units. You can only use this Stratagem once per battle.
The KROOT keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
TARGET: One KROOT unit from your army that was selected as the target of one or more of the attacking unit’s attacks.
EFFECT: Until the end of the phase, your unit can only be selected as the target of a ranged attack if the attacking model is within 18".
The ETHEREAL keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
- A unit can embark within a friendly TRANSPORT if all of its models end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within 3" of that TRANSPORT.
- A unit cannot embark and disembark in the same phase.
The TRANSPORT keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
The MARKERLIGHT keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
The Hunter Cadres battle for the betterment of the T’au Empire, not for personal gain or egotistic accomplishments. This burning commitment allows for prodigiously effective covering fire. Enemies are pinned in place by deadly bursts of pulse blasts, or the infamous T’au markerlight is used to expose even well-fortified enemy positions, allowing other T’au warriors to fall on the vulnerable enemies with murderous force.
If your Army Faction is , then in your Shooting phase units from your army can work in pairs to help each other target specific enemy units. When they do this, one unit is the Observer unit and the other is their Guided unit. The enemy they are targeting is called their Spotted unit.Each time you select this unit to shoot, if it is not an Observer unit, it can use this ability. If it does, select one other friendly unit with this ability that is also eligible to shoot (excluding FORTIFICATION, Battle-shocked and Observer units). Until the end of the phase, this unit is considered a Guided unit, and that friendly unit is considered an Observer unit. Then select one enemy unit that is visible to both your units to be their Spotted unit.
Until the end of the phase:
- Each time a model in a Guided unit makes an attack that targets their Spotted unit, improve the Ballistic Skill characteristic of the attack by 1 and, if their Observer unit has the MARKERLIGHT keyword, the attack has the [IGNORES COVER] ability.
- Each time a model in a Guided unit makes an attack that does not target their Spotted unit, worsen the Ballistic Skill characteristic of the attack by 1.
- Advance Move: Models move up to M+D6".
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
- Units that Advance cannot shoot or charge this turn.
MARKER DRONE
There are several categories of Battle Honours that can be bestowed upon a unit, such as Battle Traits, Weapon Modifications and Crusade Relics. Other categories of Battle Honour may be found in other publications. Each time a unit gains a Battle Honour, you can select from any category.
- Once a unit gains enough XP it will gain a rank.
- Only CHARACTER units can gain the Heroic or Legendary ranks.
- Each time a unit gains a rank, it can gain a Battle Honour.
- There are several categories of Battle Honours, which include:
- Battle Traits: New skills and abilities.
- Weapon Modifications: Upgrade an item of wargear.
- Crusade Relic: Gain a rare and powerful artefact.
- Each time a unit gains a Battle Honour, increase its Crusade points total by 1 (or by 2 if TITANIC).
The greatest warriors, most cunning tacticians and seers lead their armies to war possessed of hard-won skills and powerful artefacts that mark them out as legendary commanders.
You can select one Enhancement that unit has access to (if using this Requisition when that unit gains a rank, this is instead of it gaining a Battle Honour). When doing so, that unit has access to any Enhancements described within any Detachment rules that it could use, even though you have not yet started to muster your army and so have not selected any Detachment rules yet.
If the selected Enhancement replaces a weapon that is a Crusade Relic or a weapon upgraded by Weapon Modifications, that Crusade Relic or Weapon Modifications are lost. Recalculate the unit’s points value as a result of gaining this Enhancement and update its Crusade card. You cannot make any changes that would cause you to exceed your Supply Limit.
This Requisition costs 1RP plus 1 additional RP for each other Enhancement that your Order of Battle contains (to a maximum of 3RP).
While a unit is Battle-shocked:
- The Objective Control characteristic of all of its models is 0.
- If it Falls Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit.
- Its controlling player cannot use Stratagems to affect that unit.
Once you have taken Battle-shock tests for all of your units that require them, your Command phase ends and you progress to your Movement phase.
In this step, if for any reason a unit is forced to take a Battle-shock test for being below its Starting Strength, unless otherwise stated, that unit does not also have to take a Battle-shock test for being Below Half-strength. While a unit is Battle-shocked, all models in that unit are also Battle-shocked.
- Take a Battle-shock test for each unit from your army on the battlefield that is Below Half-strength.
- Roll 2D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the unit’s Leadership, the test is passed. Otherwise, the unit is Battle-shocked until the start of your next Command phase.
- Battle-shocked units have an OC of 0 and their controlling player cannot use Stratagems to affect them.
- Battle-shocked units must take Desperate Escape tests if they Fall Back.
Some weapons are designed to root enemy formations out of entrenched positions.
Weapons with [IGNORES COVER] in their profile are known as Ignores Cover weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, the target cannot have the Benefit of Cover against that attack.Some weapons strike in a flurry of blows, tearing the foe apart with relentless ferocity.
Weapons with [SUSTAINED HITS X] in their profile are known as Sustained Hits weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if a Critical Hit is rolled, that attack scores a number of additional hits on the target as denoted by ‘x’.- [SUSTAINED HITS X]: Each Critical Hit scores ‘x’ additional hits on the target.
The KROOT and SHAPER keywords are used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
The tactical philosophy known as the Kauyon allows for T’au commanders to draw the enemy into a deadly trap, springing it at the perfect moment to deliver a storm of fatal strikes against which none can escape.
From the third battle round onwards, all ranged weapons equipped by models from your army have the [SUSTAINED HITS 1] ability, or the [SUSTAINED HITS 2] ability instead while targeting their unit’s Spotted unit.An unmodified Hit roll of 6 is called a Critical Hit and is always successful. An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails. A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
- Hit Roll (Ranged Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s BS.
- Hit Roll (Melee Attack): A hit is scored if the D6 result equals or exceeds that attack’s WS.
- Critical Hit: Unmodified Hit roll of 6. Always successful.
- An unmodified Hit roll of 1 always fails.
- A Hit roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
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If the result of the Wound roll is greater than or equal to the required number shown in the table above, then that Wound roll is successful and scores one wound against the target unit. Otherwise, the attack fails and the attack sequence ends.
An unmodified Wound roll of 6 is called a Critical Wound and is always successful. An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails. A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
- Critical Wound: Unmodified Wound roll of 6. Always successful.
- An unmodified Wound roll of 1 always fails.
- A Wound roll can never be modified by more than -1 or +1.
Some weapons can inflict fatal injuries on any foe, no matter their resilience.
Weapons with [LETHAL HITS] in their profile are known as Lethal Hits weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, a Critical Hit automatically wounds the target.When setting objective markers up on the battlefield, place them so they are centred on the point specified by the mission. When measuring distances to and from objective markers, measure to and from the closest part of them. Models can move over objective markers as if they were not there, but they cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.
At the start of the battle, each objective marker on the battlefield is said to be contested, and so is not controlled by either player. To control an objective marker, a player will first need to move models within range of it. A model is within range of an objective marker if it is within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically of that objective marker.
Every model has an Objective Control (OC) characteristic listed on its datasheet. To determine a player’s Level of Control over an objective marker, add together the OC characteristics of all the models from that player’s army that are within range of that objective marker. A player will control an objective marker at the end of any phase or turn if their Level of Control over it is greater than their opponent’s. If both players have the same Level of Control over an objective marker, that objective marker is contested.
- A model is within range of an objective marker if within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically.
- Level of Control: Add together the OC characteristics of all of a player’s models within range of the objective marker.
- An objective marker is controlled by the player with the highest Level of Control over it (in a tie, it is contested).
- Models cannot end a move on top of an objective marker.
You then make a Charge roll for the charging unit by rolling 2D6. The result is the maximum number of inches each model in that unit can be moved if a Charge move is possible. For a Charge move to be possible, the Charge roll must be sufficient to enable the charging unit to end that move:
- Within Engagement Range of every unit that you selected as a target of the charge.
- Without moving within Engagement Range of any enemy units that were not a target of the charge.
- In Unit Coherency.
- Charge Roll: 2D6".
- Targets of a charge must be within 12" but do not need to be visible.
- If the distance rolled is insufficient to move within Engagement Range of all targets while maintaining Unit Coherency, the charge fails.
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any unit that was not a target of the charge.
- If the charge is successful, each model makes a Charge move less than or equal to the Charge roll, and must move into base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible.
Units can start the battle embarked within a TRANSPORT model instead of being set up separately – declare which units are embarked within a TRANSPORT model before you set it up.
Some transports have firing hatches, ports or platforms from which embarked passengers can shoot.
Some TRANSPORT models have ‘Firing Deck x’ listed in their abilities. Each time such a model is selected to shoot in the Shooting phase, you can select up to ‘x’ models embarked within it whose units have not already shot this phase. Then, for each of those embarked models, you can select one ranged weapon that embarked model is equipped with (excluding weapons with the [ONE SHOT] ability). Until that TRANSPORT model has resolved all of its attacks, it counts as being equipped with all of the weapons you selected in this way, in addition to its other weapons. Until the end of the phase, those selected models’ units are not eligible to shoot.- Firing Deck ‘x’: Each time this TRANSPORT shoots, select one weapon (excluding weapons with the [ONE SHOT] ability) from up to ‘x’ models embarked within it whose units have not shot this phase; this TRANSPORT counts as being equipped with those weapons as well. Until the end of the phase, those selected models’ units are not eligible to shoot.
Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models. If for any reason a model cannot meet this condition, that model is destroyed.
- Engagement Range: Within 1" horizontally and 5" vertically.
- Models cannot be set up or end a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
Assault weapons fire so indiscriminately that they can be shot from the hip as warriors dash forward.
Weapons with [ASSAULT] in their profile are known as Assault weapons. If a unit that Advanced this turn contains any models equipped with Assault weapons, it is still eligible to shoot in this turn’s Shooting phase. When such a unit is selected to shoot, you can only resolve attacks using Assault weapons its models are equipped with.- Can be shot even if the bearer’s unit Advanced.
Mont’ka is the most aggressive style of T’au warfare. Its singular focus is the art of identifying a target of opportunity and attacking it swiftly with an overwhelming application of force.
During the first, second and third battle rounds, ranged weapons equipped by models from your army have the [ASSAULT] ability. During the first, second and third battle rounds, while a unit is a Guided unit, its ranged weapons have the [LETHAL HITS] ability.Scouts form the vanguard of many armies. Unnoticed by the enemy, they range ahead of the main force.
Some units have ‘Scouts x"’ listed in their abilities. If every model in a unit has this ability, then at the start of the first battle round, before the first turn begins, it can make a Normal move of up to x", with the exception that, while making that move, the distance moved by each model in that unit can be greater than that model's Move characteristic, as long as it is not greater than x".DEDICATED TRANSPORT models can make use of any Scouts x" ability listed in their abilities, or a Scouts x" ability that a unit that starts the battle embarked within that DEDICATED TRANSPORT model has (provided only models with this ability are embarked within that DEDICATED TRANSPORT model), regardless of how that embarked unit gained this ability (e.g. listed in their abilities, conferred by an Enhancement or by an attached CHARACTER, etc.).
A unit that moves using this ability must end that move more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models. If both players have units that can do this, the player who is taking the first turn moves their units first.
- Scouts x": Unit can make a Normal move of up to x" before the first turn begins.
- If embarked in a DEDICATED TRANSPORT, that DEDICATED TRANSPORT can make this move instead.
- Must end this move more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models.
When a unit disembarks from a TRANSPORT model, set it up on the battlefield so that it is wholly within 3" of that TRANSPORT model and not within Engagement Range of any enemy models. If, for any reason, a disembarking model cannot be set up, that model’s unit cannot disembark.
Units that disembark from a TRANSPORT model that either Remained Stationary this phase or has not yet made a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move this phase can then act normally (make a Normal move, Advance, shoot, declare a charge, fight, etc.) in the remainder of the turn. Such a disembarking unit cannot choose to Remain Stationary.
Units that disembark from a TRANSPORT model that made a Normal move this phase count as having made a Normal move themselves; they cannot move further during this phase. Such a unit also cannot declare a charge in the same turn, but can otherwise act normally in the remainder of the turn.
Units cannot disembark from a TRANSPORT model that either Advanced or Fell Back this turn.
- Units that start your Movement phase embarked within a TRANSPORT can disembark this phase, provided their TRANSPORT has not Advanced or Fallen Back.
- If a unit disembarks before its TRANSPORT moves, it can act normally.
- If a unit disembarks after its TRANSPORT moves, it cannot move or charge this turn, but can otherwise act normally.
- Disembarking units must be set up wholly within 3" of their TRANSPORT and not within Engagement Range of any enemy models (or the unit cannot disembark).
- Units that disembark this turn cannot Remain Stationary.
Weapons powered by unstable and dangerous energy sources pose a substantial risk to the wielder every time they are used.
Weapons with [HAZARDOUS] in their profile are known as Hazardous weapons. Each time a unit is selected to shoot or fight, after that unit has resolved all of its attacks, for each Hazardous weapon that targets were selected for when resolving those attacks, that unit must take one Hazardous test. To do so, roll one D6: on a 1, that test is failed. For each failed test you must resolve the following sequence (resolve each failed test one at a time):- If possible, select one model in that unit that has lost one or more wounds and is equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
- Otherwise, if possible, select one model in that unit (excluding CHARACTER models) equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
- Otherwise, select one CHARACTER model in that unit equipped with one or more Hazardous weapons.
If a unit from a player’s army is selected as the target of the Fire Overwatch Stratagem in their opponent’s Charge phase, any mortal wounds inflicted by Hazardous tests are allocated after the charging unit has ended its Charge move.
- After a unit shoots or fights, roll one Hazardous test (one D6) for each Hazardous weapon used. For each 1, a model equipped with a hazardous weapon suffers 3 mortal wounds, that must be allocated to the selected model.
- A Critical Wound inflicts mortal wounds equal to the weapon’s Damage characteristic, instead of any normal damage.
Some attacks are so powerful that no armour or force field can withstand their fury.
Some rules inflict mortal wounds on units. Each time mortal wounds are inflicted on a unit, each of those mortal wounds inflicts one point of damage to that unit, and they are always applied one at a time. Each mortal wound is allocated to a model in the same manner as allocating an attack. Excess damage from mortal wounds is not lost if the damage can be allocated to another model. Instead, keep allocating damage to another model in the target unit until either all the damage has been allocated or the target unit is destroyed.If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to any normal damage, do not make a Wound roll or saving throw (including invulnerable saving throws) against those mortal wounds. If those mortal wounds are inflicted by an attack that has the [PRECISION] ability, the attacking model’s controlling player can allocate those mortal wounds to a CHARACTER model in that unit.
If mortal wounds are being inflicted as a result of the [HAZARDOUS] ability or by an attack with the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability that scored a Critical Wound, each time those mortal wounds are allocated to a model, if that model is destroyed as a result of those mortal wounds, the remaining mortal wounds from that attack are lost, just as with a normal attack.
If, when a unit is selected to shoot or fight, one or more of its attacks can inflict mortal wounds on the target, resolve any normal damage inflicted by the attacking unit’s attacks on that target before inflicting any mortal wounds on that target. If an attack inflicts mortal wounds in addition to any normal damage, but the normal damage is subsequently saved, the target unit still suffers those mortal wounds, as described above.
- Each mortal wound inflicted on a unit causes one model in that unit to lose one wound.
- Unless the source of the mortal wounds is the [HAZARDOUS] ability or an attack with the [DEVASTATING WOUNDS] ability, damage from mortal wounds is not lost if it can be allocated to another model.
- No saving throws can be made against mortal wounds.
- Mortal wounds inflicted by attacks always apply after any normal damage, even if that damage was saved.
TARGET: One GRENADES unit from your army (excluding units that Advanced, Fell Back or have shot this turn) that is not within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units.
EFFECT: Select one GRENADES model in your unit and one enemy unit that is not within Engagement Range of any units from your army and is within 8" of and visible to your GRENADES model. Roll six D6: for each 4+, that enemy unit suffers 1 mortal wound.
- Normal Move: Models move up to M".
- Cannot move within Engagement Range of any enemy models.
From detonating ammo stores to corrosive innards or frenzied death throes, some targets are deadly even in defeat.
Some models have ‘Deadly Demise x’ listed in their abilities. When such a model is destroyed, roll one D6 before removing it from play (if such a model is a TRANSPORT, roll before any embarked models disembark). On a 6, each unit within 6" of that model suffers a number of mortal wounds denoted by ‘x’ (if this is a random number, roll separately for each unit within 6").- Deadly Demise x: When this model is destroyed, roll one D6. On a 6, each unit within 6" suffers ‘x’ mortal wounds.
Some warriors refuse to be laid low, even by what should be fatal wounds.
Some models have ‘Feel No Pain x+’ listed in their abilities. Each time a model with this ability suffers damage and so would lose a wound (including wounds lost due to mortal wounds), roll one D6: if the result is greater than or equal to the number denoted by ‘x’, that wound is ignored and is not lost. If a model has more than one Feel No Pain ability, you can only use one of those abilities each time that model suffers damage and so would lose a wound.- Feel No Pain x+: Each time this model would lose a wound, roll one D6: if the result equals or exceeds ‘x’, that wound is not lost.
Some units make their way to battle via tunnelling, teleportation, high-altitude descent or other extraordinary means that allow them to appear suddenly in the thick of the fighting.
During the Declare Battle Formations step, if every model in a unit has this ability, you can set it up in Reserves instead of setting it up on the battlefield. If you do, in the Reinforcements step of one of your Movement phases you can set up this unit anywhere on the battlefield that is more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models. If a unit with the Deep Strike ability arrives from Strategic Reserves, the controlling player can choose for that unit to be set up either using the rules for Strategic Reserves or using the Deep Strike ability.- Unit can be set up in Reserves instead of on the battlefield.
- Unit can be set up in your Reinforcements step, more than 9" horizontally away from all enemy models.
When a model that can FLY starts or ends a move on a terrain feature, instead of measuring the path it has moved across the battlefield, you instead measure its path ‘through the air’, as shown in the diagram below.
- FLY models can move over enemy models when they make a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move.
- FLY models that start or end a move on a terrain feature measure distance moved through the air when they make a Normal, Advance or Fall Back move.
- If a unit has a Starting Strength of 1, then it is said to be Below Half-strength while its remaining number of wounds is less than half of its Wounds characteristic.
- For any other unit, while the number of models in that unit is less than half of its Starting Strength, that unit is said to be Below Half-strength.
Whether shielded by force fields, enveloped in mystical energies or simply possessed of preternatural senses and lightning-fast reflexes, some warriors are protected by more than mere physical armour.
Some models have an invulnerable save listed on their datasheet. Each time an attack is allocated to a model with an invulnerable save, the controlling player must choose to use either that model’s Save characteristic or its invulnerable save, but not both. If a model has more than one invulnerable save, it can only use one of them – choose which it will use.Unlike armour saving throws (which use a model’s Save characteristic), invulnerable saving throws are never modified by an attack’s Armour Penetration characteristic, but otherwise follow the normal rules for saving throws.
- Invulnerable Save: Never modified by an attack’s AP.
- The controlling player can choose to use either a model’s invulnerable save or its Save characteristic.
Precision attacks can pick high-value targets out in a crowd, whether through the unerring aim of a sniper or the pinpoint accuracy of a blade-master’s strike.
Weapons with [PRECISION] in their profile are known as Precision weapons. Each time an attack made with such a weapon successfully wounds an Attached unit (see Leader ability), if a CHARACTER model in that unit is visible to the attacking model, the attacking model’s player can choose to have that attack allocated to that CHARACTER model instead of following the normal attack sequence.- When targeting an Attached unit, the attacking model’s player can have the attack allocated to a CHARACTER model in that unit visible to the bearer.
The KROOT and GRENADES keywords are used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
A unit cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn that it Fell Back.
Desperate Escape Tests
Unlike when making other types of move, models can move over enemy models when making a Fall Back move as if those enemy models were not there, but you must take a Desperate Escape test for each model that will do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY) before any models in that unit are moved. In addition, if a unit is Battle-shocked when it is selected to Fall Back, you must take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit before any are moved.
- Fall Back Move: Models move up to M".
- Units that Fall Back cannot shoot or declare a charge in the same turn.
- Models can move over enemy models when Falling Back, but you must take Desperate Escape tests for them before they do so (excluding models that are TITANIC or can FLY).
- If a Battle-shocked unit is selected to Fall Back, take a Desperate Escape test for every model in that unit.
- Desperate Escape Test: Roll one D6. On a 1-2, one model from that unit is destroyed.
The TITANIC keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
The keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
Melta weapons are powerful heat rays whose fury is magnified at close range.
Weapons with [MELTA X] in their profile are known as Melta weapons. Each time an attack made with such a weapon targets a unit within half that weapon’s range, that attack’s Damage characteristic is increased by the amount denoted by ‘x’.- [MELTA X]: Increase the Damage by ‘x’ when targeting units within half range.
Dual weapons are often grafted to the same targeting system for greater lethality.
Weapons with [TWIN-LINKED] in their profile are known as Twin-linked weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, you can re-roll that attack’s Wound roll.The T’au make little distinction between void fleets intended for military conquest and those set up for rapid colonisation. When an enemy world is brought to heel, therefore, all the necessary Earth, Air and Water caste assets are already on hand to establish new supply lines.
If you selected a Core World for this Requisition, this Requisition costs 1RP; otherwise, it costs 2RP.
After purchasing this Requisition, generate a new active star system for your Crusade force.
Should local defenders begin to waver, and an opportunity be spotted to shatter their morale without further bloodshed, then the Air and Fire castes will gladly engage in the necessary theatrics. Sometimes all it takes is a little posturing and implied threat to see the hostile forces stand down and peace talks begin in earnest.
As wars grind on into deadlier phases, vital missions require larger numbers of troops. Embedding warriors into experienced formations is an intensive and costly exercise, but the victories that result speak for themselves.
This Requisition costs 1RP plus 1 additional RP for every 2 Battle Honours the unit has, rounding up (to a maximum of 4RP).
The changing nature of the war zone and the demands from high command necessitate the opening of arms caches and wargear vaults to ensure your warriors face the enemy with the most effective killing tools.
Amid gore-streaked medicae facilities and clamorous forge-shrines, the damage worked by the foe upon warriors and war engines is undone before they are discharged to seek vengeance.
This Requisition costs 1RP plus 1 additional RP for each Battle Honour that unit has (to a maximum of 5RP).
The SHAPER keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
The CRISIS keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
The BATTLESUIT keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
Many warriors thunder headlong into combat, using the impetus of their charge to bring swift death to their foes.
Each time a unit makes a Charge move, until the end of the turn, that unit has the Fights First ability.TARGET: One unit from your army that is within 6" of that enemy unit and would be eligible to declare a charge against that enemy unit if it were your Charge phase.
EFFECT: Your unit now declares a charge that targets only that enemy unit, and you resolve that charge as if it were your Charge phase.
RESTRICTIONS: You can only select a VEHICLE unit from your army if it is a WALKER. Note that even if this charge is successful, your unit does not receive any Charge bonus this turn.
TARGET: One unit from your army that is within 24" of that enemy unit and that would be eligible to shoot if it were your Shooting phase.
EFFECT: If that enemy unit is visible to your unit, your unit can shoot that enemy unit as if it were your Shooting phase.
RESTRICTIONS: You cannot target a TITANIC unit with this Stratagem. Until the end of the phase, each time a model in your unit makes a ranged attack, an unmodified Hit roll of 6 is required to score a hit, irrespective of the attacking weapon’s Ballistic Skill or any modifiers. You can only use this Stratagem once per turn.
Some warriors are masters of disguise and concealment.
If every model in a unit has this ability, then each time a ranged attack is made against it, subtract 1 from that attack’s Hit roll.Lance weapons are deadly on the charge.
Weapons with [LANCE] in their profile are known as Lance weapons. Each time an attack is made with such a weapon, if the bearer made a Charge move this turn, add 1 to that attack’s Wound roll.Some warriors ride to battle atop trusty mounts that gore and trample nearby foes. Others wield combat weapons that deliver a frenzy of additional blows.
Weapons with [EXTRA ATTACKS] in their profile are known as Extra Attacks weapons. Each time the bearer of one or more Extra Attacks weapons fights, it makes attacks with each of the Extra Attacks melee weapons it is equipped with and it makes attacks with one of the melee weapons it is equipped with that does not have the [EXTRA ATTACKS] ability (if any). The number of attacks made with an Extra Attacks weapon cannot be modified by other rules, unless that weapon’s name is explicitly specified in that rule.- The bearer can attack with this weapon in addition to any other weapons it can make attacks with.
The FIRE WARRIOR keyword is used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
The CRISIS and BATTLESUIT keywords are used in the following T’au Empire datasheets:
Each time a model makes a Pile-in move, it must end that move closer to the closest enemy model. If it can also end that move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still satisfying all of the conditions above, it must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.
- Pile-in Move: Up to 3".
- Every model that moves must end closer to the closest enemy model, and in base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible. The unit must end in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of at least one enemy unit (or no models can Pile In).
If a unit can end its Consolidation within Engagement Range of one or more enemy units, then each time one of its models makes a Consolidation move, it must end that move closer to the closest enemy model. If it can also end that move in base-to-base contact with one or more enemy models while still satisfying all of the conditions above, it must do so. The controlling player chooses the order in which to move their models.
- Consolidation Move: Up to 3".
- Every model that moves must end closer to the closest enemy model, and in base-to-base contact with an enemy model if possible. The unit must end in Unit Coherency and within Engagement Range of at least one enemy unit if possible.
- If the above is not possible, each model can move towards the closest objective marker, but this must result in the unit being within range of it and in Unit Coherency.
- If the above is also not possible, no models can Consolidate.