Difference between revisions of "Tau Commander"

From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎Notable Tau Commanders)
m (clean up, replaced: {{Cite This}} → {{Cite Marker End}})
 
(46 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{TauPortal}}
 
{{TauPortal}}
 
[[Image:TauCommanderArt.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Tau Commander]]
 
[[Image:TauCommanderArt.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Tau Commander]]
−
'''Commander''' is the [[Imperial]] translation of a [[Tau]] rank. The Tau rank includes two grades, [[Shas'o]] and [[Shas'el]].  Both ranks indicate the authority to lead a [[Hunter Cadre]].  Usually Commanders go to battle in a [[Crisis Battlesuit]]. Tau Commanders differ in doctrine depending on their [[Sept]] of origin. Commanders hailing from [[Vior'la]], [[Tash'var]], and [[Kel'shan]] are noted for their personal kills while those from [[Elsy'eir]] and [[T'olku]] are known to be more cerebral in nature.{{Fn|4}}
+
'''Commander''' is the [[Imperial]] translation of a [[Tau]] rank.{{Fn|1}} The Tau rank includes two grades, [[Shas'o]] and [[Shas'el]].  Both ranks indicate the authority to lead a [[Hunter Cadre]] and usually see the officer go to war in a [[Battlesuit]]. Tau Commanders differ in doctrine depending on their [[Sept]] of origin. Commanders hailing from [[Vior'la]], [[Tash'var]], and [[Kel'shan]] are noted for their personal kills while those from [[Elsy'eir]] and [[T'olku]] are known to be more cerebral in nature.{{Fn|4}}
  
−
==Shas'o==
+
==Overview==
−
{{Lex-De|Destination=Shas'o}}
+
Regardless of specific rank, all Tau Commanders are consummate warriors and tacticians who have worked hard to achieve their status. The [[Tau'va]] offers no shortcuts to promotion to such a rank, performance and skill are the only methods of success, and all have risen from the lowly rank of [[Fire Warrior]] [[Shas'la]] and completed multiple [[Trial By Fire|Trials By Fire]]. Depending on the situation, a Commander may be called upon to lead anything from a [[Cadre]] to [[Coalition]].{{Fn|15b}} The number and size of previous commands is reflected in the rings confining their long scalp lock.{{Fn|15c}}
 +
 
 +
There are vast differences in the approach and philosophy between Tau Commanders. Some prefer to lead from the front to push their own Battlesuits to the fullest in an [[XV85 Enforcer Battlesuot|XV85 Enforcer]], while others may prefer to dominate the skies in an agile [[XV86 Coldstar Battlesuit|XV86 Coldstar]]. Commanders from [[Vior'la]], [[Tash'var]], and [[Kel'shan]] are particular noted for their personal skills, and are often accompanied into the thick of battle by a bodyguard guard of [[Crisis Battlesuit]]s. Those from [[Elsy'eir]] and [[T'olku]] are usually more cerebral, ordering their troops from behind the front and only entering the fray upon great need. Despite their skill, there are still times when the hubris of a Tau Commander can get the better of them, and in such situations the [[Ethereal Council]] will rein them in. If a Commander erred in an especially shameful way, an [[Ethereal]] may order a [[Malk'la]] take place.{{Fn|15b}}
 +
 
 +
===Shas'el===
 +
'''Shas'el''' is the second highest rank which a [[Tau]] [[Fire Warrior]] can attain.  A Shas'el usually only gains the rank after years of training and battle experience.  A Shas'el will usually command smaller engagements of small Cadres leaving full Cadre and multi-Cadre actions to a full [[Shas'o]].
 +
 
 +
===Shas'O===
 
:'''''Shas'o''' redirects here.  For the anthology, see [[Shas'o (Anthology)]].''
 
:'''''Shas'o''' redirects here.  For the anthology, see [[Shas'o (Anthology)]].''
 +
A '''Shas'O''' is the highest rank in the [[Tau]] army which a [[Fire Warrior]] can attain.  Becoming a Shas'O means going through several [[Trial By Fire|Trials By Fire]] and progressing up the ranks from [[Shas'la]] to [[Shas'ui]] to [[Shas'vre]], then becoming a member of another commander's [[XV8 Crisis Bodyguard Team|bodyguard]], to [[Shas'el]] and then finally to Shas'o.  After becoming a Shas'O, the only remaining option is to either teach at an academy, become a military advisor to the Shas'ar'tol or join in politics and be on one of the many councils in the [[Tau Empire]].  Besides death, this is the only way a member of the [[Fire Caste]] can leave the Tau military.
  
−
A '''Shas'o''' is the highest rank in the [[Tau]] army which a [[Fire Warrior]] can attain.  Becoming a Shas'o means going through several [[Trial By Fire|Trials By Fire]] and progressing up the ranks from [[Shas'la]] to [[Shas'ui]] to [[Shas'vre]], then becoming a member of another commander's [[XV8 Crisis Bodyguard Team|bodyguard]], to [[Shas'el]] and then finally to Shas'o. After becoming a Shas'o, the only remaining option is to either teach at an academy, become a military advisor to the Shas'ar'tol or join in politics and be on one of the many councils in the [[Tau Empire]].  Besides death, this is the only way a member of the [[Fire Caste]] can leave the Tau military.
+
Some Shas'O wear armour with inverted colour schemes.  For instance, [[O'Shaserra]] and [[O'Kais]] both wore white armour with sept markings picked out in yellow, the reverse of the regular [[T'au]] Sept's colour scheme.  [[O'Shovah]] is another example of this. Whether this is the norm for Shas'o is unknown.
  
−
Some Shas'o wear armour with inverted colour schemes.  For instance, [[O'Shaserra]] and [[O'Kais]] both wore white armour with sept markings picked out in yellow, the reverse of the regular [[T'au]] Sept's colour scheme. [[O'Shovah]] is another example of this. Whether this is the norm for Shas'o is unknown.
+
===Equipment===
 +
Tau Commanders typically go to war in a [[XV8 Crisis Battlesuit]] or its many variants, such as the [[XV85 Enforcer]], [[XV8-02 Crisis Irdium]], or [[XV86 Coldstar]]. Some famous Tau commanders have even been issued the experimental [[XV22 Stealth Battlesuit]].{{Fn|2a}}
  
−
==Shas'el==
+
These Battlesuits are equipped with a wide array of advanced weapons on both of their battlesuit arms such as a High-Output [[Burst Cannon]]s, [[Plasma Rifle]]s, [[Fusion Blaster]]s, [[Missile Pod]]s, [[Airbursting Fragmentation Projector]]s, [[Cyclic Ion Blaster]]s, and [[Tau Flamer|Flamer]]s. They also have access to the most advanced [[Special Issue]] [[Battlesuit Support System]]s such as a [[Shield Generator]], [[Positional Relay]], [[Command & Control Node]], and many more. They are also frequently accompanied by support [[Drone]]s.{{Fn|20b}}
−
[[Image:TauCommander6.jpg|thumb|right|Tau Commander in [[XV8-05]] Battlesuit (6th Edition){{Fn|3}}]]
 
−
{{Lex-De|Destination=Shas'el}}
 
−
'''Shas'el''' is the second highest rank which a [[Tau]] [[Fire Warrior]] can attain.  A Shas'el usually only gains the rank after years of training and battle experience. A Shas'el will usually command smaller engagements of small Cadres leaving full Cadre and multi-Cadre actions to a full [[Shas'o]].
 
  
 
==Notable Tau Commanders==
 
==Notable Tau Commanders==
−
*[[Commander Bravestorm]]
+
{{Columns-list
−
*[[Commander Coldfire]]
+
|Columns=2
−
*[[Commander Darktide]]
+
|Font-size=12px
−
*[[Commander Dawnhammer]]{{Fn|7}}
+
|Content=
−
*[[Commander Dawnstar]]
+
*[[Arra'kon]]
−
*[[Commander Dawnstrike]], 'Desert Beast'{{Fn|8a}}
+
*[[Bravestorm]]
−
*[[Commander Dawnstone]]
+
*[[Commander Brightmoon]]{{Fn|20a}}
−
*[[Commander Dawnsword]]
+
*[[Commander Coldfire|Coldfire]]
−
*[[Commander Pridestar]]
+
*[[Darktide (Tau Commander)|Darktide]]
−
*[[Commander Puretide]]
+
*[[Commander Darkstar|Darkstar]]{{Fn|12}}
−
*[[Commander Quickstrike]]{{Fn|8a}}
+
*[[Dawnhammer]]{{Fn|7}}
−
*[[Starblaze|Commander Starblaze]]
+
*[[Dawnstar]]
−
*[[Commander Truestar]]{{Fn|8a}}
+
*[[Dawnstrike]], the '''Desert Beast'''{{Fn|8a}}
 +
*[[Dawnstone]]
 +
*[[Dawnsword]]
 +
*[[El'Jan’kai]]{{Fn|14}}
 +
*[[Flamechild]]{{Fn|18}}
 +
*[[Moata]] - The '''Burning Chameleon'''
 +
*[[Commander Nobledawn|Nobledawn]]{{Fn|21}}
 +
*[[O'Kais]], '''The Living Weapon'''
 +
*[[O'Ka'tu]], '''Commander Moonblade'''
 +
*[[O'Namo]]{{fn|15a}}
 +
*[[O'Ryn]]
 
*[[O'Shalas]], '''Commander Swiftflame'''
 
*[[O'Shalas]], '''Commander Swiftflame'''
−
*[[O’Sharrek]], '''Commander Darkwind'''.{{Fn|6}} See also [[Tau Quotes#O|his quote]]
+
*[[O’Sharrek]], '''Commander Darkwind'''{{Fn|6}} (See also [[Tau Quotes#O|his quote]])
 +
*[[O'Shasan]]
 
*[[O'Shaserra]], '''Commander Shadowsun'''
 
*[[O'Shaserra]], '''Commander Shadowsun'''
 +
*[[O'Shien]], '''Commander Swiftwing'''{{Fn|16}}
 
*[[O'Shovah]], '''Commander Farsight'''
 
*[[O'Shovah]], '''Commander Farsight'''
 
*[[O'Ta'Sar]], '''Commander Sternshield'''
 
*[[O'Ta'Sar]], '''Commander Sternshield'''
 
*[[O'var]], '''Commander Brightsword'''
 
*[[O'var]], '''Commander Brightsword'''
 +
*[[O'Vash]]
 +
*[[O'Vesh]]
 +
*[[O'yeldi'nar]], '''Commander Silverwing'''{{fn|17}}
 +
*[[Pridestar]]
 +
*[[Puretide]]
 +
*[[Quickstrike]]{{Fn|8a}}
 +
*[[Quicktide]]
 
*[[R'alai]]
 
*[[R'alai]]
 +
*[[Rennikus]]
 
*[[R'myr]], '''Commander Longknife'''
 
*[[R'myr]], '''Commander Longknife'''
−
*[[Shien], '''Commander Swiftwing'''
+
*[[R'th]] - see [[Tau Quotes#R|his quote]]{{Fn|10}}
 +
*[[Sha'kanthas]]{{Fn|11}}
 +
*[[Skyfire]]
 +
*[[Starblaze]]
 +
*[[Starstrider]]{{Fn|19}}
 +
*[[Starstrike]]{{Fn|13}}
 +
*[[Starshrike]] - [[Sa'cea]] [[Sept]]{{Fn|9}}
 
*[[Suam Eldi]], '''Commander Flamewing'''
 
*[[Suam Eldi]], '''Commander Flamewing'''
 +
*[[Surestrike]]
 +
*[[Suresight]]
 +
*[[Tash'var Shi Kais]]
 +
*[[Truestar]]{{Fn|8a}}
 
*[[Vorsheem]] - [[Shas'O]], fought with the [[greenskins]].{{Fn|5}} See also [[Tau Quotes#V|his quote]]
 
*[[Vorsheem]] - [[Shas'O]], fought with the [[greenskins]].{{Fn|5}} See also [[Tau Quotes#V|his quote]]
 +
*[[V'ors L'ar]]
 
*[[Wise Hunter]]{{Fn|8a}}
 
*[[Wise Hunter]]{{Fn|8a}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Miniatures==
 +
<center><gallery mode=packed heights=200>
 +
Tau Commander.jpg|'''Tau Commander''' in [[XV8]] Battlesuit (2006)
 +
TauCommander6.jpg|'''Tau Commander''' in [[XV8-05]] Battlesuit (2013){{Fn|3}}
 +
Coldstar.jpg|'''Tau Commander''' in [[XV86]] Battlesuit (2015)
 +
XV85.jpg|'''Tau Commander''' in [[XV85]] Battlesuit (2015)
 +
</gallery></center>
 +
 +
==See also==
 +
[[Tau Admiral]]
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
−
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Tau (3rd Edition)]], {{Cite This}}
+
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Tau (3rd Edition)]], pg.57
−
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition)]], {{Cite This}}
+
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition)]], {{Cite Marker End}}
 +
**{{Endn|2a}}: pg. 35
 
*{{Endn|3}}: [http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat440160a&prodId=prod1990138a Games Workshop]
 
*{{Endn|3}}: [http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?catId=cat440160a&prodId=prod1990138a Games Workshop]
−
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (6th Edition)]] pg.57
+
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (6th Edition)]], pg. 57
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [http://web.archive.org/web/20110211195348/http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m70041a_Strategy_cards_4 Strategy Cards] for [[Planetary Empires]] expansion game, card ''"Sensor Array - Minor Stratagem"'', ''(saved archive page, dated February 2011, last accessed 6 October 2015)''
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [http://web.archive.org/web/20110211195348/http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m70041a_Strategy_cards_4 Strategy Cards] for [[Planetary Empires]] expansion game, card ''"Sensor Array - Minor Stratagem"'', ''(saved archive page, dated February 2011, last accessed 6 October 2015)''
 
*{{Endn|6}}: [http://web.archive.org/web/20110211195331/http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m70037a_Strategy_cards_1 Strategy Cards] for [[Planetary Empires]] expansion game, card ''"Ambush - Minor Stratagem"'', ''(saved archive page, dated February 2011, last accessed 7 October 2015)''
 
*{{Endn|6}}: [http://web.archive.org/web/20110211195331/http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m70037a_Strategy_cards_1 Strategy Cards] for [[Planetary Empires]] expansion game, card ''"Ambush - Minor Stratagem"'', ''(saved archive page, dated February 2011, last accessed 7 October 2015)''
−
*{{Endn|7}}: [[White Dwarf 91 (2015)]], ''Tau Empire Commander''
+
*{{Endn|7}}: [[White Dwarf 91 (2015)]] — ''Tau Empire Commander''
 
*8: [[Codex: Tau Empire (7th Edition)]]
 
*8: [[Codex: Tau Empire (7th Edition)]]
 
**{{Endn|8a}}: ''Commanders''
 
**{{Endn|8a}}: ''Commanders''
−
**{{Endn|8b}}: pg. 48, ''T'au Sept''
+
**{{Endn|8b}}: pg. 48 — ''T'au Sept''
 +
*{{Endn|9}}: [[White Dwarf 92 (2015)]] — ''Armies on Parade 2015''
 +
*{{Endn|10}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20070310101216/http://medusav.uk.games-workshop.com/events/endgame.htm GW - Medusa V Campaign] ''(save archive page, dated March 2007, last accessed 7 August 2019)''
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Redemption on Dal'yth (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 171
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [[White Dwarf December 2019]], pg. 90
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade]]: Campaign - ''The Morriah Coast'', archive screen
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (8th Edition)]]
 +
**{{Endn|15a}}: pg. 31
 +
**{{Endn|15b}}: pg. 45
 +
**{{Endn|15c}}: pg. 34
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [[War Zone Damocles: Kauyon]], pg. 110
 +
*{{Endn|17}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/01/13/psychic-awakening-beyond-the-startide-nexusgw-homepage-post-2/ Psychic Awakening: Beyond the Startide Nexus (Posted on 13/01/2020)] (Last accessed on 13 January 2020)
 +
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Farsight (Novella)]], 4-0
 +
*{{Endn|19}}: [[White Dwarf 13 (2014)]], pg. 45
 +
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Codex: T'au Empire (10th Edition)]]
 +
**{{Endn|20a}}: pg. 27
 +
**{{Endn|20b}}: pgs. 90-91
 +
*{{Endn|21}}: [[Elemental Council (Novel)]] - Chapter 9
  
 
{{TauForces}}
 
{{TauForces}}
 +
 +
[[Category:Titles and Ranks]]
 
[[Category:Troops (Tau)]]
 
[[Category:Troops (Tau)]]
−
[[Category:Titles and Ranks]]
+
 
 
[[de:Shas'o]]
 
[[de:Shas'o]]
 
[[fr:Commandeur]]
 
[[fr:Commandeur]]

Latest revision as of 13:07, 23 January 2026

Tau Commander

Commander is the Imperial translation of a Tau rank.[1] The Tau rank includes two grades, Shas'o and Shas'el. Both ranks indicate the authority to lead a Hunter Cadre and usually see the officer go to war in a Battlesuit. Tau Commanders differ in doctrine depending on their Sept of origin. Commanders hailing from Vior'la, Tash'var, and Kel'shan are noted for their personal kills while those from Elsy'eir and T'olku are known to be more cerebral in nature.[4]

Overview

Regardless of specific rank, all Tau Commanders are consummate warriors and tacticians who have worked hard to achieve their status. The Tau'va offers no shortcuts to promotion to such a rank, performance and skill are the only methods of success, and all have risen from the lowly rank of Fire Warrior Shas'la and completed multiple Trials By Fire. Depending on the situation, a Commander may be called upon to lead anything from a Cadre to Coalition.[15b] The number and size of previous commands is reflected in the rings confining their long scalp lock.[15c]

There are vast differences in the approach and philosophy between Tau Commanders. Some prefer to lead from the front to push their own Battlesuits to the fullest in an XV85 Enforcer, while others may prefer to dominate the skies in an agile XV86 Coldstar. Commanders from Vior'la, Tash'var, and Kel'shan are particular noted for their personal skills, and are often accompanied into the thick of battle by a bodyguard guard of Crisis Battlesuits. Those from Elsy'eir and T'olku are usually more cerebral, ordering their troops from behind the front and only entering the fray upon great need. Despite their skill, there are still times when the hubris of a Tau Commander can get the better of them, and in such situations the Ethereal Council will rein them in. If a Commander erred in an especially shameful way, an Ethereal may order a Malk'la take place.[15b]

Shas'el

Shas'el is the second highest rank which a Tau Fire Warrior can attain. A Shas'el usually only gains the rank after years of training and battle experience. A Shas'el will usually command smaller engagements of small Cadres leaving full Cadre and multi-Cadre actions to a full Shas'o.

Shas'O

Shas'o redirects here. For the anthology, see Shas'o (Anthology).

A Shas'O is the highest rank in the Tau army which a Fire Warrior can attain. Becoming a Shas'O means going through several Trials By Fire and progressing up the ranks from Shas'la to Shas'ui to Shas'vre, then becoming a member of another commander's bodyguard, to Shas'el and then finally to Shas'o. After becoming a Shas'O, the only remaining option is to either teach at an academy, become a military advisor to the Shas'ar'tol or join in politics and be on one of the many councils in the Tau Empire. Besides death, this is the only way a member of the Fire Caste can leave the Tau military.

Some Shas'O wear armour with inverted colour schemes. For instance, O'Shaserra and O'Kais both wore white armour with sept markings picked out in yellow, the reverse of the regular T'au Sept's colour scheme. O'Shovah is another example of this. Whether this is the norm for Shas'o is unknown.

Equipment

Tau Commanders typically go to war in a XV8 Crisis Battlesuit or its many variants, such as the XV85 Enforcer, XV8-02 Crisis Irdium, or XV86 Coldstar. Some famous Tau commanders have even been issued the experimental XV22 Stealth Battlesuit.[2a]

These Battlesuits are equipped with a wide array of advanced weapons on both of their battlesuit arms such as a High-Output Burst Cannons, Plasma Rifles, Fusion Blasters, Missile Pods, Airbursting Fragmentation Projectors, Cyclic Ion Blasters, and Flamers. They also have access to the most advanced Special Issue Battlesuit Support Systems such as a Shield Generator, Positional Relay, Command & Control Node, and many more. They are also frequently accompanied by support Drones.[20b]

Notable Tau Commanders


Miniatures

  • Tau Commander in XV8 Battlesuit (2006)

  • Tau Commander in XV8-05 Battlesuit (2013)[3]

  • Tau Commander in XV86 Battlesuit (2015)

  • Tau Commander in XV85 Battlesuit (2015)

See also

Tau Admiral

Sources


Tau Empire Forces
Leadership Ethereal • Tau Commander • Fireblade
Troops Fire Warrior Team (Strike Team • Breacher Team) • Pathfinder Team • Stealthsuit Team • Drone Squadron
Battlesuits XV8 Crisis (XV8 • XV8-02 • XV81 • XV84 • XV85 • XV86 • XV89 • Warmaker) • XV15 Stealth • XV22 Stealth • XV25 Stealth • XV26 Stealth • XV95 Ghostkeel • XV88 Broadside • XV9 Hazard
XV46 Vanguard • XV104 Riptide • XV107 R'varna • XV109 Y'vahra • KV128 Stormsurge • KX139 Ta'unar
Vehicles Devilfish • Drone Harbinger • Hammerhead • Piranha • Sky Ray • Tetra • Swordfish
Aircraft Barracuda • Manta • Orca • Sun Shark • Razorshark • Tiger Shark • Remora • Dorsal • Harpedo
Auxiliaries Kroot Shaper • Kroot Carnivore Squad • Kroot Hound • Krootox • Knarloc • Great Knarloc • Vespid Stingwing • Gue'vesa
Special Characters Aun'va • Aun'shi • Shadowsun • Farsight • Darkstrider • Longstrike • Twin Lance
Retrieved from "https://lex.124811.xyz/mediawiki/index.php?title=Tau_Commander&oldid=696108"