Spheres of Expansion
The Spheres of Expansion are distinct phases in the expansion of the Tau Empire.[1a]
Overview
- The First Sphere of Expansion (502.M37-936.M38)[1b] was launched from T'au and lasted roughly a millennium for the Tau. It was a period of unprecedented growth that saw eight fully settled Septs established as well as the assimilation of new races such as the Kroot.[1a]
- The Second Sphere of Expansion (018.M39 - ~700.M41)[1b] was launched by Aun'Wei across previously unreachable regions of space and saw Commander Puretide score a wide range of victories. It came to the end when the Tau crossed the Damocles Gulf and reached the borders of the Imperium.[1a]
- The Farsight Expedition (~750.M41 - 760.M41) was an expedition sent to reclaim lost worlds from the Second Sphere Expansion within the Damocles Gulf, led by Commander Farsight. The expedition's Ethereals were killed in battle, and the commander refused orders to return, instead establishing imperial holdouts known the Farsight Enclaves.[5]
- The Third Sphere of Expansion (997.M41 - ~999.M41)[1b] was launched by Aun'va shortly after the Great War of Confederation. Led by Commander Shadowsun, it drove deep into eastern Imperial territory[1a] before being largely halted due to heavy Imperial counterattacks and scorched-earth tactics at the Damocles Gulf[2]
- The Fourth Sphere of Expansion (999.M41)[2] was launched shortly after the formation of the Great Rift. Utilizing new anti-matter engines to allow for FTL travel, the Sphere was the subject of a massive disaster and thought lost for many years. However it soon became apparent that part of the expedition survived on the other side of a wormhole now known as Startide Nexus.[3]
- The Fifth Sphere of Expansion (~M42-Present)[2] was launched at the heels of the ill-fated Fourth and is the current Tau campaign of expansion.[2] The Expedition moved through Startide Nexus and has re-initiated contact with the lost Fourth.[3] Badly mauled during the Battle of the Startide Nexus, though still functional and expanding.[3][4]
- The Sixth Sphere of Expansion is currently being planned.[4]
Sources
- 1: Codex: Tau Empire (6th Edition):
- 2: Warhammer 40,000 8th Edition Rulebook, pg. 134
- 3: Codex: Tau Empire (8th Edition), pgs. 22-23
- 4: Codex: T'au Empire (9th Edition), pgs. 26-27
- 5: Farsight Enclaves - A Codex: Tau Empire Supplement (E-Book) — The Farsight Expedition