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Members of the '''Fire Caste''' are the warriors of the [[Tau Empire]], and as such are most often seen on the field of battle. They are taller have been bred to be the tallest, strongest, and stronger than the members of the other castesmost aggressive Tau, although still weaker and shorter than the average [[human]]weak strains are quickly weeded out. These traits come from the Fire Caste's origin on the plains of [[T'au]], where they were hunters and warriors. [[Fire Warriors]], as soldiers of the Fire Caste are known, spend their entire lifetimes in battle or preparing for it, constantly honing their tactics and working to improve their skills. Tau from the world of [[Vior'la]] tend to have slightly greater muscle mass than the norm because of the stronger gravity of that planet. These warriors are known as [[Fire Warrior]]s.{{Cite ThisFn|6}}

This caste provides for the manufacturing, agricultural, industrial, artisans, and engineering needs of the Tau Empire, being . By far the builderslargest caste in sheer numbers, farmersit is they who erect dwellings, scientistsprovide food, engineers, etcand produce new technology. They Members of the Earth Caste are often described as plain and dour, possessing a rather stoic outlook on life in general. They were originally the first Tau to build cities and practice agriculture. The city of [[Fio'taun]] is an example of this, being the first place where the Ethereals [[Ethereal]]s appeared.{{Cite ThisFn|6}}

The Air Caste is charged with holding the Tau Empire together through the [[Kor'vattra]], the Tau Empire's merchant and war-fleetin addition to operating [[Tau Orbital]]s and [[Fortress Station]]s. Formerly functioning as messengers, these days they are the Tau Navyand are sometimes called the "Invisible Caste", for they rarely if ever set foot upon planets. The Living in [[Orbital City|Orbital Cities], Tau of the Air Caste are the tallest and most slender of all Tau, with long, skinny limbs and hollow bones developed due to lives lived mostly in low- and zero-gravity ships and space stations. In the past, before the time of the [[Mont'au]], the Tau that originally became the Air Caste had membranes stretching between their limbs, allowing them to glide on air currents. Tau pilots tend to be superior pilots compared to their human counterparts because they have a better depth perception and higher G-tolerance, but lack battle-experience compared to the best Imperial fighter-pilots.{{Cite ThisFn|6}}

The Water Caste serve the Tau Empire as traders, merchants, public servants, bureaucrats, administrators, diplomats, and ambassadors. They interact with other races when such affairs are not handled by the Fire Caste, and often act as administrators of Tau worlds in the absence of an [[Ethereal]] governor. Like water, Water Caste bureacrats fluidly move between other Castes and alien races incorporated within the Emperor to make sure the Tau Empire flows smoothly. The Water Caste tend to be tall and slender compared to other Tau, and are known for their great linguistic, diplomatic, and negotiation skills. Members of the Water Caste are often the ones who initiate first contact with new species encountered by the Emperor, skilfully negotiating their union with the Tau.{{Cite ThisFn|6}}

The [[Ethereal]]s serve as "philosopher kings", and guide the other castes, as well as alien member-races of the Tau empire, towards the enlightenment of the ''[[Tau'va]]'', the [[Greater Good]]. They serve as the undisputed rulers of the Tau Empire. Their unique role is a combination of spiritual and political duties, and their declarations shape and steer every action of the Tau Empire. Were an Ethereal to order a Tau to kill himself, he would be met with instant obedience.{{Fn|6}}