#REDIRECT{{TauPortal}}[[File:Tauspace400.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The Tau empire, centred upon the world of [[T'au]].]] Each sept of the [[Tau Empire]] has its unique cultural identity wholly integrated within the greater Tau culture. This cultural identity seems to mainly derive from which [[Caste System|Tau caste]] is more numerous and influential in the given sept. Currently there are over twenty fully developed septs. Each sept has its own [[SeptSymbol|sept symbol]]. ===Homeworld===* [[T'au (Planet)|T'au]], [[homeworld]] of the Tau. Capital and spiritual, political, cultural, and administrative centre of the Tau empire. Its citizens are considered especially learned and wise.* [[Pech]], homeworld of the [[Kroot]].* [[Vespid (Planet)|Vespid]], homeworld of the [[Vespid]]. ===First Phase Expansion===The Tau homeworld and the [[First Sphere of Expansion|First phase]] colonies are of major importance and form the hub of the empire. * [[T'au'n]], first offworld colony, Tau from this world are considered to be pioneers.* [[D'yanoi]], having been isolated for a time from the empire, its inhabitants are considered somewhat rustic and backwards.* [[Bork'an]], centre of learning and academia.* [[Dal'yth]], cosmopolitan and trader-friendly.* [[Fal'shia]], centre of technological development, Tau from here are considered great problem solvers.* [[Vior'la]], a major military centre of the empire, its Fire warriors are considered especially aggressive and skilled.* [[Sa'cea]], another military centre, this sept has a very high proportion of very disciplined and honourable Fire Warriors. ===Second Phase Expansion===The '''[[Second Phase Expansion]]''' began shortly after the end of the [[Damocles Crusade]] (742.[[M41]]). Of note is the command of [[Commander Farsight]] during this period. * [[Au'taal]], a beautiful sept, whose citizens are considered easygoing and often lazy.* [[N'dras]] was abandoned for unclear reasons. Its remaining inhabitants are regarded as unstrustworthy, quick-tempered, and of brooding countance.* [[Ke'lshan]] has suffered several raids by several alien races. Tau from this sept have grown mistrustful, solemn, taciturn, unfriendly and sometimes openly hostile to alien races. Ke'lshan was invaded by Hive Fleet Gorgon and played an essential role in stopping it{{Fn|6}}.* [[Elsy'eir]] is known for its poetry and artwork. Its citizens are considered intellectuals and well-respected for their creativeness.* [[Tash'var]] was raided several times by Orks and pirates. Its people are regarded as tenacious, hardy, practical and courageous.* [[Vash'ya]] seems to be primarly inhabited by members of the Air caste.* [[T'olku]] is known for the skill of its Ethereal diplomats. ===Third Phase Expansion===The '''[[Third Phase Expansion]]''' was convened on 977.997.M41 on the word of Aun'va.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2}}{{Fn|3}} [[O'Shaserra|Commander Shadowsun]] was placed in command, and secured at three new septs for the Tau Empire. During the [[Zeist Campaign]] of 999.M41, Space Marines forces counterattacked against the expanding Third Sphere, drawing the Third Sphere to a, perhaps temporary, halt.The three septs formed from the Third Sphere Expansion are: * [[Ksi'm'yen]]'s colonists seem to be associated with luck, subtlety and opportunistic subterfuge.* [[Fi'rios]] whose pioneers are recognised for a tenacious refusal to accept defeat, tempered by a stoic acceptance of the price all must pay in the furtherance of the Greater Good.* [[Mu'gulath Bay]], previously known as the [[Imperial]] [[Hive World]] of '''Agrellan'''. (Destroyed) ===Fifth Phase Expansions===After the ill-fated [[Fourth Sphere of Expansion]] reestablished contact with the Tau Empire after decades of being thought lost a [[Fifth Sphere of Expansion|new campaign]] was immediately launched through a wormhole known as the [[Startide Nexus]]. Rapidly, worlds on the other side of the rifts have been colonized. Known Fifth Sphere septs include:*[[Fe'saan]]*[[Kor'tal]]*[[Yo'vai]] ===Other Septs===These are Septs that are not credited to a specific phase of expansion, some have been formed individually, through opportunity or a smaller scale invasion, some may not even be Septs, but a splinter of another Sept.*[[P'thun]]*[[Shans'et]]* [[Vas'talos]], previously known as the [[Imperial]] [[Fortress World]] of '''Prefectia'''.* [[Uan'Voss]]* [[Velk'Han]]* [[Vesh'yo]]*[[Dy'aketh]]*[[Cha'nel]]*[[Dalymar]]{{Fn|8}}*[[Hul'aan]]*[[Shans'et]] — formerly the Imperial world of '''Gossamehr'''*[[Tol'ku]]{{Fn|7}} ==Tau Colonies==Besides the populous septs, there are also sparsely populated colonies. Only a few names are known. * '''Me'lek'''{{Fn|4}}* [[Es'Tau]]{{Fn|4}}, settled during the Second Expansion.* [[T'ros]]{{Fn|5}}, settled during the Third Expansion.* [[Sha'draig]] — invaded by [[Gorgon (Hive Fleet)|Hive Fleet Gorgon]] in 900.M41. Gorgon was eventually driven off the world, but not before it was almost completely consumed by [[Ripper]] swarms.{{Fn|6}}* [[Ka'mais]] — invaded by Hive Fleet Gorgon in 902.M41. A hidden [[Necron]] fleet emerged from Ka'kais' dead moon and destroyed the outnumbered Tyranid ships, but then continued to land on Ka'mais and harvest the planet.{{Fn|6}}* [[Ho'sarn]] — was evacuated in 902.M41 as Hive Fleet Gorgon approached. But the evacuation fleet was ambushed by the Hive Fleet and completely slaughtered.{{Fn|6}}* [[Kor'var]] — Site of the destructive ongoing [[Kor'var Campaign]]* [[Ky'san]] — Site of a [[Kroot]] uprising* [[Va'yun]] — Raided by [[Eldar Corsairs]]* [[Shi'yen]] — Colony for client races ==Non-Tau Worlds==During the [[First Sphere of Expansion|First phase expansion]] the homeworlds and colonies of the [[Kroot]] and of the [[Vespid]] were also incoporated into the Tau empire. Notice that these star systems are not considered septs. In addition there an unknown number of former Imperial worlds in the Tau Empire, such as T'ros. Some or all of which might still have a Human population. * [[Pech]], homeworld of the [[Kroot]]. According to the maps there are eight star systems inhabited by the Kroot (including Pech). We know solely the name of '''Krath''', where the Tau first encountered the Kroot.* [[Caroch]], Kroot world* [[Akchan-Kur]], Kroot world* [[Vespid (Planet)|Vespid]], homeworld of the [[Vespid]].* [[Isla'su]], homeworld of the [[Greet]]* [[Sha'galudd]], homeworld of the [[Nagi]]* [[Roksh XVI]] — site of a secret Tau listening post, the planet was part of the [[Roksh]] system that was home to the [[Rokshashi Wealthweb]] merchant guild before the entire system was consumed by Gorgon in 689902.M41.{{Fn|6}}* [[Yuun'chen]], Kroot world ==Artefact worlds==Three '''Artefact worlds''' are located within the borders of the Tau empire. As the name indicates, ancient artefacts of unknown origin have been discovered there. It is not known if these worlds have Tau colonies at all.* [[Arthas Moloch]], a dead world where [[O'Shovah|Commander Farsight]] found the [[Dawn Blade]].* '''Q-15'''* '''Landfall''' ==Related Articles==*[[List of Lists]] ==Sources=={{Cite}}*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition)]], pg. 42*{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 129*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)]], pg. 48*{{Endn|4}}: [[Kill Team (Novel)]] by [[Gavin Thorpe]], {{Cite This}}, pg. 137*{{Endn|5}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign]], {{Cite This}}*{{Endn|6}}: [[Codex: Tyranids (5th Edition)]], pgs. 18–21*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (8th Edition)]] pg.80*{{Endn|8}}: [[Voice of Experience (Short Story)]] ===Uncited===*[[Codex: Tau (3rd Edition)]] {{Tau}}[[Category:Tau Empire]][[Category:Tau Worlds| ]][[fr:Sept Tau]]
