107,793
edits
Changes
From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
no edit summary
{{otheruses|USE=Tau warrior|OTHERUSE=Sword|OTHERPAGE=Fireblade (Weapon)}}
[[Image:Fireblade6.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Tau Fireblade{{Fn|3}}]]
'''Fireblades''' (or '''Shas'nel''' in [[Tau Lexicon|Tau]]){{Fn|3}} are members of the [[Tau]] [[Fire Caste]]. {{Fn|1}} Consisting of the most grizzled and seasoned veterans of their [[Cadre]], their skills in the art of the [[Fire Warrior]] way of battle has led them to eschew [[Battlesuit]] technology, preferring instead to be equipped with a [[Pulse Rifle]] and [[Bonding Knife]]. Fireblades typically serve as field commanders and their experience on the battlefield has made them experts in directing firepower to maximize damage to enemy targets.{{Fn|1}} Owing to their status, Fireblades also wear heavier armour in addition than standard Fire Warriors.{{Fn|2}}
The path that the Fireblades have taken mean they can never rise to the rank of [[Shas'o]], instead being limited to that of [[Shas'el]]. Nor does the title carry the esteem associated with those who wear Battlesuits. Nonetheless, the Fireblades are still highly respected, not least because of their willingness to forgo prestige.{{Fn|3}}
