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{{Ambig|subject=Vespid Species|disambiguation=Vespid}}
[[Image:019.jpg|thumb|220px200px|A Vespid warrior{{Fn|4b}}]]
The '''Vespid''' (known as '''Stingwings''' by the [[Imperial Guard]] or '''Mal'Kor''' by the [[Tau]]){{Fn|2}} are an insectoid race allied with the [[Tau Empire]].{{Fn|1}}
==History==
[[File:Vespid Stingwing.jpg|thumb|right|180px|A Vespid Stingwing Strain Leader{{Fn|5}}]]
Hailing from the world of [[Vespid (Planet)|Vespid]], the race was already fairly technology adept when they were approached by the [[Tau Empire]]'s [[Water Caste]] diplomats. It seemed unlikely that the Vespid would ever submit for the [[Greater Good]], as their mindset was so freakishly different to anything the Tau could understand that their emissaries made little headway. However after the [[Ethereal]]s provided the Vespids with a custom-made [[Vespid Communion Helm|communication headset]], they suddenly became completely compliant, calmly accepting total annexation by the Tau Empire. Rumors have circulated ever since as to what true purpose these headsets serve.{{Fn|4a}}
Vespid were at first mostly in the background of the Tau Empire and rarely encountered by the galaxy at large. While useful as fast light infantry or scouts, the limitations of their communications helm made it hard for [[Fire Caste]] commanders to issue complex orders. Eventually a solution was found by giving Strain Leader's helmets a neural link to the Fire Caste handler and issuing a [[Oversight Drone]]. Now, the Tau able to finally utilize Vespids for complex independent operations where a Stingwing can operate in the field for weeks alone.
==Physiology and Biology==
[[Image:VespidVSAquilons.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Vespid battle [[Tempestus Aquilons]]{{Fn|10}}]]The inhabitants of the planet [[Vespid]] are a bipedal, vaguely insectoid race which have a sturdy chitinous exoskeletal barbed armour that encases their bodies. They stand somewhat taller than the average human and appear to be much faster, due to the chitinous wing-like protrusions on their backs which emit a ultrasonic tone, which they use to control and modulate their technology. They have three pairs of eyes running in two lateral lines down their faces, one perceives the ultraviolet range, the second perceives the normal visible spectrum, and the last sees the infra-red. The females are larger.{{Fn|2}} Vespid skin color depends on individual strains.{{Fn|10}} Vespid are thought to be sturdy organisms. They have strong radiation immunity and have the ability to digest almost any organic matter, allowing them to easily be fed in the field.{{Fn|10}}
While capable of flight, Vespid wings should not grant them this ability according to the [[Imperial]] understanding of aerodynamics.{{Fn|2}}
The Vespid warriors, called '''Stingwings''', form tactical units referred to as ''Strains''. Each Strain is lead by a Strain leader.{{Fn|1}}
Despite their use as auxiliaries and complex social differences, the Tau have come to greatly respect the Vespid. [[File:Shas'ui]] handlers take great pride in the Stingwings under their care, and the Tau have given the Vespid Stingwingthe honour of even wielding [[Battlesuit]] weapons such as the [[Tau Flamer]].jpg|thumb|right|180px|A Vespid Stingwing Strain Leader{{Fn|510}}]]
==Technology==
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Liber Xenologis]], pgs. 130-132
*{{Endn|9}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20240818001310/https://www.warhammer-community.com/2024/08/17/the-warhammer-preview-show-operation-hivestorm-descend-from-the-skies-into-the-next-great-leap-for-kill-team/ Warhammer Community: The Warhammer Preview Show: Operation Hivestorm – Descend From the Skies Into the Next Great Leap for Kill Team (posted 17/8/2024)] (archive on 18 August 2024 from [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2024/08/17/the-warhammer-preview-show-operation-hivestorm-descend-from-the-skies-into-the-next-great-leap-for-kill-team/ the original]) (last accessed 17/8/2024)
*{{Endn|10}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20240820210137/https://www.warhammer-community.com/2024/08/20/kill-team-lore-whats-the-buzz-around-the-upgraded-vespid-stingwings/ Warhammer Community: Kill Team Lore – What’s the Buzz Around the Upgraded Vespid Stingwings? (posted 20/8/2024)] saved page, original link: https://www.warhammer-community.com/2024/08/20/kill-team-lore-whats-the-buzz-around-the-upgraded-vespid-stingwings/ (last accessed 20/8/2024)
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