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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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The power this caste holds over the Tau is such that an Ethereal could tell a Tau to die and that Tau would do so quickly and gladly. Though the obedience of the Tau to Ethereals is held as natural, other races, especially [[Mankind]], have long speculated about this uncommon loyalty. There are many theories, from prenatal indoctrination and pheromonal compulsion to the presence of some veiled psychic gift possessed by the Ethereals, but as yet no confirmed proof of any such power has been secured. Those few Ethereals that have been captured and subjected to interrogation have proven less than forthcoming.{{Fn|8}}
Ethereals rarely expose themselves to direct danger, but if they are present in a battlefield they serve to inspire the Tau and drive them towards their objectives even if it means certain death. If an Ethereal is in danger, nearby Tau will fanatically attempt to defend them.{{Fn|16a}} Besides their [[Ethereal Guard]] protectors, Ethereals will an [[Equalizer]] and [[Honour Blade]]. They also normally have several [[Drone]] escorts, including a [[Hover Drone]] for personal transportation.{{Fn|16b}}{{Fn|17}}
===Biology===
*{{Endn|14}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2024/01/01/celebrate-this-years-store-anniversaries-with-a-fyreslayer-and-a-tau-empire-ethereal/ Warhammer Community : Celebrate This Year’s Store Anniversaries With a Fyreslayer and a T’au Empire Ethereal (01/01/24)]
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Elemental Council (Novel)]] - Chapter 7
*{{Endn|16}}: [[Codex: T'au Empire (8th Edition)]]
**{{Endn|16a}}: pg. 45
**{{Endn|16b}}: pg. 95
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Codex: T'au Empire (10th Edition)]], pg. 92
===Uncited===
