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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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==Overview==
Pathfinder teams range far ahead of [[Hunter Cadre]]s in search of enemy forcesand are a vital part of the Tau military machine. They maintain a watch on the foe while remaining hidden, reporting details of the enemy’s nature and disposition by way of encrypted and undetectable communication systems such as [[Positional Relay]]s or homing beacons.{{Fn|1}} Pathfinder teams are also deployed in the role of aggressive patrol groups, maintaining dominance over a wide area around a stationary [[Hunter Cadre]] and detecting any enemy forces that attempt to approach. Occasionally, an entire Hunter Cadre of Pathfinders is tasked with a mission, such as exploring a newly discovered planet and ascertaining if it is suitable for colonisation.{{Fn|1}} Because While held in high regard by the rest of the Tau, their duty requires them to operate in the field for extended periods, often behind enemy lines and isolated from their wider forces. Because of this, Pathfinders have especially high mortality rates within the [[Fire Caste]].{{Fn|8}}
Pathfinders are equipped with a range of specialized equipment to aid in their mission. Every member of the team wears [[Recon Armour]] and carries a [[Markerlight]], a laser designator device attached to his firearm that projects an almost invisible, highly focused beam of light at a potential target. The Markerlight is networked to a support weapon platform such as a [[Hammerhead]] gunship, and transmits precise targeting information in order to guide the fire of such units. When used to guide the armour-piercing [[Seeker Missiles]] carried as additional weapons on many Tau tanks, the Pathfinders are able to remain hidden as they call in devastatingly powerful and unerringly accurate fire right onto the target. Many [[Imperial]] troops have come to fear the small, red dot of light that appears on the body of those about to be slain, and some refer to it as the "Valkyrie’s Mark."{{Fn|1}} Pathfinders are called to sacrifice themselves more often than their basic [[Fire Warrior]] counterparts, though recklessly wasting lives is always anathema to the Tau. However, during the early days of the [[Great War of Confederation]], Pathfinder teams sustained casualty rates of 84% or higher. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Fire Caste academies are overflowing with volunteers wishing to be Pathfinders.{{Fn|5}}
