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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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As the leaders of the Tau, the Ethereals are enigmatic and studious, yet unfaltering in their authority and their drive to further the Greater Good with [[Aun'va|few exceptions]]. They are mystics and philosophers, possessed of knowledge and wisdom not shared by their more practical subjects. As such they had some part to play in the Tau rapid development, and to this day guide their species in its dynamic expansion, or the castes revert to the savagery that once threatened to destroy them.{{Fn|4}}
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 (see [[Ethereal#Biology]]) 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}} The Tau themselves are not inclined to research the reason for this effect either.{{fn|18}}
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}}
**{{Endn|16b}}: pg. 95
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Codex: T'au Empire (10th Edition)]], pg. 92
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Rogue Trader: Tau Character Guide]], pg. 5
===Uncited===
