7,160
edits
Changes
From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
no edit summary
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 {{Fn|8}} or some other more esoteric method of control{{fn|4}} 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}} [[Inquisitor]] [[Maturin Ralei]] interrogated a Tau Ethereal, and noted the creation of the breakaway [[Farsight Enclave]] by [[Commander Farsight]] in the absence of a Tau Ethereal despite the claims of natural unity under the Greater Good. The Ethereal refused to reply to this provocation.{{fn|1b}}
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===
[[Image:TauXenology.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The dissection of a [[Tau]] [[Ethereal]] as conducted by [[Magos Biologis]] [[Sharle Darvus]] working under the orders of [[Inquisitor]] [[Parnival GründvaldBrehm Sasham]]{{Fn|11a}}]]On their foreheads resides a small unnamed diamond-shaped organ with a rigid carapace that contains ultra-dense hormonal fluids which emits an overpowering scent. The rear ganglia of their brains connects to their central lobe, and their head also contains polyp-structures vaguely reminiscent of pheromone glands amongst [[Terra]]n invertebrates, specifically [[Wikipedia:Bombyx mori| Silk Worms]]. Comparative Imperial studies of members of other Tau castes show the ethereals have a comparatively smaller olfactory cavities. [[Magos Biologis]] [[Sharle Darvus]], having dissected a Tau Ethereal, speculates this organ to play a role in controlling other castes via a pheromonal communication system or chemical 'signifiers.'{{Fn|11b}} although it is possible [[Inquisitor]] [[Brehm Sasham]] was firmly of the means opinion that this form of "chemical puppetry" could prove a weakness in the Ethereals' control is more esoteric in natureover the T'au{{Fn|41b}}
===Ranks===
==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Xenology (Background Book)]], **{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 62**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 67**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 65
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm]]
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Tyranids (5th Edition)]], pgs. 18-21
