Blatant Speculation: What Does Modern Codex Design Predict about the Next Tau Codex?

[ElectricPaladin]

As you can tell, I'm still on a Tau kick. If this continues, I'll soon have all my XV25s, Fire Warriors and drones painted up, which will form the nice core of a painted force. We'll have to see if my interest continues long enough to get my tanks and XV88s painted up, too.

Anyway, I was thinking about Crypteks.

Less specifically, I was thinking about some of the more interesting organizational elements of the new Necron codex. The way that Crpyteks stand in for heavy weapons specialists and can be fielded either as part of a HQ's bodyguard or within units of warriors is... well, it has possibilities. I understand that some similar ideas were present in the recent Dark Eldar codex.

I was wondering if anyone out there who's familiar with more of the recent codices has any ideas about what these new developments could say about the new Tau codex if/when it comes out. This is blatant speculation, but possibly entertaining speculation. What could the "current trends" in codex design presage for our beloved Tau?

[the jeske]

there are going to be rules for 2 big flyer/walker . just like in every codex . to sell big plastic kites to make two of those. there are going to be specials changing foc or giving rules to units . points costs are going to be done randomly . if wards does them they will be ok . if crudd does them they may be like IG or they maybe like the nid ones . If kelly does them , he will nerf them so they cant coutner the future eldar dex.

[Dalleron]

"If kelly does them , he will nerf them so they cant coutner the future eldar dex."

So funny, maybe even true. I think Kelly could write a decent Tau codex. His SW codex wasn't too bad, just a couple things that are "Say What?!"

[wittdooley]

As you can tell, I'm still on a Tau kick. If this continues, I'll soon have all my XV25s, Fire Warriors and drones painted up, which will form the nice core of a painted force. We'll have to see if my interest continues long enough to get my tanks and XV88s painted up, too.

Anyway, I was thinking about Crypteks.

Less specifically, I was thinking about some of the more interesting organizational elements of the new Necron codex. The way that Crpyteks stand in for heavy weapons specialists and can be fielded either as part of a HQ's bodyguard or within units of warriors is... well, it has possibilities. I understand that some similar ideas were present in the recent Dark Eldar codex.

I was wondering if anyone out there who's familiar with more of the recent codices has any ideas about what these new developments could say about the new Tau codex if/when it comes out. This is blatant speculation, but possibly entertaining speculation. What could the "current trends" in codex design presage for our beloved Tau?

I think, and again, this is blatant speculation, that we may/should see an unprecedented amount of customization options for the Battle Suits. Which is at it should be. I mean, I'm thinking you're going to see a combo of what we have now for the Cryptek mixed with the Inquisitors from the GK. Tons of options.

Admittedly, I don't know a ton a bout the Ethereals (they're not psykers, correct?) If they are, I imagine they may be similarish to how the C'tans are built, which again, would be cool.

I think the real interesting thing will be in the form of how you kit out your troops. Presuming Kroot stick around (and I hope they do) I'd almost gurantee we'll see a few different FoC options for them that allow for a reasonbly competitive all Kroot list.

If you're a Tau fan, I agree that your biggest hope is that Ward writes the dex. Despite the hate he receives about some of his fluff, he's written the most balanced and diverse codecies to date, and with the Necrons dex he's proven he can do Xenos and make them really interesting.

[Psychosplodge]

A bigger tank than whoever's codex was released last

[ElectricPaladin]

I think, and again, this is blatant speculation, that we may/should see an unprecedented amount of customization options for the Battle Suits. Which is at it should be. I mean, I'm thinking you're going to see a combo of what we have now for the Cryptek mixed with the Inquisitors from the GK. Tons of options.

I'm actually hoping it goes the other ways - fewer options, more streamlined design. The current Crisis Suit configuration is just so... complicated. I'm hoping for something more like Space Marine Terminators. Terminators come in two flavors: shooty and combat. Each of these units has a couple of swaps, some free, some pricey, that you can do to customize them. Crisis Teams could be done the same way: two or more broad categories (Long Range, Close Support, Anti-Infantry, maybe), customizable within this role (for example, an anti-infantry Crisis Team could have the options to swap out burst cannons for flamers, and maybe the leader could spend some extra points to get some kind of blast weapon).


Admittedly, I don't know a ton a bout the Ethereals (they're not psykers, correct?) If they are, I imagine they may be similarish to how the C'tans are built, which again, would be cool.

Nah - the Tau are totally non-psychic. I'm hoping for some cool leadership tricks a la IG's Orders.


I think the real interesting thing will be in the form of how you kit out your troops. Presuming Kroot stick around (and I hope they do) I'd almost gurantee we'll see a few different FoC options for them that allow for a reasonbly competitive all Kroot list.

That would be neat.


If you're a Tau fan, I agree that your biggest hope is that Ward writes the dex. Despite the hate he receives about some of his fluff, he's written the most balanced and diverse codecies to date, and with the Necrons dex he's proven he can do Xenos and make them really interesting.

Yeah. I'm not even bothered by the changes to the Necron fluff - in fact, I think it improved them. Though I really do think that the Tau fluff is a pretty good example of a well enough to leave alone.