Tau rumored to be genetic experiment? (new codex rumors)

[CaptainSlow]

I mean, I admit I am rather new to the storyline of W40K , but I don't see how this would be acceptable, or even plausible? The Tau are the newest race in the galaxy, and I don't think I would like this idea at all. Maybe you would? Share your thoughts on this if you want, I want to hear from more people on this.

[Archon Charybdis]

It's not a new plot thread, it's been hinted at in a few places that the Eldar are responsible for the Tau's rapid development from cave dwellers to technological marvel race. I would be very disappointed if the whole Smurfs becoming the sworn protectors of the Tau turns out to be true; that's just kind of asinine and out of character for the Smurfs, and is really patronizing to the Tau players.

I don't see how their being the youngest race is evidence against them being genetically engineered, the fact their race went from cave men to star-faring galactic power in 6,000 years seems like a fair reason to suspect shenanigans, especially in a setting rife with intrigue and manipulation. Besides, even if they are an artificially engineered race, so what? So are Orks, Eldar, Space Marines, and Necrons.

[CaptainSlow]

I think what I meant at getting at was the same thing you were, I don't want to be protected by Smurfs :P, I'd rather be just a kicking army that's really good with tech. I think that was the nature of my complaint, and I don't want guardsmen as allies( also might be in codex, tied in with new imperium designation). If i wanted guardsmen I would slap some chopped beef down on the map it is just as effective.

[Cpt Codpiece]

well the ties with the IG go back a long way. there was an add on to the 1st dex that allowed IG to have pulse rifles and be included not too diferent from the kroot.

i can see the whole imperium as protectors aspect if it happens, both the tau and the imperium (post heresy) are striving for the same thing with the 'greater good' being the key factor. remember also that the Tau system was shrouded in a mysterious fog in the warp for millenia stopping contact and searches, implying that they were being monkey/fished with, though to me it seemed more a necron/ctan thing to do, you know breed a race of psychic blanks...... and take away the backward knees and general hoofiness of them they do look quite necronish.

i can also see the boys in blue being their sworn protectors too. the emperor had plans for all of his sons and guiliman was very much a diplomat and general both, and since the hinted boosting of the legion (its in the HH books) he will of had the men to garison around tau space.

But i see the rumors as being just a logical step in bringing back allies, it would make sense for Tau and marines/guard to fight together however any inquisition guys would be very head scratchy at that.

[Rev. Tiberius Jackhammer]

Don't worry about feeling "patronized", it's just plastic toy soldiers!

That plot-change was probably invented by the rumormonger, or maybe it was a false rumor from GW made to try and hunt down a leak.

Still, Tau have been able to interact with the Imperium (and Space Marines) a lot more peacefully than many other Xenos, so they could certainly become closer allies - GW might want to try and pull off an "Order vs. Chaos" kinda thing.

And at the very least, Tau Ethereals are near-certainly engineered by Eldar Harlequins, I think it was discussed in Xenology?

[CaptainSlow]

My big sum up on my feelings, is the growing together of all alien races. I think a lot of them are losing what makes them unique and becoming just like the generic ig / sm armies. I like the fact that the xenos can only take xenos. In the same way I don't think Necrons should take other troops, or tyranids. I guess that is my feeling that thing will just get mashed into one smother group that encompasses all races where they can take other armies I guess. I'm not saying the Tau getting one group of IG as an ally would make it unbearable, but I don't like the direction it would take. That might be my true feelings on the subject I guess.

[Rev. Tiberius Jackhammer]

Hopefully they'll keep a lot of the tension/hatred, like that one piece in the Tau 'dex (or was it the older one?) in which the Imperial Fist "ambassador" was visiting a Tau outpost. Still, they can keep this tension while still allowing allies, which opens up a lot of fun gameplay/modeling opportunities - Gue'vesa, genestealer cults, mercenary freebooterz etc. Hopefully these rules will be fairly restrictive to prevent cherry-picking.

[Psychosplodge]

You can't have the smurfs protecting them,

What about "Suffer not the Xenos to live"?

[Anggul]

Xenology suggested that while the Tau as a race are naturally occurring, the Ethereals were made by the Harlequins with the pheromone gland from some alien queen, hence how they control the Tau and make them efficient.

[inquisitorsog]

You can't have the smurfs protecting them,

What about "Suffer not the Xenos to live"?

The only plausible reason is as a buffer against the nids where they allow the tau to exhaust themselves against the nids and then the Imperium wipes them both out once they're both weakened.

It's using them like a woodland fire fighter uses a controlled burn to protect against a large fire. you're not suffering them to live, just not expending your resources fighting two enemies.

I believe the smurfs would tend to view the nids as the bigger, more immediate threat after all.

Ok. You got me. I don't buy it either.
:rolleyes:

[Kawauso]

well the ties with the IG go back a long way. there was an add on to the 1st dex that allowed IG to have pulse rifles and be included not too diferent from the kroot.


Gue'vesa are not IG (at the very least not any more); they're human soldiers who have either willingly joined the Tau Empire or else been conscripted or coerced. The Tau tend to use other races as bullet sponges, much like the Roman Empire drafting auxiliaries from nations they'd conquered.

I sure hope they make it into the next Tau book...I've got a converted unit of IG I would like to dust off and paint up real nice.

[Psychosplodge]

The only plausible reason is as a buffer against the nids where they allow the tau to exhaust themselves against the nids and then the Imperium wipes them both out once they're both weakened.

It's using them like a woodland fire fighter uses a controlled burn to protect against a large fire. you're not suffering them to live, just not expending your resources fighting two enemies.

I believe the smurfs would tend to view the nids as the bigger, more immediate threat after all.

Ok. You got me. I don't buy it either.
:rolleyes:

At best I can see them ignoring them, to allow tyranids to deal with them as you say.
But active protection.....not really...

[Cpt Codpiece]

Gue'vesa are not IG (at the very least not any more); they're human soldiers who have either willingly joined the Tau Empire or else been conscripted or coerced. The Tau tend to use other races as bullet sponges, much like the Roman Empire drafting auxiliaries from nations they'd conquered.

I sure hope they make it into the next Tau book...I've got a converted unit of IG I would like to dust off and paint up real nice.

gue'vesa are humans with guns and a heavy woolen vest for armour (LOL) right? same as IG troopers
and people would use cadians or catatchans as the base for them, yes?

granted they are no longer IG as in humanitys cannon fodder, they serve the greater good as cannon fodder.