This is a story that has been on my mind for quite some time. A story written from the perspective of the Tau in the Universe of Warhammer 40,000. Specifically about the lives of a squad of Pathfinders, the special forces of the Tau Army. Perhaps several things here you may disagree with. Such as the effectiveness or the ineffectiveness of the people in this story compared to how they are in the Table top game. This story was meant to honor the game and create a side of the Tau race not normally seen.
This is in no way associated with Games Workshop and is merely a fan made story inspired by their works and products. I hope you enjoy the first installment of this story. (expect minor language, action scenes and a small amount of blood.
Words and phrases useful to understanding Tau culture.
The Greater Good- a broad philosophical concept that covers the overall and long term benefit of the Tau Empire and its members. Brought on only through hard work, sacrifice and dedication.
Fire Caste- The militaristic caste branch of the Tau. Acting as the defenders and the main army of the. Pronounced as a "shas" suffix at the front of a name or place
Water Caste- The diplomats, traders and councilors of the Tau. Pronounced as a "Por" suffix at the front of a name or place
Earth Caste- workers, engineers and artisans, perhaps the most numerous of the Tau. Pronounced as the"Fio" suffix at the front of a name or place.
Air Caste- Astronauts, pioneers and aviators of the Tau. Pronounced as the "Kor" suffix at the front of the name
Ethereal Caste- The most mysterious of the Tau, the leaders, councilors and guiding light of the Tau race, revered as the saviors of the Tau. Pronounced as an "Aun" suffix at the front of a name or place.
The Terror- Reference to the time in history when Tau where divided. When the Castes slaughtered each other in a bloody civil war that almost brought about their exitinction. Halted only by the timely arrival of the mysterious Ethereals at the fortress of Fio'tan. The Tau have been unified ever since but the fear of a schism is always present.
Gue'Vessa- literally means "human helper(s)". The Tau word for humans who have either defected to the Tau Empire from the imperium or who were born into it from parents who defected.
Gue'la- "Human" used as a racist slur against humans, some Tau prefer using shortening it to "gues" considered highly offensive when spoken to a human who knows the Tau language.
Auxiliary races- The Tau have allowed several other races to join the Tau empire, Most numerous among them are the Kroot, The Gue'vessa, the Vespid and the Nicassar. Some soldiers use the slang term "Auxes"
The way names work in Tau society.
First syllable is the Caste suffix
Second is the planet they hail from (used only in formal situations)
Third is the rank that Tau holds in the Caste (note that all ranks are the same across the board and a Shays'Ui would be equal with a Flo'Ui. The only exception would be the Ethereals.)
Third suffix and so on is the personal name, depending on the skill and attributes they can earn multiple names. Some more traditional families consider it custom for the son or daughter to carry on the name of a famous ancestor. Such as the famous Commander Brightsword, who is at least the tenth to bear that name. All names have meaning to describe a Tau but for the sake of ease, usually only the first two syllables are spoken.