Technical data

17
16
TAU COMMANDER (HOT KEY: C)
The Tau Commander is the main hero unit of the Tau Empire. The Tau Commander
is unique in the sense that he has no melee attack, he is purely a ranged
specialist. The Tau Commander can’t take as much punishment as other
commanders, but his firepower more than makes up for this. The Tau Commander
also has several weapon upgrades that he can choose from to increase his
firepower. Once having researched his upgrades, the Tau Commander is
comparable to a mobile weapon platform – excelling at both anti-infantry and
anti-vehicle tasks.
XV88 BROADSIDE (HOT KEY: B)
This Tau heavy infantry unit comes equipped with dual missile pods, making it
very effective against enemy vehicles. The Broadside can entrench itself and
utilize powerful twin railguns, making it a formidable weapon emplacement.The
railgun is good against both infantry and vehicles.
XV8 CRISIS BATTLESUIT (HOT KEY: X)
Powerful from both short and long range, the XV8 Crisis Battlesuit is reserved for
the most elite of Tau infantry. The Battlesuit comes equipped with a jetpack that
allows the unit to travel over the battlefield at an accelerated pace. The Battlesuit
also features customizable weapons that can be modified to make them more
effective against a variety of enemy units.
KROOT CARNIVORE (HOT KEY: C)
The Kroot Carnivore is a special alien unit that has pledged allegiance to the Tau
Empire. Kroot Carnivores are most effective in melee combat, where they can
reduce enemy infantry to shreds with their powerful claws. Kroot Carnivores can
also cannibalize the corpses of defeated units which not only replenishes lost
health, but also increases the maximum health of all Kroot Carnivores on
the battlefield.
KROOT SHAPER (HOT KEY: S)
The Kroot Shaper serves as commander for lesser Kroot infantry, improving both
their health and their speed. He is most effective when commanding Kroot
Carnivores or Kroot Hound Packs.
KROOT HOUND PACK (HOT KEY: H)
Effective against both infantry and heavy infantry, the Kroot Hound Pack is an
intimidating foe best suited at melee combat. Fast and agile, the unit can cover
distances quickly, making them an important piece of any Tau assault force.
VESPID STINGWINGS (HOT KEY: V)
The insectoid Vespid are highly valuable when used as a reconnaissance squad,
but can also deal out massive damage with their diamond-sharp claws at close
range. Their Jump ability allows them to traverse great distances on the
battlefield almost instantly. The Vespid Strain leader increases the maximum
amount of health for each Vespid Stingwing member.
THE TAU EMPIRE
While a relatively young race, the Tau have made their presence known by becoming one of the
most efficient and powerful military forces in the galaxy. Fresh from their successful campaign to
conquer Kronus, the Tau are seemingly without rivals. Their powerful technology has laid waste to
countless armies, but it is their unique ideology that proves to be their most powerful weapon.
Fighting for what they call the Greater Good, the Tau sweep through the galaxy, seeking
enlightenment and unity to those who join them. This powerful ideology, while focused on
community and well-being, lends itself well to the ways of combat. Tau fighters are extremely
determined in their reasons to fight, giving them exceptionally high morale.
Two such allied races are the Kroot and the Vespid. Having joined the Tau Empire, the two alien
races now fight for them, giving the Tau army a wide array of unique attack capabilities. The
Kroot are fearsome warriors adept at melee combat, while the insectoid Vespid are skilled at
quick raids and assaults, thanks to their speed.
While Tau units are most effective utilizing their rifles from long range, their unique relationship
with the Kroot and the Vespid ensure that the Greater Good will be spread throughout the galaxy.
TAU EMPIRE UNITS
EARTH CASTE BUILDER (HOT KEY: E)
The building unit for the Tau, the Earth Caste Builder can erect a number of
structures and perform repairs on damaged structures. The unit is highly
important to expanding your territory, but comes outfitted with no weaponry,
making it very vulnerable to enemy attacks.
XV15 STEALTHSUIT (HOT KEY: S)
XV15 Stealthsuits are the main scouting unit for the Tau, and can infiltrate enemy
territory, secure Strategic Points, and engage in light combat. Stealthsuits are
naturally invisible to enemies, and can only be spotted by enemy detectors. They
can also upgrade to receive a team leader (or "Shas'vre") who wears a heavier
XV25 Stealthsuit. Stealthsuits can jump after researching the jetpacks upgrade.
FIRE WARRIOR (HOT KEY: F)
The basic Tau attack infantry, the Fire Warrior is most effective when engaging
the enemy from a considerable distance. Highly accurate, they can reduce enemy
units to ash before they even know where the attacks are coming from.
Unfortunately, despite their ranged capabilities, Fire Warriors are extremely
ineffective in melee combat.
PATHFINDER (HOT KEY: P)
While not as powerful as other Tau infantry, the Pathfinder unit is an excellent
support unit. They have the ability to mark enemy units, making them extremely
vulnerable to ranged fire. Pathfinders also offer suppression fire, which
temporarily slows the advance of enemy units.
TQ000_DOW_DC_MANL_BC01.qxd 8/30/06 12:50 PM Page 16