Tau Air Cavalry  
Much to the consternation of Imperial forces, the Tau continue to experiment with new weapons and new styles of fighting. Tau Air Cavalry forces were first spotted shortly after the beginning of Abaddon’s 13th Black Crusade, which the Tau exploited to expand their own empire. Currently, there are few Tau Air Cavalry forces, but if they prove successful, more are sure to appear above future battlefields.

Background
Ethereal Aun’ui Elsy’eir Kor is the leading proponent a type of fighting new to the Tau: highly mobile strikeforces with plenty of upgrade vehicles. A typical strikeforce of 2,000 points might include as many as five Devilfish and three Hammerheads, providing excellent firepower and mobility.

Philosophy
Mobility and air superiority are key priorities. Close combat should be avoided at all costs, as the Tau Air Cavalry are even more vulnerable than conventional Tau armies. Crisis Suits are not used in an Air Cavalry force because the focus is on large mobile squads. As Tau Air Cavalry members are volunteers in an experimental project, all are extremely dedicated. Each unit that can be is bonded (see “Bonding Knife,” page 18 of Codex: Tau).  

HQ
Only Ethereals (such as Aun’ui Elsy’eir Kor) may be taken.

Elites
None.

Troops
Fire Warrior Teams must be mounted in Devilfish APCs. Optionally, up to one Kroot Carnivore Squad may be added if the scenario allows Infiltration.

Fast Attack
As per Codex: Tau.

Heavy Support 
Only Hammerhead gunships may be used. 

Modeling and Painting
Tau Manta Warriors always wear camouflage appropriate to the warzone they will be entering. Fret not, however, when your Tau inevitably wind up on a table that doesn't match their camo pattern: merely invent some plausible reason why, for example, "woodland" Tau would appear on a glacier. Perhaps they began their campaign in a forest, but were forced to pursue fleeing enemy into the mountains and onto the ice. Or perhaps they were on their way to a forest, but their craft was shot down. And so on. 

General Tactics
The Tau Manta Warriors rely on speed and superior firepower to quickly overwhelm their enemies, typically with a refused flank formation. With the ability to Deep Strike and/or Infiltrate many different units, your Warriors should be able to prevent the enemy from making a coordinated defense.
 

Related Pages
Other Tau Themed Army Ideas
 

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© Copyright Patrick Eibel and Kenton Kilgore, November 2003. 
 

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