We are the T’au Empire, a shining beacon of progress and unity in a galaxy torn by war. Guided by the philosophy of the Greater Good, we strive to bring harmony and prosperity to all races willing to join us.
Our advanced technology, from sleek battlesuits to powerful drones, reflects our commitment to innovation and efficiency, unlike the archaic technology of the Adeptus Mechanicus of the Imperium of Man.
As a young and dynamic empire, we embrace diversity, welcoming allies from various backgrounds to strengthen our cause.
Together, we fight against the darkness that threatens to engulf the galaxy, believing that cooperation and understanding can lead us to a brighter future.
Who Are the T’au Empire?
The T’au Empire is a rapidly expanding faction in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, known for its advanced technology and commitment to the philosophy of the Greater Good.
Originating from the planet T’au, this young and dynamic race seeks to unify various species under its banner, promoting cooperation and progress.
The T’au are renowned for their battlesuits, precision weaponry, and tactical drones, which enhance their combat effectiveness.
Unlike many factions, they prioritize diplomacy and innovation over mindless aggression, striving to bring peace and prosperity to the galaxy.
However, their expansion often puts them at odds with more aggressive races, leading to inevitable conflict.
What Are the T’au Empire Army Strengths?
The T’au Empire army is characterized by its exceptional ranged firepower, advanced technology, and strong emphasis on tactics, making it a highly effective force in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
- Their units, such as Fire Warriors and Battlesuits, excel at long-range engagements, allowing them to strike down enemies before they can close in.
- Using drones provides versatility and support, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
However, the T’au army has notable weaknesses; many of their units are relatively fragile and can struggle in close combat.
Their reliance on ranged attacks means that they can be vulnerable to aggressive melee forces, requiring careful positioning and tactical foresight to maintain effectiveness in battles.
Where Should Beginners Start?
If you’re starting your collection of the T’au Empire as a beginner, consider these key models:
- Fire Warriors: These infantry units are the backbone of the T’au Empire, excelling in ranged combat. A box of Fire Warriors will give you a strong core for your army.
- Crisis Battlesuits: Adding a unit of Crisis Battlesuits provides flexibility and firepower, allowing you to adapt to various battlefield situations with their advanced weaponry.
- Drones: Including a few drones, like Marker Drones or Shield Drones, enhances your army’s support capabilities and provides valuable tactical options.
- Riptide Battlesuit: This powerful unit serves as a strong centerpiece for your army, offering significant firepower and durability.
How To Paint T’au Empire
Here are some painting tips for new T’au Empire players:
Color Scheme Ideas
Classic T’au Colors
- Base Coating: Start with a base coat of light grey or white for the armor, such as the color “T’au Sept.”
- Highlight: Highlight with a lighter grey or white to emphasize edges and details.
- Armor: For the armor panels, use bright red or blue to create a striking contrast. Paint the weapons in dark metallic shades, highlighting with silver.
- Details: For details like lenses and markings, use bright colors like yellow or orange.
- Wash: Finish with a light wash of Nuln Oil to enhance shadows and add depth to the overall look.
Earth Caste Scheme
- Base Coating: Use a base coat of earthy tones like tan or brown for the armor, reflecting the practical nature of the Earth Caste.
- Highlight: Highlight with lighter shades of the same color to create depth.
- Armor: For the armor panels, consider using greens or muted colors for a more natural appearance. Paint the weapons in dark brown or metallic shades, adding highlights.
- Details: For lenses, use bright colors like blue or green to create a vivid contrast.
- Wash: Finish with a wash of Agrax Earthshade to deepen the shadows.
Custom Sept Colors
- Base Coating: Start with a base coat of your chosen color, such as deep purple or teal.
- Highlight: Highlight with lighter shades to create depth and contrast.
- Armor: For armor panels, use complementary colors to make them stand out.
- Details: Paint weapons in contrasting shades, like bright orange or gold, and highlight accordingly. For lenses and details, use metallic or vibrant colors.
- Wash: Finish with a wash to enhance shadows and bring out details, allowing for personal flair in your army’s appearance.
Painting Techniques
- Base Coating: Start with clean, solid colors for your T’au miniatures. Use light greys or whites for armor to create a sleek, futuristic look. A well-applied base coat sets the foundation for further detailing, ensuring vibrant colors that reflect the advanced technology of the T’au Empire.
- Drybrushing: This technique is excellent for highlighting the intricate details of your miniatures. Use a lighter shade of your base color to drybrush over raised surfaces, such as armor panels and weapon edges. This adds depth and emphasizes the sleek lines of the T’au designs, creating a dynamic, three-dimensional effect.
- Washes: Applying washes is crucial for adding depth and shadow to your miniatures. Use dark washes like Nuln Oil to emphasize the recesses in armor and mechanical parts. This technique helps create a more realistic appearance, accentuating details and giving the models a more polished and layered look.
- Edge Highlighting: Use edge highlighting to define the sharp edges of armor and weapons. Apply a lighter color along these edges to create stark contrasts, enhancing the definition of the models. This technique adds a finished, refined look, making the sleek armor of the T’au stand out.
- Contrast Paints: These paints are perfect for achieving quick yet impactful results. Use contrast paints for large areas, like the armor or fabric, to take advantage of their self-shading properties. This allows for depth and detail without extensive layering, making it easier for beginners to achieve striking results that capture the high-tech aesthetic of the T’au Empire.
