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Hey all,

With the new 'allies' rules in 6th ed. I am curious what you think about combining a large army of Space Marines with some Tau forces. Mainly I just really like the look of Tau, (note I have never played with or against them - I've only viewed battle reports). At the same time I know they have some pretty sweet modifiers coming from their drones (ie marker lights). I am wondering if they would be worth taking along for my space marines, or if they are rendered useless outside their own army.

Tau are considered battle brothers when attached to a SM army and it says that they: Can be joined by allied Independent Characters. Are counted as being friendly units for the targeting of psychic powers,abilities and so on.

Does that include drone modifiers?

If not, are there better armies to pair up with SM?

Nothing wrong with it, the rules allow it and it's supposed to be supported in the new fluff. I don't see why Drone modifiers wouldn't be in place, but check the FAQs for that one; I don't really know the Tau codex very well.

IG are also very good to pair up with Marines, as they can provide a ton of infantry with a platoon or two, and some heavy armor and fast attack. They're definitely one of the best choices to ally with anyone!

Only Tau units (and Vespid with a Strain Leader) can use Markerlight counters. So they won't help your Marines at all. Overall, I think Tau don't make a particularly strong ally choice for any army. Tau units are fairly underwhelming on their own -- markerlights are often what makes elements of the Tau army very deadly.

For a shooty-vanilla marine army, I think allying with a an army that has access to Divination powers would be best. Blood Angels seem like a good choice, particularly if you would like access to some scoring Assault Troops.

Seem like itwould work