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So I'm slowly and gradually painting up a Tau force, and have some of them done with the exception of sept markings, which I simply can't seem to free hand. Keep in mind, I am a low-mediocre painter, but I was wondering if there's any tips anyone can give me to reliably paint sept markings on tau? (Besides the obvious 'suck less' )

You could always draw it with a pencil first.

Or you can take the design you want. Copy and paste it into a word doc, shrink it to the right size, print then cut it out and paint it from the stencil.

Resisting the urge to say 'very carefully' or 'with a steady hand', I may offer some practical advice. Use a very small brush and do the lines in one swift motion, I found that helped me when I was doing them. Then square them up and neaten them, et voila.

As annoying as it may sound.... practice.
If you keep trying you will keep getting better. If you don't want to sacrifice models you could practice on spare bits, plasticard, bits of sprue, or even just cardboard.

A fine brush, properly thinned paint, a steady hand, and lots of practice.

If you're better with a knife than a brush you could try cutting stencils from masking tape. Put a piece down on a cutting surface, preferably some form of plastic, and cut out the markings you want. Then lift the tape off the surface and apply it to the model. Make sure the basecoat has had at least 24 hours to cure before doing this or the tape could lift the paint around it off.

Thanks for the help, guys! Time for another go at it

Also, if the markings are black, try a very fine tip permanent marker.

If they are white, try a fine tip white paint pen (can get at art store).

I have had great results with that for text and lines on banners, seals, etc.

best of luck!