Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

While looking around for a cool crisis commander for my Tau army, I discovered the altogether impressive looking XV9 Close Support Suits. However, when did the tau get this? Have they been developed in light of recent conflict with Hive Fleet elements? Also, how does one become assigned to a close support weapon squad? Are they more or less veteran than Crisis suit squads? Any fluff about them would be much appreciated; I feel like I've mssed a new IA or something similarly obvious .

From what I've just read on Lexicanum, it says that the XV9's are only piloted by experienced Shas'vre, who have many years under their belt. They have to assign veterans to the XV9 because apparently its complicated as hell.

I've also read that it was designed with the goal of countering the growing alien incursions that threaten the gains of the Third Sphere expansion.

By that logic, wouldn't that mean that the suits would be restricted to Commanders and their bodyguard? Where are the rules for fielding these things?

They are in the Forgeworld books.

IIRC, they are fast attacks.

Shas'vre is just more veteran than Shas'ui, but less than Shas'el. You in theory can have a squad of elite vets like the Shas'vres without a Shas'el/Shas'o leading that squad( As bodyguards) is just isn't an option in the codex.

 Justicar_Thunderflanks wrote:

By that logic, wouldn't that mean that the suits would be restricted to Commanders and their bodyguard? Where are the rules for fielding these things?

For their rules you can just type XV9 into google its the first link, its to a pdf of the XV9's experimental rules.

As for it only being able to be fielded by Commanders and their bodyguards. No Shas'vre are in the middle of the fire caste rank system, two below Commander. You could just consider them the elite of the veterans.

They are pretty much a more advanced/slightly experimental new suit design. Possably one that will eventually replace the aging XV8.

 Grey Templar wrote:
They are pretty much a more advanced/slightly experimental new suit design. Possably one that will eventually replace the aging XV8.

Much like the transition from xv15 to xv25.

I believe fluffwise they originated on Kel'shan and haven't really spread to any other septs yet - at least not in great numbers. You can't take one as a suit for a stock commander, unfortunately, although there is a name character, I believe called ra'lai or something along those lines, who has such a suit, albeit with some modifications. They get T5 and VRT but all of their guns are short ranged - i believe the idea is to get close, fire, endure the charge and h&r out of there in time to fire again.

Don't they also have 2+ armor?

IIRC, they are still 3+

 Eldar Vampire Hunter wrote:
They get T5 and VRT but all of their guns are short ranged - i believe the idea is to get close, fire, endure the charge and h&r out of there in time to fire again.

If they are accepted by the mainstream tau forces, it is a step toward the tau accepting the value of close-range combat. Before you know it, they will be inventing laser swords and strapping them onto battlesuits. At the very least, giving them a close combat weapon might discourage enemies from charging them.

Their role has definitely been developed in response to Tyranid attacks, the suit is designed to to provide overwhelming firepower in short range engagements against a numerically superior foe.

The Way this suit is described that's how i see it being used by the Tau, to reinforce positions that are considered in danger of being overrun by a close combat opponent, exactly what Tyranids are. So these suits most likely hanging out a small distance from the front lines waiting to be sent in to wherever they are needed most. An effective counter-attack unit.

Although the name should give it away its role...
XV9 "Hazard" Close Support Armour

I too use an XV9 as a commander! I use it as a stand in with the equipment on the model, i.e. two TL burst cannons. Most people seem ok with that .

Sadly however, my suit suffered a slight slip with a craft knife and is missing his antenna, see pic <<<