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So I just can't decide what theme I want to make my Tau army, but for the longest time I've wanted to do a Roman themed army, and after reading the new codex I couldn't help but equate the tau with the imperialism of the Roman Empire. So I'd like to finally make that Roman themed army, and I'm going to make it a Tau army. I just need to figure out a fluff explanation for the unique armor and weapons (namely some Roman looking shoulder pads, and maybe some helmet crests) The explanation I was thinking of was that they are the favored unit of a young ethereal by the name of Aun'Scip'Ie and he lets them modify their gear to look more important.
now here's the part that's going to raise some eyebrows: Aun'Scip'Ie will be piloting a battlesuit in this army, and I have an explanation for this: basically during an intense firefight in a hanger he somehow took cover inside a deactivated suit. while I hate to reference Star Wars episode 1: the Fandom Menaced, what happens is very similar to how Anakin winds up destroying the Trade Federation control ship. he basically accidentally turns on the suit and starts piloting it. this inspires the fire warriors so much that after the battle he keeps the suit and it becomes his signature. he's kind of like a battlesuit wearing Aun'Shi.
so I was wondering if any of this fluff would work and if there's anything that should be added. I'd love to hear what you have to say about this.

I think that helmet crests are Out of Character for Tau. For the Shoulder pads... meh... you coul actually make some models, like a Squad Sergent (now I don't remember the name in Tau language) with cloak. You know, romans centurions had cloacks.
Then... uh... the color scheme... well, romans legions had crimson and gold scheme. Red the armor and gold the helmet could be an option.
Uh, for the Ethereal thing I disagree, but do as you want.
You could actually name it Aun' Lae' gatus (legatus legionis, the higher rank in a Roman Legion).

My two cents.

Also, you could use a Latin/Italian quotes for 'em, just so they could be badasses.

I agree about the helmet crests, the ones I tried to make looked a little too "Mad Max" on the tau helmet.
also I like the name for the ethereal, may need to consider that.
I'm also liking the Latin quote idea, may need to use that.

 yeri wrote:

I'm also liking the Latin quote idea, may need to use that.

"Si vis pacem para bellum"

"If you want peace, prepare to war"

"Fortiter in re, suaviter in modo."

"Memento audere semper." (also, this is used by an Italian special force, so yeah)



pretty Greater Good-ish, I think.

I never understood why Ethereals don't use battlesuits anyway, the ones that decide they will be on the front line would benefit from it greatly, even if it didn't have any offensive weapons, I get that it's a morale booting thing they do, but if they had their own battle suit that stood out then It might still work.

I don't know, but this guy is more the Aun'Shi style fighting ethereal. he get's on the front lines on purpose, and the fire warriors love him for it. he's also a bit strange by Ethereal standards as his personality is quite jovial. he often makes jokes about the present situation, and will also tell funny stories. this is likely why he won't be seeing a promotion anytime soon.

If you wanted a Roman themed army, the more logical choice would be Space Marines. However, for Roman Tau, I'd recommend a colour scheme of red undersuits and weapons, silver armour, and definitely get the new Cadre Fireblade model.

Whatever the style, a ethereal/fire caste mix character doesn't work in the Tau Empire. And before you ask, not even if the Tau suits have maori, mayan, Indian, bavarian or celtic ornaments. Just no. Maybe saves you the next 5 threads on the same topic.

and yet this character doesn't even go as far as Aun'Shi, who joins in the fire caste's training and rituals. this guy one day decided to duck inside a battlesuit for cover during a firefight, accidentally turned it on, and decided he preferred to be in a nice iridium suit of armor instead of cloth robes during a firefight, that's it.

Didn't romans want enemies to get into a melee meatgrinder?
Their pre Marian reform battle plans essentially boiled down to "Throw in the new guys to wear them out, cycle them with the experienced guys and use the Triarii if things go tits up".

yes that is true, but I was more thinking of the similarity between their styles of imperialism than their combat styles.

Once you explained where you were making the connection yeri, I could definitely see it. There is absolutely a strong comparison between the two expansionist empires.

That being said, I think that they have very, very opposed looks. If you think you would enjoy the look, then of course you're the most important vote in how your army goes. However, I worry that you won't be satisfied with the finished product, and I don't think other people will see it the same way. I'm not trying to knock your concept, just give you a friendly heads up.

No matter what you decide, I hope your games go well, and I hope you love whatever you come up with!

 Blaggard wrote:
Didn't romans want enemies to get into a melee meatgrinder?
Their pre Marian reform battle plans essentially boiled down to "Throw in the new guys to wear them out, cycle them with the experienced guys and use the Triarii if things go tits up".

Near the end, during the Barbarian attacks and the Rome Sacks, the Roman Legions used heavy weapons like catapult or balists.
So yeah, I kinda can immagine Tau using Hammerhead, you know

well either way it turns out it's going to be awhile until I'm actually able to start this project. turns out there's a bit of a shortage of Tau minis of late. so as part of my "game for every day of the week" project for this summer I'm going to wait for the supply to stabilize and while I wait I'm going to make a WHFB army to keep me occupied. I'm honestly thinking about a Warcraft themed O&G army.