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So I've dropped the idea of Ming Dynasty Tau after my potential fluff proved a little too unorthodox, and now I've settled on a different idea: Scavenger Tau. the basic idea is that they would be a small base on a planet that was blasted all to hell by a massive space battle that destroyed the ships that took part and left a ring of space junk around the planet. every once in awhile some of that space junk falls out of orbit and leaves a valuable salvage opportunity. the Tau are there to collect this salvage and reverse engineer any new tech they find in it.
I've got a few ideas as to how I'm going to portray this fluff in the actual army, but I was wondering if anyone has any other ideas? my current ideas are having non-helmeted figures have a kind of "scouter" that would relay information on the latest junk-fall, having the Kroot wear some kind of environment jacket, having the Tau infantry have some kind of cape or skirt, and having a kind of "collar" covering the neck of the fire warriors kind of like the Turian armor from Mass Effect. I'd love to know if anyone has any other ideas as to how I could portray the fluff in the models in other ways, especially if it's about the battlesuits and vehicles, because I'm drawing a blank on those right now.

A more interesting take might be that they are stranded on the planet and have to make due with what they can find until their disappearance is noticed/reported and a rescue ship arrives. I'd imagine it like the Ork technology, but more elegant. You can show parts from other vehicles efficiently cut and welded onto Tau vehicles as temporary repairs, some extra servos and replacement parts on battlesuits to keep them running until help arrives, etc. If done right, I think this could be a really great idea.

I agree with what Fenshysa said, but i would also think about extreme weathering of the Tau arms they do have(rust/batlle damage etc). How about make shift power supplies, i doubt they would have any means to keep their weapons powered. also it wont be just Tau tech they find so making use and Tau'ing up other races tech. Also, apparent injuries, life would be tough being stranded. I doubt they would have adequate medical facilities.

Theres some ideas to start you off. make sure you post a WIP, i'd love to see how it develops

I'm just going to admit something about this army: it's kind of inspired by a game I've been playing called Defiance. so I'd like to keep them not quite cut off from the rest of the empire, but they are a backwater. also I've got some test models ready to show, but my camera needs charging right now, and I have class soon, so I probably won't be able to post any pics before 11AM EST.

Yeah i kinda guessed it was defiance based.

ok here's a really crappy pic of some of the kroot, the one in the middle is the shaper.

I can't seem to get my camera to work, I'll try to get it working before I get some more pics.