Physiology of the Tau
The Tau, a technologically advanced species, possess distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from other intelligent beings in the galaxy. Their bodies are generally shorter and smaller in stature compared to humans, with less muscle mass and body weight.
Unique Features
- Grey-blue skin that is leathery and tough, exuding no moisture due to their dry homeworld environment.
- Flat, wide faces with olfactory organs located inside their mouths.
- Eyes capable of seeing into the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum, although focusing on distant objects takes longer than for humans.
- Three digits and a single opposable thumb on each hand.
- Skeletal structure differs significantly from humans, particularly in the lower legs, feet, and ankles.
Skin Coloration and Caste
The color of a Tau’s skin often indicates their caste and sept of origin. Air caste members tend to have paler skin, while Fire caste individuals have darker skin due to their proximity to the sun. Those from the N’dras sept may exhibit mottled skin due to the unique properties of their green-tinged sun.
Life Expectancy and Sleep Patterns
Tau have a relatively short life expectancy of around 50 years, although Imperial juvenat treatments can extend this limit to upwards of 83 years. They require minimal sleep, needing only 1-2 decs (approximately 1.5 Terran hours) per every rotaa (15-hour Tau “day”).
Psykers and Warp Interaction
The Tau have no visible psykers among their ranks, and their souls barely register in the Warp. This makes them largely oblivious to the forces of Chaos, which in turn show little interest in Tau souls. However, the Tau do seem to have some influence on the Warp, as evidenced by the apparent Warp Entity made in their image encountered during the Fourth Sphere of Expansion.
Warfare and Military Structure
Tau ground warfare is primarily carried out by the Fire caste, while the Air caste handles aerial and space combat. The basic military unit is the Cadre, similar in size and role to an Imperial Guard Company. Three to six Cadres form a Contingent, and three to six Contingents may be grouped into a Battle. The Tau prefer to carefully plan their assaults and fight offensively, prioritizing the destruction of the enemy over holding territory.
Tactics and Strategies
The Tau employ various tactics, including the Mont’ka and Kauyon, as well as metastrategies like the Rinyon and Rip’yka. They also make use of auxiliary units, such as the Kroot, Gue’vesa Auxiliaries, and Vespid, sometimes utilizing them as lures in the Kauyon attack method.
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