The Rise of the Tau Empire
Located in the Ultima Segmentum, near the Eastern Fringe, the Tau Empire is a rapidly expanding interstellar power. Founded by the enigmatic Ethereals, the Tau Empire is guided by the principles of the Greater Good. This unique philosophy has attracted several alien species to ally themselves with the Tau.
A Turbulent History
The exact date of the Tau Empire’s founding is shrouded in mystery, but its origins are rooted in a tumultuous past. The early Tau lived in tribal societies on the desert plains of their homeworld, T’au. As they developed and adapted to their environment, distinct subcultures emerged. The plains-dwelling Tau became skilled hunters, while those in the mountains learned to harness the power of thermals to soar above the deserts. The river valley Tau developed agriculture and metallurgy, forming the first settlements.
The Unifying Force of the Ethereals
During the 35th Millennium, an Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator fleet discovered T’au and deemed its inhabitants a primitive people. However, before the Imperium could colonize the planet, a violent Warp-storm erupted, isolating T’au for 6,000 years. In this period, the Tau underwent rapid technological advancements, developing fortresses and crude blackpowder weapons. Inter-tribal conflicts escalated, culminating in the devastating Mont’au wars.
The Dawn of the Ethereals
According to Tau legend, the first Ethereals appeared during the siege of Fio’taun, a fortress city under attack by an alliance of warriors from the plains and air Tau. Two mysterious Tau, exuding quiet authority, brokered a peace between the warring factions. They spoke of the importance of unity and cooperation, introducing the concept of the Greater Good. This marked the beginning of the Tau Empire, as Ethereals emerged across T’au, spreading their message of harmony and cooperation.
Expansion and Conflict
With the Tau united, their empire began to expand. However, this growth has not gone unchallenged. The Tau Empire borders the Imperium, and its proximity to the Astronomican has led to numerous raids by the Orks and encounters with splinter fleets of Hive Fleet Kraken. Despite these challenges, the Tau remain committed to their ideals, driven by the guiding principle of the Greater Good.
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