Warhammer 40k Archives

The Fall of Prefectia: A Turning Point in the Tau Empire’s Expansion

In the waning years of the 41st Millennium, the Imperium of Man and the Tau Empire clashed in a brutal conflict that would decide the fate of the Prefectia system. This pivotal battle, fought during the Tau’s Third Sphere of Expansion, marked a significant milestone in the empire’s relentless march across the galaxy.

Initial Skirmishes

The war began with a daring raid by Raven Guard Space Marines, who ambushed a Tau aerial convoy and downed the personal Orca of Ethereal Aun’Do. The subsequent hunt for the valuable leader became a cat-and-mouse game, with both sides trading blows and neither gaining the upper hand.

Tau Counterattack

Undeterred by their initial setbacks, the Tau launched a series of strikes against key Imperial worlds, including Doth, Delinquence, and Carradon. An expeditionary force led by Ethereal Supreme Aun’va made rapid gains into Imperial territory, leaving the Imperial Guard and Navy struggling to respond.

Battle for Prefectia

As the war raged on, Prefectia became the focal point of the conflict. The White Scars Chapter of Space Marines, led by Kor’sarro Khan, launched a ferocious assault on the planet’s defenses, only to be met by cunningly laid traps and ambushes orchestrated by Shadowsun, the legendary Tau commander.

Tau Reinforcements and the Fall of Prefectia

As the battle reached its climax, the Tau received a surge of reinforcements, including the feared Stormsurge battlesuits. These powerful suits blasted apart Imperial defenses, allowing the Tau to claim victory and rename the planet Vas’talos. The Imperium, however, viewed the loss as a minor setback, choosing instead to focus on reclaiming Agrellan.

Aftermath and Consequences

The Fall of Prefectia sent shockwaves throughout the galaxy, with the Tau Empire hailing it as their greatest victory yet. Shadowsun’s reputation soared, cementing her position as a hero to the Tau people. Meanwhile, the Imperium regrouped and reassessed its strategy, setting the stage for future conflicts in the ongoing struggle between the two empires.

Order of Battle

• Raven Guard Space Marines: Elements of the 2nd, 3rd, and 10th Companies
• White Scars Space Marines: Elements of the 1st, 3rd, and 10th Companies
• Imperial Navy: Several warships
• Tau Empire:
  • Fire Caste Commune
  • Stealthsuit Team dropstrike Contingents
  • Crisis Battlesuit Dropstrike Contingents
  • Sniper Area Denial Contingents
  • Kroot and Vespid Auxiliary Contingents
  • Custodian Class Carriers
  • Protector Class Cruisers
  • Emissary Class Cruisers
  • Nicassar and Demiurg warships
  • Mantas, including modified versions for dropping Stormsurge Battlesuits
  • Tiger Shark Squadrons
  • Sun Shark squadrons
  • Earth Caste Support Workgroup
  • Gue’la Active Study Group
  • Water Caste Diplomatic Corps