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Tau Caste System and Alien Members

Started by Narric, December 24, 2013, 04:06:51 PM

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Narric

This thought occurs to me whilst thinking up designs for a Tau/Second Sphere Shoulder Pad design.

Where do Non-tau races fit into the Caste system?

Do we assume that each race joins a certain caste when they show aptitude for such tasks, such as Kroot being an exclusively Fire Caste, whilst Nicassar would be Air Caste? Or do Non-tau races count as a completely different "Caste?" Or maybe a middle-ground of both?

I believe the second and third, primarily due to the inclusion of Human members. Humanity clearly could fulfill a Fire Caste nitch, maybe turncoats from Catachan being apt at Jungle fighting, whilst Mordians bests suited for Night missions or Perpetual night planets, Vostroyans for Ice World, etc. But at the same time what of the rest of the humans? The Artists, the Politicians, the Labourers and the pilots/drivers of Non-tau vessels like Vendettas and the generally civilian population of Tau controlled human worlds?

I unfortunately noly have the 4th/5th edition codex to read through, so anybody with info from the 6th ed would be appreciated. On the other hand, what are peoples thoughts on the matter itself? By your understand how to you believe the "Inducted" races of the Tau Empire are treated and fit in?

CoffeeGrunt

They seem to form their own segments of Tau society, they aren't fully drawn into the Tau Caste system as a whole. The majority of fighting still seems to be undertaken by the Tau themselves, with support from others.

These races are probably allowed autonomy of culture and military force, so long as they pay a tithe to the Empire. In turn, the Tau keep them supplied with technology to make their lives more comfortable. In the case of humanity, knowledge of how machinery actually works is nearly non-existent.

This makes them more likely to be used as a military supplement to the Fire Caste, but with their native technology. When the Tau have a real crisis, though, they probably equip them for full-scale war. The Kroot aren't the best example of how this would operate, as they shun Tau technology for the most part, operate mainly as mercenaries, and have no real belief in the Greater Good.
The only constant in the universe is change; the Wise adapt.