D'tano

**Shas'nel T'au D'tano**, known simply as **D'tano**, is a Cadre Fireblade in the newly formed Blazing Star Coalition. He has served the Tau'va on the battlefield for over two decades and the horrors of war have changed him from his days of youthful idealism. Behind his back, the Fire Warriors of his cadre call him 'Sharptongue' because of his quick temper and intolerance of fools. His hostile attitude towards non-Tau, particularly Orks, borders on xenophobia and has been such a cause for concern that he has received an official reprimand from an Ethereal on at least one occasion.

## History

### The Great War of Confederation

D'tano's service as a Fire Warrior began during The Great War of Confederation when D'tano witnessed such extreme destruction and slaughter that he truly came to loathe both the Orks and the Tyranids. It was in the first half of this war that D'tano undertook and passed his first Trial by Fire, becoming Shas'ui. During this time he learned how to fight in battlesuits and became part of a Broadside team. He had the privilege of serving in one of Commander Shadowsun's Hunter Cadres, and saw action in some of the most pivotal battles against the greenskins. After another four years of almost constant fighting, D'tano passed his second Trial by Fire, becoming Shas'vre - a hero of his people. It was while leading his own Crisis Suit team that the epithet 'Sharptongue' first began being applied to him. He would then spend a period of years in suspended animation following the end of the Ork & Tyranid threats as he was transferred to serve in the Third Sphere of Expansion.

### Third Sphere of Expansion

Shas'vre 'Sharptongue' would serve in the two year long Third Sphere of Expansion, helping to claim more territory for the Tau Empire. He served in some of the bloodiest battles against the Imperium of Man, including the Second Agrellan Campaign. At the end of the Third Expansion Sphere, Shas'vre D'tano opted to undertake his third and latest Trial by Fire back on his homeworld of T'au. His journey there meant he was not part of the ill-fated Fourth Expansion Sphere fleet which seemingly vanished without a trace.

#### Becoming a Cadre Fireblade

Due to the Great Rift's stress upon space-time, the vessel D'tano was aboard would not return to T'au until 042.M42. When D'tano was finally brought out of stasis, he had to come to terms with how much time had passed and how much he had missed. Not only had the Fourth Sphere of Expansion been lost, then found, a Fifth Sphere had been commissioned to follow up on the gains made by the Fourth.

Unlike many of his peers who went on to become Commanders-in-training - Shas'el - D'tano felt in his heart that he could best serve the Greater Good in the thick of battle, leading Fire Warrior teams to victory. He took on the rank of Shas'nel and became a Cadre Fireblade. He was immediately assigned to the forces of the Blazing Star Coalition. This willingness to forsake the prestige of donning a battlesuit and becoming a full Commander, along with his already impressive service record, has earned him great respect from his peers. Upon reviewing the Fire Caste he would be serving with as part of the Death Strike Hunter Cadre, D'tano decided to undertake the *Tali'serra* ritual with the Fire Warriors of his Cadre. As was befitting of his rank, he was given the honour of carrying the bonding knife used in the ritual into battle. D'tano's willingness to assume this role means he will never have the opportunity to retire from military service.

In this role, Shas'nel D'tano will lead his brothers and sisters of the Fire Caste until he lays down his life for the Greater Good.

## Notable Campaigns

**Great War of Confederation (975.M41 - 997.M41)** - D'tano's first war which informs him of the horrors the Universe has in store for the Tau. Neither the Orks nor Hive Fleet Gorgon which follows them can even comprehend the Greater Good. They can only be resisted and destroyed. D'tano's contempt for Orks and Tyranids stems from this conflict. By the end of the conflict, Shas'la D'tano has advanced to the rank of Shas'vre.

**Third Sphere of Expansion (997.M41 - 999.M41)** - Shas'vre D'tano serves under the legendary Shas'O T'au Shaserra, winning glory and territory for the Empire. The scorched earth tactics the Imperium uses to halt the Third Sphere embitters him towards the humans.