vizn3r/warhammer40k-lore huggingface dataset:
XV109 Y'vahra Battlesuit - Available XV109 Battlesuit Combat Support Systems: Below is a list of the most common available combat support systems that an XV109 Y'vahra Battlesuit can be equipped with:Advanced Targeting System – An Advanced Targeting System is a specialised target acquisition system that enables the Battlesuit pilot to automatically identify and pick out priority targets in the midst of combat.Counterfire Defence System – A Counterfire Defence System is a valuable AI sensor suite first designed to counter the threat of charging Ork hordes. It incorporates logic circuits to ensure that assaulting enemies are met with a withering curtain of unerringly accurate Battlesuit firepower.Drone Controller - A Drone Controller acts as a hub for communications and interface between an operator and the AI battle programs of a number of Tau Drones. It gives the owner the ability to relay additional targeting data to the Drones, thus directing their fire more accurately towards the target.Early Warning Override – An Early Warning Override sensor suite is calibrated to detect the electronic signatures of teleport beams and orbital-entry jump systems, and jolt the Battlesuit's weapon systems to lock-on status before the target has a chance to react.Positional Relay - A Positional Relay digitally records detailed battlefield data and relays it in a tight encrypted radio burst to T'au assets in orbit and squads held in reserve. Information sent usually includes battlefield terrain and status reports to allow the incoming units to make a better decision on where to deploy onto the battlefield and coordinate their actions as part of the overall strategy.Stimulant Injector - A Battlesuit with Stimulant Injectors is fitted with advanced life support systems that are able to flood the Battlesuit pilot's body with painkillers, analgesic drugs, and other life-sustaining stimulants should he become badly wounded in combat.Target Lock - A Target Lock is a specialised target acquisition system that enables the user to engage different targets from the rest of the squad.Targetting Array - The Targetting Array is a relatively new application of the Target Lock technology used in vehicles. It provides assistance to aiming at targets.Velocity Tracker – The advanced motion detecting and heat seeking sensor systems built into a Velocity Tracker allows Battlesuit pilots to track the movements of airborne targets, and effectively engage them with the Battlesuit's weapons.
XV109 Y'vahra Battlesuit - Ordo Xenos Departmento Analyticus Technical Specifications: The Ordo Xenos has not yet determined the technical specifications of this Tau Battlesuit.
XV109 Y'vahra Battlesuit - Sources: Codex: Tau Empire (6th Edition), pp. 44-45Forge World – XV109 Y'vahra Battlesuit Experimental Rules Datasheet
XV15 Stealthsuit - XV15 Stealthsuit: The XV15 Stealthsuit is the smallest of all the various Tau Battlesuit variants, and is designed for use in operations requiring a high degree of stealth. Fire Warriors serving in a Stealth Team specialise in covert operations such as infiltration, sabotage, reconnaissance and ambush. Stealth Teams are essentially the Fire Caste's special operations units. They are the "lone wolves" of the Tau military, typically operating independently of their Hunter Cadre. Suddenly appearing, as if stepping out from nowhere, a Stealth Team unleashes a hail of gunfire to cripple or eliminate their selected targets. Theirs is a secretive way of war, as they infiltrate enemy lines, seeking vulnerable targets to destroy. In order to pass unseen into enemy territory, Stealth Teams use light-bending disruption technology embedded in their sleek Battlesuits to camouflage themselves. Additional cloaking fields deaden sound and shield them from heat-detecting sensors, allowing them to penetrate deep into hostile regions before launching precisely timed ambushes.The XV15 Stealthsuit is designed to be worn by a single member of the Fire Caste, and is the smallest of all the various Battlesuit variants of the Tau, as a Tau in an XV15 Stealthsuit is hardly larger than a Fire Warrior in standard Tau Combat Armour; even though it offers far greater protection. However, this perfectly suits the XV15's role as the preferred Battlesuit of Tau infiltrators and saboteurs. XV15 Stealthsuits are significantly smaller than the XV8 Crisis Battlesuits, and, because of this, carry less weaponry. What Stealthsuits lack in firepower, however, they more than make up for with the ability to move almost unseen by the enemy until the very last instant. XV15 Stealthsuits are currently being phased out of mainstream use and being replaced by the XV25 Stealthsuit. This has led to their use becoming uncommon due to the XV25 now being the new standard Stealthsuit of the Tau Fire Caste.
XV15 Stealthsuit - Known Formations: Nighthunter Stealth Group - When required, Tau Stealth Teams will be grouped together into formations known as “Nighthunter Stealth Groups”, or as they are sometimes known, “Optimised Stealth Groups”. These teams primarily consist of warriors wearing the newer XV25 Stealthsuits, and they will infiltrate far behind enemy lines long before the opening stages of a battle. Once the main Tau force engages the enemy, the Nighthunter Stealth Group reveals itself. It sets about sowing confusion behind the enemy's lines, destroying ammunition dumps, cutting off communications, and even engaging enemy troops too busy holding off the main force to notice the Stealth Group's approach. Caught between the Nighthunters and the main Tau army, the enemy is faced with a stark choice -- surrender or be cut down in the deadly crossfire. The command and control teams of these formations, however, often opt to wear XV15 Stealthsuits instead of the now standard XV25 used by the Nighthunter line units. Whilst the XV15 is older and more lightly equipped, it has a smaller silhouette and superior signature shrouding, making it popular amongst experienced Tau warriors, especially when Nighthunter teams undertake close-in covert operations.Rapid Insertion Force - It is not the Tau way of war to fight protracted, static battles. Aggressive use of mobility and firepower are key to the success of Fire Warriors. A large part of this success is dependent upon the activities of a cadre's Stealthsuit Teams -- their role is to find the enemy, create diversions and launch surprise attacks, while acting as a rear guard should things go poorly. A Rapid Insertion Force is a specialised formation that strikes suddenly against key enemy units or establishes a perimeter to hold ground until other Fire Caste units arrive, delivering the Mont’ka, or the killing blow, to the foe. In this force, a single Stealth Team leads the way for a more heavily armed force of several Crisis Battlesuit teams (usually three to five). The entire force trains together before a battle, so that they can deliver a swift and effective attack that stuns the enemy, allowing further Tau forces to move forward unmolested. A Rapid Insertion Force will often await deployment in a sub-orbital Manta, whilst the Stealthsuit Team moves in and infiltrates the battlefield, selecting critical targets before triggering their homing beacon. Once the Stealthsuits are in position, the Battlesuits of the Rapid Insertion Force airdrop from altitude and use their Jetpacks to zone in on the Stealthsuit team’s coordinates. Marker Lights will stream around them from the streaking Tau air fleet above, lighting up targets even as the XV8 Crisis Battlesuits descend from the skies -- their impressive arsenal of weapons already blazing away in unison at the greatest threat. Once on the ground, the whole formation then works together with the element of surprise to pin the enemy down and secure the area. Occasionally, an XV104 Riptide Battlesuit is assigned to a Rapid Insertion Force, adding its own tremendous firepower to the sudden Battlesuit onslaught.
XV15 Stealthsuit - Ordo Xenos Departmento Analyticus Technical Specifications: The technical specifications for this Tau unit have not been obtained or released by the Ordo Xenos.
XV22 Stealthsuit - XV22 Stealthsuit: The XV22 Stealthsuit is an experimental Tau Battlesuit that has been recently developed by the Earth Caste of the Tau Empire. Tau Battlesuit technology is constantly evolving as the Tau learn from experience and utilise their technology to overcome those obstacles that stand in the way of the Greater Good. The XV22 is a product of this innovation, and is the latest evolution of Stealthsuit technology that incorporates advances in cloaking technology, targeting systems and miniaturised Shield Generators. It has yet to be utilised by the Fire Caste on a large scale due to its experimental nature. Whilst the current marks of Tau Battlesuit are easily mass-produced and are known to be reliable, the XV22 is one of several models that are currently still in development. This is mainly due to the technological innovations used in the construction of the Battlesuit that the Earth Caste has not yet been able to produce on a large scale, as the XV22 carries far more technology and combat systems within its frame than even the XV8 Crisis Battlesuit.Currently, the XV22 has only been issued to trusted Fire Caste Commanders and in turn, some of their high-ranking subordinates. This way, the Battlesuits' performance can be assessed and analysed on the myriad of battlefields that the Tau confront as they seek to expand their empire. The XV22 Stealthsuit itself is of a similar mass to the XV15 and XV25 Stealthsuits, and is designed to fulfil a similar role in covert operations that require a high degree of stealth. Indeed, the XV22 was originally designed to replace the XV15 Stealthsuit as the standard Stealthsuit in the Tau armoury had it not been for the Kappa Mortis Incident, where the Imperial Ultramarines managed to recover captured XV15 Stealthsuit technology, requiring the Tau to rush the XV25 Stealthsuit into large scale production ahead of the XV22 since it was easier to manufacture and the Tau needed a new frontline Stealthsuit that the Imperium had not yet encountered. Whether or not the XV22 becomes approved for general use will be determined after its performance during the battles of the recent Third Sphere Expansion have been analysed. Thus far, it has proven effective, most notably when Commander Shadowsun ambushed a column of Leman Russ Tanks during the fighting on Mu'gulath Bay. While the Stealthsuit’s twin Fusion Blasters ensured that none of the lumbering battle tanks would survive to make a counter-attack, the ability to disappear into the terrain kept the foe from drawing an accurate bead upon her position. The future of the XV22 relies as much upon the performance of its users as theirs does on the success of the XV22 in combat.
XV22 Stealthsuit - Notable Users: Shas'O Shaserra, “Commander Shadowsun” – Commander Shadowsun is the overall commander of Tau Fire Caste forces after Commander Farsight splintered from the Tau Empire. Due to her rank and status, she is one of the few Tau Commanders who have been entrusted with the field testing of XV22 Stealthsuits. The XV22 was used successfully on the battlefronts of the Tau Empire's Third Sphere Expansion which she led.Shas'O Kais – Shas'O Kais was the Tau Commander who led Tau forces during the Dark Crusade. Whilst he was unsuccessful in securing the planet of Kronus for the Tau Empire, he survived the campaign. He utilised an XV22 Stealthsuit that was aesthetically different to that worn by Commander Shadowsun. His XV22 also mounted numerous Battlesuit Weapon Systems and Support Systems that differed from those of Commander Shadowsun.Shas'O Or'es'Ka – Shas'O Or'es'Ka was the Tau Commander who led Tau forces during the campaign to take the Kaurava System. He utilised an XV22 Stealthsuit that was very similar to Shas'O Kais’, though it made use of several different Battlesuit Weapon Systems and Support Systems.
XV22 Stealthsuit - Sources: Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition), pp. 27, 35Codex: Tau Empire (6th Edition), pg. 59Deathwatch: Core Rulebook (RPG), pp. 366-367White Dwarf 321 (UK), "The Kappa Mortis Incident", pp. 76-81Dawn of War - Dark Crusade (PC Game)Dawn of War - Soulstorm (PC Game)Shadowsun (Novel), by Braden Campbell
XV25 Stealthsuit - XV25 Stealthsuit: The XV25 Stealthsuit is one of the smallest of all the various Tau Battlesuits, and is designed for use in operations requiring a high degree of stealth. Fire Warriors serving in a Stealth Team specialise in covert operations such as infiltration, sabotage, reconnaissance and ambush. Stealth Teams are essentially the Fire Caste's special operations units. They are the "lone wolves" of the Tau military, typically operating independently of their Hunter Cadre. Suddenly appearing, as if stepping out from nowhere, a Stealth Team unleashes a hail of gunfire to cripple or eliminate their selected targets. Theirs is a secretive way of war, as they infiltrate enemy lines, seeking vulnerable targets to destroy. In order to pass unseen into enemy territory, Stealth Teams use light-bending disruption technology embedded in their sleek Battlesuits to camouflage themselves. Additional cloaking fields deaden sound and shield them from heat-detecting sensors, allowing them to penetrate deep into hostile regions before launching precisely timed ambushes.The XV25 Stealthsuit is designed to be worn by a single member of the Fire Caste, and is one of the smallest of all the various Battlesuit variants of the Tau, as a Tau in an XV25 Stealthsuit is hardly larger than a Fire Warrior in standard Tau Combat Armour; even though it offers far greater protection. However, this perfectly suits the XV25's role as the preferred Battlesuit of Tau infiltrators and saboteurs. XV25 Stealthsuits are significantly smaller than the XV8 Crisis Battlesuits, and, because of this, carry less weaponry. What Stealthsuits lack in firepower, however, they more than make up for with the ability to move almost unseen by the enemy until the very last instant. XV25 Stealthsuits are a relatively recent development of the Tau Earth Caste and shares many of the same features of its predecessor in the Tau armoury, the XV15 Stealthsuit. The XV15 Stealthsuit is currently being phased out of use by the Fire Caste and is being replaced by the XV25 Stealthsuit, which will serve as the new standard for all Tau forces in the years to come.
XV25 Stealthsuit - Available XV25 Stealthsuit Combat Support Systems: Below is a list of the most common available combat support systems that an XV25 Stealthsuit can be armed with:Advanced Targeting System – An Advanced Targeting System is a specialised target acquisition system that enables the Battlesuit pilot to automatically identify and pick out priority targets in the midst of combat.Counterfire Defence System – A Counterfire Defence System is a valuable artificial intelligence (AI) sensor suite first designed to counter the threat of charging Ork hordes. It incorporates logic circuits to ensure that assaulting enemies are met with a withering curtain of unerringly accurate Battlesuit firepower.Drone Controller - A Drone Controller acts as a hub for communications and interface between an operator and the AI battle programs of a number of Tau Drones. The Drone Controller device gives the user the ability to relay any additional targeting data they receive to their Drones, thus directing those automatons' fire more accurately at the target.Early Warning Override – An Early Warning Override sensor suite is calibrated to detect the electronic signatures of teleport beams and orbital-entry jump systems, and jolt the Battlesuit 's weapon systems to lock-on status before the target has a chance to react.Positional Relay - A Positional Relay digitally records detailed battlefield data and relays it in a tight encrypted radio burst to assets in orbit and squads held in reserve. Information sent usually includes battlefield terrain and status reports to allow the incoming units to make a better decision on where to deploy onto the battlefield and coordinate their actions as part of the overall combat strategy.Shield Generator - Battlesuit Shield Generators project cohesive energy fields around the Battlesuit that can deflect weapons fire and melee blows that would otherwise destroy the Battlesuit outright, whether such incoming fire be shots from heavy ordnance or anti-tank weapons.Stimulant Injector - A Battlesuit with Stimulant Injectors is fitted with advanced life support systems that are able to flood the Battlesuit pilot's body with painkillers, analgesic drugs, and other life-sustaining stimulants should he become badly wounded in combat.Target Lock - A Target Lock is a specialised target acquisition system that enables the user to engage different targets from the rest of the squad.Targetting Array - The Targetting Array is a relatively new application of the Target Lock technology used in vehicles and Battlesuits. It provides assistance to aiming at targets.Vectored Retro-Thrusters - A Battlesuit with Vectored Retro-Thrusters is equipped with additional thruster nozzles, giving a degree of additional manoeuvrability that is useful when escaping from combat.Velocity Tracker – The advanced motion detection and infared sensor systems built into a Velocity Tracker allows Battlesuit pilots to track the movements of airborne targets and effectively engage them with the Battlesuit’s weapons.
XV25 Stealthsuit - Ordo Xenos Departmento Analyticus Technical Specifications: The technical specifications for this Tau unit have not been obtained or released by the Ordo Xenos.
XV25 Stealthsuit - Sources: Apocalypse (6th Edition), pp. 180-181Apocalypse (4th Edition), pg. 161Apocalypse Reload, pg. 47Codex: Tau Empire (7th Edition), pp. 29, 47, 54, 56, 86, 107-108Codex: Tau Empire (6th Edition), pp. 43, 68-71, 100Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition), pp. 27, 35Codex: Tau (3rd Edition), pp. 16, 25, 35, 60Deathwatch: Core Rulebook (RPG), pp. 366-367Deathwatch: The Achilus Assault (RPG), pg. 16Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign, pp. 78, 282, 284Rogue Trader: Tau Character Guide (RPG), pg. 39War Zone Damocles: Kauyon, pp. 39, 109, 116, 185-186War Zone Damocles: Mont'ka, pp. 185White Dwarf 321 (UK), "The Kappa Mortis Incident", pp. 76-81
XV46 Vanguard Void Battlesuit - XV46 Vanguard Void Battlesuit: The XV46 Vanguard Void Battlesuit is a newly developed T'au Battlesuit that was designed by Earth Caste mechanics of the T'au Empire out of a need for a specialised battlesuit to explore space hulks. Initially conceived after a T'au expedition into the space hulk Mortis Thule in the Canis Salient of the Jericho Reach, these unique battlesuits have yet to see widespread use amongst the T'au Empire.Their primary function is the exploration of derelict voidships, and whilst the Vanguard Battlesuits are fairly bulky, they are not as large as the more common XV8 Crisis Battlesuits and XV88 Broadside Battlesuits which would struggle to manoeuvre through the restrictive wreckage and cramped corridors of ship interior environs.XV46 Vanguard Void Battlesuits are also comparatively difficult to produce, even for the technologically savvy T'au, because of the advanced and miniaturised technology they incorporate. As a result, few of these battlesuits currently exist in the T'au Fire Caste's arsenal.
XV46 Vanguard Void Battlesuit - Tactical Role: So far as the forces of the Imperial Achilus Crusade in the Jericho Reach can ascertain, the T'au have not yet had many encounters with the perils of a space hulk -- they are a fortunately rare occurrence by any estimation -- but the appearance of a conglomeration of derelict starships seems too great a wealth of knowledge and technology for their kind to ignore.Even with their limited experience of the hazards of a space hulk, the Tau have nevertheless learned that they are perilous places; and in their own way they have developed means to confront the dangers present aboard them.Utilising flocks of semi-intelligent DX-11 Exploratory Drones, commanded by a small number of Fire Caste warriors in specialised XV46 Vanguard Void Battlesuit armour, T'au expeditionary forces are small but well-equipped. Each adheres strictly to complex strategic doctrines that prioritise the survival of valuable assets over and above direct confrontations.
XV46 Vanguard Void Battlesuit - XV46-4 Vanguard Commander Variant Void Battlesuit: A more heavily built and equipped variant of the XV46 Vanguard Battlesuit, the XV46-4 is designed to be used by experienced T'au Commanders of Shas'el rank or higher.These battlesuits employ many of the same basic technologies as the standard XV46, but with many additional advanced and experimental systems; following the T'au custom of issuing cutting-edge technology to command personnel for field testing.The XV46-4 is primarily armed with a Flame Projector, like the standard XV46, an experimental EMP Blaster which can disable and disrupt enemy electronic systems at range -- causing them to go haywire -- and a Microburst Fragmentation Launcher which is relatively similar to the experimental Airbursting Fragmentation Projector.Unlike the normal XV46, the XV46-4 Commander variant is also fitted with extensive command and communication systems. Because the pilot of an XV46-4 is often a high-ranking Fire Caste officer with Terran years of experience in commanding T'au forces using advanced communications systems, these suits are valuable assets in the field, with normally only a single one assigned to any given T'au expeditionary force.The command uplink systems unique to this variant of the XV46 provides the T'au Commander access to a persistent stream of tactical and strategic information, allowing them a clear view of the theatre of battle. Using that information, the commander can assist their forces with precisely timed instructions to counter the actions of the foe.
XV46 Vanguard Void Battlesuit - Ordo Xenos Departmento Analyticus Technical Specifications: The technical specifications for this Tau unit have not been obtained or released by the Ordo Xenos.
XV88 Broadside Battlesuit - XV88 Broadside Battlesuit: An XV88 Broadside Battlesuit is one of the most heavily armoured T'au Battlesuit units that can be fielded by the T'au Fire Caste, and as such are only worn by the most experienced of T'au veterans.Whilst similar in design to the more common XV8 Crisis Battlesuit, the Broadside sacrifices mobility and manoeuvrability to be armed with some of the most devastating weapons in the T'au arsenal.In this way, they can engage and destroy the heaviest of enemy targets. Each Broadside Battlesuit carries firepower comparable to that of a battle tank, and these incredibly resilient battlesuits are most commonly deployed to provide punishing long-ranged fire support to T'au infantry in battle.
XV88 Broadside Battlesuit - Training: Pilots of XV88 Broadside Battlesuits are Fire Warriors who have progressed to the rank of Shas'ui; many of those newly promoted to the Shas'ui rank are assigned to Broadside Teams before moving on to the XV8 as the support role served by the Broadside makes it ideal for new pilots to learn the basics of battlesuit warfare while still inflicting devastation on the enemy.Those Shas'ui who have only been trained in the use of an XV8 Crisis Battlesuit can choose to transfer into XV88 Battlesuits for additional training after their initial assignment, or continue training in the XV8.However, within the Fire Caste's military academies, it is regarded as important that a Shas'ui should have some experience in an XV88 Battlesuit before they can be promoted to the rank of Shas'vre.Some pilot teams have performed the ritual of Ta'lissera and will transfer together to form a complete and bonded Broadside Battlesuit team. After serving their time piloting XV88s, a team will either return to the XV8 to complete their training, or, if they have performed exceptionally well, might all be promoted directly to the rank of Shas'vre.
XV88 Broadside Battlesuit - Available XV8 Battlesuit Combat Support Systems: Below is a list of the most common available support systems with which an XV88 Broadside Battlesuit can be equipped:Advanced Targeting System – An Advanced Targeting System is a specialised target acquisition system that enables the Battlesuit pilot to automatically identify and pick out priority targets in the midst of combat.Counterfire Defence System – A Counterfire Defence System is a valuable artificial intelligence (AI) sensor suite first designed to counter the threat of charging Ork hordes. It incorporates logic circuits to ensure that assaulting enemies are met with a withering curtain of unerringly accurate Battlesuit firepower.Drone Controller - A Drone Controller acts as a hub for communications and interface between an operator and the AI battle programs of a number of T'au Drones. It gives the owner the ability to relay additional targeting data they receive to the Drones, thus directing their fire more accurately towards the target.Early Warning Override – An Early Warning Override sensor suite is calibrated to detect the electronic signatures of teleport beams and orbital-entry jump systems, and jolt the Battlesuit 's weapon systems to lock-on status before the target has a chance to react.Positional Relay - A Positional Relay digitally records detailed battlefield data and relays it in a tight encrypted radio burst to assets in orbit and squads held in reserve. Information sent usually includes battlefield terrain and status reports to allow the incoming units to make a better decision on where to deploy onto the battlefield and coordinate their actions as part of the overall strategy.Shield Generator - Battlesuit Shield Generators project cohesive energy fields around the Battlesuit that can deflect weapons fire and melee blows that would otherwise outright destroy the Battlesuit, whether they be shots from heavy ordnance or anti-tank weapons fire.Stimulant Injector - A Battlesuit with Stimulant Injectors is fitted with advanced life support systems that are able to flood the Battlesuit pilot's body with painkillers, analgesic drugs, and other life-sustaining stimulants should he become badly wounded in combat.Target Lock - A Target Lock is a specialised target acquisition system that enables the user to engage different targets from the rest of the squad.Targetting Array - The Targetting Array is a relatively new application of the Target Lock technology used in vehicles. It provides assistance to aiming at targets.Velocity Tracker – The advanced motion detecting and heat seeking sensor systems built into a Velocity Tracker allows Battlesuit pilots to track the movements of airborne targets, and effectively engage them with the Battlesuit’s weapons.
XV88 Broadside Battlesuit - Battlesuit Wargear: Bonding Knife - A Bonding Knife is a ceremonial T'au blade that is not intended for combat, but is carried by the leader of T'au Fire Warrior teams who have performed the Ta'lissera ritual and bonded as a group. Battlesuit pilots may not actually carry a true Bonding Knife but instead have a similar knife design painted onto their armour.Ejection System (Special Issue) - An Ejection System provides the pilot of a Battlesuit a chance to escape catastrophic damage by ranged fire to his Battlesuit by ejecting the pilot at the last second. The pilot then has to fend for himself on foot.Hard-wired Drone Controller - A hard-wired version of a Drone Controller.Hard-Wired Multi Tracker - A hard-wired version of a Multi Tracker.Hard-Wired Target Lock - A hard-wired version of a Target Lock sensor system.
XV88 Broadside Battlesuit - Ordo Xenos Departmento Analyticus Technical Specifications: Serial Number85673-9081588Main Armament2 Heavy Rail Rifles (Twin-linked)DesignationXV88Vehicle CodenameBroadsideSecondary Armament2 Smart Missile Systems (Twin-linked)Vehicle TypeBattlesuitCrew1 PilotTraverse120°Weight3.8 tonnesElevation-5° to +70°Length1.7 metresAmmunitionVariableWidth1.9 metresArmour TypeNano-Crystalline Alloy; Composition Unknown to Adeptus MechanicusHeight2.8 metresMax Recorded Speed15 kilometres per hour
XV88 Broadside Battlesuit - XV88-2 Variant: The XV88-2 variant of the standard XV88 Broadside Battlesuit switches the mounting of the Heavy Rail Rifles and the variable weapons system in the shoulder and arm positions so that the Heavy Rail Rifles are attached to the arms and the other weapon system fires from the shoulders.The XV88-2 variant of the Broadside Battlesuit also possesses enhanced armour plating that has been tempered to better fit the shape of its chassis, and has extra stabilisers connecting the Heavy Rail Rifles to the battlesuit's chassis which are required because of the shift in weight balance after their repositioning.
XV88 Broadside Battlesuit - Sources: Apocalypse War Zone: Damocles, pg. 61Codex: T'au Empire (7th Edition), pp. 28, 48, 102, 105, 109Codex: T'au Empire (6th Edition), pp. 42, 103Codex: T'au Empire (4th Edition), pg. 40Codex: T'au (3rd Edition), pg. 30Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos (RPG), pp. 6-7Imperial Armour - Apocalypse II , pp. 59, 81Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign, pp. 175, 284Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign (Second Edition), pp. 147-148Psychic Awakening: The Greater Good (8th Edition), pg. 37Rogue Trader: T'au Character Guide (RPG), pg. 42Warhammer 40,000: Dataslate - T'au Firebase Support Cadre (Digital Edition)War Zone Damocles: Kauyon, pp. 183, 187War Zone Damocles: Mont'ka, pp. 119, 186
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - History: XV8 Crisis Battlesuits have been utilised almost since the start of T'au expansion into the space surrounding their homeworld and the nearby star systems in the Ultima Segmentum. Since then, the XV8 has been fielded in almost every single engagement of the Fire Caste against those who would oppose the Greater Good, from the largest such as the Damocles Gulf Crusade, to smaller instances such as the Kappa Mortis Incident.The advancement of the Battlesuit has mirrored the rate at which the T'au have expanded across the galaxy. The earliest prototypes were field-tested during the early stages of the First Sphere Expansion, and although they were successful, the going was slow. In 576.M39, improvements in anti-gravitic motors were combined with the relatively new T'au Battlesuit technology at the time to form the first T-series Battlesuits, which helped the Fire Caste complete the annexation of the Tash'var Sept.The earliest prototypes were field-tested during the early stages of the First Sphere Expansion, and although they were successful, the going was slow. The original fossil fuel-powered T-series was quickly replaced with the V-series, which used fission reaction, although radiation poisoning was still problematic. It was not until the end of that first period of rapid growth that Battlesuit technology began to regularly appear within the Hunter Cadres. Not surprisingly, it was at these final stages that the T'au won their largest battles, as the elite formations began to refine their tactics to take advantage of what the armoured suits could do.By the start of the Second Sphere Expansion, great strides had been made in XV8 Crisis Battlesuit design, particularly in the areas of power sources and the increased potency of weapon load-outs. By the end of this period, repulsor jump jet technology came into its own and the Hunter Cadres were conquering new planets in the name of the T'au Empire at a rate never before seen. At present, XV8 Crisis Battlesuits have never been more successful, and continual upgrades, different marks and variants, as well as new prototypes are continually being developed to advance the Greater Good.The devastating power of XV8 Crisis Battlesuits can be clearly be seen when looking back upon large scale conflicts during the T'au Empire's three spheres of expansion. During the Damocles Gulf Crusade, the Imperium learned the true power of the XV8 Crisis Battlesuit when their ground advances on Dal'yth Prime were met with timely counter attacks from T'au Battlesuit formations. Night was the worst, as under the cover of darkness, Fire Warriors in XV8 Crisis Battlesuits made swift, hard-hitting strikes.With their superior optics technology, major losses were inflicted upon the Imperial armour, with little damage being suffered in return. Humanity's elite Space Marines attempted to land behind T'au lines and regain the initiative, but were defeated by teams of heavily armed XV8s whose formidable firepower quickly downed their transports.
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - Available XV8 Battlesuit Weapon Systems: Below is a list of the most common available weapon systems that an XV8 Crisis Battlesuit can be armed with. It is possible for an XV8 to be armed with multiples of the same weapon.Airbursting Fragmentation Projector (Special Issue) – An Airbursting Fragmentation Projector is an experimental T'au weapon that scatters fragmentation bomblets over a wide area, at a height calculated by a simple AI (artificial intelligence) within each bomblet, to cause optimum damage.Burst Cannon – Burst Cannons utilise a similar form of plasma induction technology found in T'au Pulse weapons, and are multi-barrelled weapons capable of sustaining high rates of fire.Cyclic Ion Blaster (Special Issue) – The high-energy streams fired by Cyclic Ion Blasters react explosively with their target, vaporising flesh and metal with equal ease. Like all current T'au Ion Weapons, the experimental Cyclic Ion Blaster can be overcharged to generate a more devastating blast, albeit at a risk of overheating its primary power cells.Flamer – When used to fight massed, lightly armoured opponents, T'au Flamers are lethal weapons. They are most commonly used by Battlesuit teams fighting amongst densely packed terrain.Fusion Blaster – Fusion Blasters are anti-tank Melta Weapons that can reduce reinforced armour to molten slag in a blink of an eye. Many Battlesuit pilots have become adept at stalking enemy armour; using their high mobility to outflank the vehicles and engage their weaker side or rear armour.Missile Pod – A Missile Pod is a simple and effective delivery system for multiple high strength missiles at long range.Plasma Rifle – Plasma Weapons technology is used by many xenos races. Despite its highly unstable nature, the T'au favour a form of Plasma technology in their Plasma Rifles that forgoes stopping power for an increased level of safety for the operator.Twin-linked Battlesuit weapons systems can be also wielded by XV8 Crisis Battlesuits. In this case, a twin-linked weapon system takes up two hard-points on the Battlesuit's chassis rather than the usual one. Note that weapons considered special issue cannot usually be twin-linked due to their rare availability in the T'au armoury.
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - Available XV8 Battlesuit Combat Support Systems: Below is a list of the most common available support systems that an XV8 Crisis Battlesuit can be armed with.Advanced Targeting System – An Advanced Targeting System is a specialised target acquisition system that enables the Battlesuit pilot to automatically identify and pick out priority targets in the midst of battleCounterfire Defence System – A Counterfire Defence System is a valuable AI sensor suite first designed to counter the threat of charging Ork hordes. It incorporates logic circuits to ensure that assaulting enemies are met with a withering curtain of unerringly accurate Battlesuit firepower.Drone Controller - A Drone Controller acts as a hub for communications and interface between an operator and the AI battle programs of a number of T'au Drones. It gives the owner the ability to relay additional targeting data to the Drones, thus directing their fire more accurately towards the target.Early Warning Override – An Early Warning Override sensor suite is calibrated to detect the electronic signatures of teleport beams and orbital-entry jump systems, and jolt the Battlesuit's weapon systems to lock-on status before the target has a chance to react.Positional Relay - A Positional Relay digitally records detailed battlefield data and relays it in a tight encrypted radio burst to assets in orbit and squads held in reserve. Information sent usually includes battlefield terrain and status reports to allow the incoming units to make a better decision on where to deploy onto the battlefield and coordinate their actions as part of the overall strategy.Shield Generator - Battlesuit Shield Generators project cohesive energy fields around the Battlesuit that can deflect weapons fire and melee blows that would otherwise outright destroy the Battlesuit, whether they be shots from heavy ordnance or anti-tank weapons fire.Stimulant Injector - A Battlesuit with Stimulant Injectors is fitted with advanced life support systems that are able to flood the Battlesuit pilot's body with painkillers, analgesic drugs, and other life-sustaining stimulants should he become badly wounded in combat.Target Lock - A Target Lock is a specialised target acquisition system that enables the user to engage different targets from the rest of the squad.Targetting Array - The Targetting Array is a relatively new application of the Target Lock technology used in vehicles. It provides assistance to aiming at targets.Vectored Retro-Thrusters - A Battlesuit with Vectored Retro-Thrusters is equipped with additional thruster nozzles, giving a degree of additional manoeuvrability that is useful when escaping from combat.Velocity Tracker – The advanced motion detecting and heat seeking sensor systems built into a Velocity Tracker allows Battlesuit pilots to track the movements of airborne targets, and effectively engage them with the Battlesuit’s weapons.
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - Battlesuit Wargear: Bonding Knife - A Bonding Knife is a ceremonial T'au knife that is not intended for combat, but is carried by the leader of T'au Fire Warrior teams who have performed the Ta'lissera ritual and bonded as a group. Battlesuit pilots may not actually carry a Bonding Knife but instead have a similar knife design painted onto their armour.Ejection System (Special Issue) - An Ejection System provides the pilot of a Battlesuit a chance to escape catastrophic damage by ranged fire to his Battlesuit by ejecting the pilot at the last second. The pilot then has to fend for himself on foot.Hard-wired Drone Controller - A hard-wired version of a Drone Controller.Hard-Wired Multi Tracker - A hard-wired version of a Multi Tracker.Hard-Wired Target Lock - A hard-wired version of a Target Lock sensor system.
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - Battlesuit Pilot Progression: To the T'au, the XV8 Crisis Battlesuit is more than just a powerful weapon of war; it is also a symbol of great achievement. Being allowed to pilot an XV8 Crisis Battlesuit is considered a high honour by the T'au Fire Caste, and is only granted to those Fire Warriors who have earned the rank and privilege required to be granted this responsibility.Such a privilege can only be attained after several Terran years of progressing through the ranks of the Fire Caste as a Fire Warrior. A Fire Warrior will normally follow a standard rate of progression and advancement in the T'au military that is based around an evaluation of their skills called a "Trial by Fire."It is only once a Fire Warrior has proven himself in battle and completed his first Trial by Fire to earn the Fire Caste rank of Shas’ui that he is then given the honour of piloting an XV8 Crisis Battlesuit and becoming a member of the Fire Caste’s elite. This is the aspiration of every Fire caste warrior -- recognition of a mastery of the Code of Fire and noble service to the Greater Good.Becoming an XV8 Crisis Battlesuit pilot is one of the first steps to becoming a T'au officer, and those who take that step are experienced warriors who have fought the deadliest of foes and triumphed. Once a Fire Warrior has proven himself ready for more responsibility in a second Trial by Fire, he will then be promoted to the rank of Shas’vre and lead his own XV8 Crisis Battlesuit Team. If he succeeds at that demanding role, he will go on to be assigned to a T'au Commander's Battlesuit Bodyguard Team, and eventually will become a T'au Commander himself once he attains the rank of Shas'el.Further service and success in this role will then lead to a promotion to the highest Fire Caste rank of Shas'o. Most Fire Warriors who progress through these higher ranks will utilise an XV8 Crisis Battlesuit in battle, although some may choose to use other variants, such as the experimental XV9 Hazard Battlesuit and the XV25 Stealthsuit. Teams of Crisis Battlesuit warriors will have fought together for many years and, in many cases, will have performed the Ta'lissera ritual where the warriors swear oaths of communion and loyalty to one another, placing the welfare of the team ahead of their own personal desires -- and, if necessary, survival.
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - Battlesuit Operation: An XV8 Crisis Battlesuit pilot sits in a foetal position within the central torso section of the Battlesuit, and pilots the Battlesuit through a neural link that connects the Fire Warrior’s brain to the Battlesuit's control interface through a monofilament needle inserted through the back of the head. This disrupts the nervous system of the pilot and temporarily disconnects the body from the pilot's brain from the neck down. The Battlesuit control system then interprets movement signals from the pilot’s brain as the movements of the Battlesuit’s body, effectively making the Battlesuit the pilot’s new ‘body’.The XV8 Crisis Battlesuit contains many systems and hardware functions designed to assist the pilot in effectively commanding their troops. Among these are external sensors that display environmental readings. The suit also projects a holographic model of the Battlesuiton the pilot's visor which indicates the suit's current structural integrity and status. The pilot also has steady access to incoming data information that displays the status of each individual warrior under his command.In theory, damage to the Battlesuit unit, whether it be through the lopping off of limbs, the firing of bullets into the chassis, electrocution, burning, or the "beheading" of the primary optic sensor, will not cause pain or discomfort to the pilot inside. However, veteran Battlesuit pilots have been known to develop ho’or-ata-t’chel, which are sympathetic ghost pains and phantom reactions to external damage. This condition is also known as Battlesuit Neurosis, and can cause serious problems in the lives of Battlesuit pilots outside their Battlesuit. Fire Warriors have been known to be so traumatised at losing their Battlesuit's sensor cluster "head" that they have spent months in a psychosomatic coma. Some Battlesuit veterans at the end of their careers may also develop quirks such as trying to fly without their Battlesuit, or not being able to understand why they walk or move properly in normal life when their Battlesuit was damaged.
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - T'au Sept: Blinding Spear - 1 Shas'vre armed with a Plasma Rifle, Burst Cannon, a hard-wired Drone Controller with 2 Gun Drones and a Multi-Tracker support system; 2 Shas'ui armed with Plasma Rifles, Burst Cannons and Multi-Tracker support systemsFireknife - 1 Shas'ui bonded in the Ta'lissera ritual, armed with a Plasma Rifle, Missile Pod, Multi-Tracker support system and Drone Controller with 2 Gun Drones; and 2 Shas'ui bonded in the Ta'lissera ritual, armed with Plasma Rifles, Missile Pods and Multi-Tracker support systemsMonat - 1 Shas'ui armed with a Flamer, a Fusion Blaster, a Shield Generator and a hard-wired Drone Controller
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - Vior'la Sept: Burning Eye - A Shas'vre and 2 Shas'ui armed with Twin-linked Plasma Rifles and Target Lock sensor support systemDeath Rain - 3 Shas'ui armed with Twin-linked Missile Pods, Drone Controllers and 2 Gun DronesSun Forge - 3 Shas'ui armed with Twin-linked Fusion Blasters and Shield GeneratorsMonat - 1 Shas'vre bonded in the Ta'lissera ritual, armed with a Burst Cannon, a Fusion Blaster and a hard-wired Multi-Tracker support system
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - Sa'cea Sept: Ke'lshan'tsua'm'padroch'ul'syn - 1 Shas'vre armed with Twin-linked Plasma Rifles, a Target Lock sensor support system, a hard-wired Drone Controller and 2 Shield Drones; 1 Shas'ui armed with a Flamer, Fusion Blaster and Burst Cannon; 1 Shas'ui armed with Twin-linked Fusion Blasters and a Target Lock sensor support system
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - Tau'n Sept: Brightwind - 1 Shas'vre armed with a Burst Cannon, Plasma Rifle, Multi-Tracker support system and hard-wired Drone Controller with 2 Gun Drones; 1 Shas'ui armed with a Fusion Blaster, Missile Pod and a Target Lock sensor support system; 1 Shas'ui armed with a Missile Pod, a Plasma Rifle and a Multi-Tracker support systemDarkfall - 1 Shas'vre armed with Twin-linked Missile Pods, a hard-wired Blacksun Filter and a Drone Controller with 2 Gun Drones; 1 Shas'ui armed with a Shield Generator, a Flamer, and a Drone Controller with 2 Gun Drones; 1 Shas'ui armed with a Flamer, Fusion Blaster and a Drone Controller with 2 Shield DronesMonat - Monat configurations for the Tau'n Sept are determined by the tactical preference of the Tau operating the Battlesuit
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - Notable XV8 Battlesuit Variants: During the Taros Campaign, several variants of the standard XV8 Battlesuit were identified. One of these, the XV88 Broadside Battlesuit, was already well known to the Imperium from its actions during the Damocles Gulf Crusade. Others seemed to be personalised battlesuits used by T'au Commanders in battle. These were coded by the Imperium as the XV81, the XV84 and XV89, and all incorporate non-standard weapons and combat systems in addition to those seen on the standard variants of the XV8 Battlesuit.The T'au, being a young and dynamic species and faced with growing threats to the borders of their empire in the Eastern Fringe, were obviously seeking to improve the performance of their battlefield technology.As yet, only the most honoured commanders have access to this latest weaponry and other new technical developments. Recent developments in T'au technology have also yielded further XV8 Crisis Battlesuit variants. Most of these are still in prototype stages and have only been issued to experienced T'au Commanders to field test in battle.
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - XV8-02 Crisis Iridium Battlesuit: The XV8-02 Crisis Iridium Battlesuit was developed following the death of Commander Pridestar to a sniper's bullet and the subsequent rout of Fire Caste warriors during the Klodate Worlds Suppression. After this tragic event, the Earth Caste developed an experimental iridium alloy that was used to produce enough armour plates to reinforce a small series of battlesuits.The XV8-02 prototype offers T'au Commanders and their bodyguards optimal protection that is by far superior compared to the armour of the standard XV8 Crisis Battlesuit, and is often given to particularly valuable leaders to prevent future attempts at assassination by the enemy.
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - XV81 Crisis Battlesuit: The XV81 Battlesuit was designed in an attempt the counter the high casualty rate amongst T'au Commanders, whose zeal in battle often led to them being exposed to enemy fire whilst in support of their troops.Its back-mounted Smart Missile System allows the pilot to suppress enemy forces without leaving themselves vulnerable, and is intended to be used as a long-range fire support platform.Note that this Smart Missile System does not make use of a battlesuit hard-point, allowing the suit to retain its full complement of other weapons and combat support systems.
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit - XV84 Crisis Battlesuit: The XV84 Crisis Battlesuit is equipped with a spine-mounted Marker Light and Target Lock sensor support system to enhance its target acquisition capabilities in combat against multiple foes. Together, these additional systems fill up only a single XV8 Battlesuit hard-point.Pilots issued with this battlesuit variant are often called upon to fight away from the support of the rest of their cadre, whether buying time for their comrades to retreat and redeploy, or undertaking a surprise assault on the enemy.