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Tau are organised in teams of warriors originating from the same Septs, often bound by the Ta'lissera. These teams are grouped into an all-arms combat force known as a Hunter Cadre under the leadership of a Tau Commander. In many cases, an Ethereal will accompany the force, and the balance of teams will be selected for the particular hunt to be undertaking.^{[Needs Citation]}

Composition

The typical Hunter Cadre will have up to six Fire Warrior Teams, normally transported in Devilfish troop carriers, in addition to Pathfinders, Stealthsuit and Crisis Battlesuit Teams. It also includes a handful of vehicles, from general units such as Hammerhead Gunships to more specialized versions such as Sky Rays. Auxiliary troops, including Kroot, Vespid and Gue'vesa, are attached to the Cadre for specific tactical roles.^[2] A Hunter Cadre will therefore have anywhere between 50 to 100 Tau, which can easily be carried by a Manta Missile Destroyer.^[1]

However, each Hunter Cadre maintains a stockpile of equipment and vehicles, allowing it to fulfill a variety of roles.^[2] Some of these specialized formations include the Armoured Interdiction Cadre, Rapid Insertion Force and Swift Protector Wing.^{[Needs Citation]}

Tactics

The two most common methods of warfare employed by Hunter Cadres are the Mont'ka and Kauyon. Each method is taught by the great Fire Caste academies on each Fire Caste world and have their own adherents amongst the Shas'o and Shas'el masters. They are both based on two approaches to hunting; Kauyon involves bringing the prey to the hunter, Mont'ka involves the hunter running the prey to ground.^{[Needs Citation]}

Kauyon - Patient Hunter

In the Tau Lexicon, the words "hunter" and "patience" are derived from the same root. This technique is the oldest of the Tau techniques and has the most variations. Essentially the technique relies on the interaction of the hunter and the lure. In recent times, auxiliary troops such as Kroot or Gue'vesa are used as the lure, although some septs still regard the role as one that honours both hunter and prey and allow only bonded Fire Warrior teams to undertake it. The lure's role is to expose itself to the prey and draw it into a position where it can be killed by the hunter. The more subtle Commanders have been known to use the absence of troops as a lure. Once the prey is in position, the lure is free to escape or help the hunter as the situation dictates. Hunters are frequently equipped with Crisis, Stealth or Broadside Battlesuits with weapons carefully selected for the particular battle at hand.^{[Needs Citation]}

Mont'Ka - Killing Blow

Roughly translated, Mont'ka is the "Killing Blow". It is the art of identifying a target of opportunity and attacking it swiftly with a Hunter Cadre, often deployed from a Manta missile destroyer. A Cadre pursuing the Mont'Ka may stand in readiness for several days awaiting the command to strike. During this time they will plan exact movements they will perform when the call comes. Often the decision to strike will come from a Shas'el or Shas'o with a good view of the enemy or the input of well-sited Pathfinders. It is firmly believed that the bond of trust between the Cadre that conducts the Mont'ka and the Commander who orders it brings honour to both. The attack will immediately be called off if the prey is too resilient or evasive.^{[Needs Citation]}

Related Articles

• Tau Lexicon

Sources

• 1: Codex: Tau (3rd Edition), pg. 15
• 2: Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition), pg. 22