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Spheres of Expansion
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The Spheres of Expansion are distinct phases in the expansion of the Tau Empire.[1a]
Overview
- The First Sphere of Expansion (502.M37-936.M38)[1b] was launched from T'au and lasted roughly a millennium for the Tau. It was a period of unprecedented growth that saw eight fully settled Septs established as well as the assimilation of new races such as the Kroot.[1a]
- The Second Sphere of Expansion (018.M39 - ~700.M41)[1b] was launched by Aun'Wei across previously unreachable regions of space and saw Commander Puretide score a wide range of victories. It came to the end when the Tau crossed the Damocles Gulf and reached the borders of the Imperium.[1a]
- The Third Sphere of Expansion (997.M41 - ~999.M41)[1b] was launched by Aun'va shortly after the Great War of Confederation. Led by Commander Shadowsun, it drove deep into eastern Imperial territory[1a] before being largely halted due to heavy Imperial counterattacks and scorched-earth tactics at the Damocles Gulf[2]
- The Fourth Sphere of Expansion (999.M41)[2] was launched shortly after the formation of the Great Rift. Utilizing new anti-matter engines to allow for FTL travel, the Sphere was the subject of a massive disaster and thought lost for many years. However it soon became apparent that part of the expedition survived on the other side of a wormhole now known as Startide Nexus.[3]
- The Fifth Sphere of Expansion (~M42-Present)[2] was launched at the heels of the ill-fated Fourth and is the current Tau campaign of expansion.[2] The Expedition moved through Startide Nexus and has re-initiated contact with the lost Fourth.[3] Badly mauled during the Battle of the Startide Nexus, though still functional and expanding.[3][4]
- The Sixth Sphere of Expansion is currently being planned.[4]
Sources
- 1: Codex: Tau Empire (6th Edition)
- 2: Warhammer 40,000 8th Edition Rulebook pg.134
- 3: Codex: Tau Empire (8th Edition) pg.22-23
- 4: Codex: T'au Empire (9th Edition), pgs. 26-27