TAU FIRE WARRIOR
His body armour is constructed in two layers. The outer face is a hard, ultra-dense nanocrystalline metal, bonded to an inner layer ol high-performance, thermo-set. molecular polyethene. The inner layer acts as energy-absorbent padding for energy dispersal. This helps prevent blunt trauma effects from high-velocity impacts. The highly advanced materials used in its construction are very resilient to penetration and lightweight compared to more conventional materials such as plasteel. The construction techniques are unknown as the Adeptus Mechanicus are forbidden from investigating dangerous alien technology by the Ordo Xenos. The elongated and thickened left shoulder pad acts as an additional protective shield, especially when the Fire Warrior is kneeling with the weapon at his shoulder, covering that side of the warrior's body with extra armour. This Fire Warrior proclaims his allegiance to his racial home world of Tau by carrying the symbol of that Sept on his shoulder pad and chest. It is thought that the distinctive domed Tau combat helmet includes many systems. Communication equipment, night vision sensors, targeting and range-finder information, and access to the command network. It is believed that the helmet includes some form of visual relay, but this is unconfirmed. The markings on his helmet are rank insignia, indicating the Fire Warrior is of the rank of Shas'ui (believed to be broadly equivalent to that of an Imperial Guard Sergeant). This Tau's personal weapon is his pulse carbine. A short-barrelled, lightweight version of the more common pulse rifle, often issued to scout units and for special operations. The carbine sacrifices range for portability and is especially useful at close quarters. The weapon generates an induction field which is used to propel a particle. The particle reacts to the field by breaking down into a plasma state (referred to as a pulse). Power is provided by a powercell, which must be replaced after 50 shots. Tau powercells are a standard fit for all weapons. A pulse carbine includes an under slung photon grenade launcher as standard. The single-shot grenade launcher fires a standard issue photon grenade over a short distance. The pulse carbine also mounts a remote thermic sight, which combine with the weapons advanced stabilisers and recoil reduction make it highly accurate during aimed fire. This Fire Warrior's only other weapon is his bonding knife. Not intended for combat the eremonial knife is a symbol that this warrior and his team have performed the Ta'lissera ritual, and that all members of the team are bonded together. It is a rite of deep significance to members of the Fire Caste, pledging themselves to fight together until the last man. A common Fire Caste saying is 'Only in death are the bonded parted'. As well as the knife itself, the Fire Warriors of a bonded team often stencil the knife symbol on their armour. Here it is present on the right thigh guard. From his belt hangs a sensor unit. The purpose of this device is unknown, although commonly issued to team leaders it is thought to be some form of sensor and tracking equipment. Hanging from the webbing braces are two pouches for additional pulse powercells, and two smaller signal flare pellets. These have not been encountered before and are believed to be used for visual communication or as a back-up to standard communications for marking his team's location. The standard issue webbing belt contains pouches for extra powercells and a container for photon grenades. These can be armed and thrown by hand or loaded into the grenade launcher. A photon grenade is primary a defensive weapon, detonating with a powerful sonic blast and multi-spectrum light which dazzles and disorientates the enemy. Although non-lethal the effects can be severe and long lasting. He has also been issued with EMP grenades. These weapons emit a brief but powerful electro-magnetic pulse which overloads circuitry, causing melt downs and malfunctions. EMP grenades cannot be fired from the grenade launcher. The Fire Warrior's one-piece coveralls are constructed of a composite nanocular thread, which has a microscopic, super-dense mess of fibres that help prevent projectile punctures and slashing penetrations, whilst remaining flexible. The material the fatigues are constructed from is also chemically treaded to retard flames and the effects of most irritant gases or chemicals. The fatigues are hardwearing and suitable for most environments, and are issued in a variety of colours. This warrior also carries an unusual item, never seen before. The bulky container is believed to be a water evaporator and storage unit. Each team was issued one for the Taros campaign, to provide an emergency level of water in the desert conditions. A Tau's physical capabilities to resist the effects of dehydration are unknown, but believed to be far in excess of human norms.  This is Shas'ui Ta'she, leader of a Fire Warrior team of Shas'el K'irri's Hunter Cadre. He is shown equipped for a night-time raid on an Imperial Navy airfield. Although the mission was successful, Ta'she was killed in the action.
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This Tau Fire Warrior wears the standard issue combat uniform, armour and equipment common to all members ot the Fire Caste when In the field.