Cadre Fireblade

Cadre Fireblades were once Fire Warriors like any other in the Hunter Cadre, and as they gained experience, they rose to become Shas'ui - veterans and squad leaders. Whereas most of these seasoned leaders eventually choose the great honour of donning a Battlesuit, there are a few who instead prefer to remain amongst the infantry with the Fire Warriors.

The military path that takes a warrior to become a Cadre Fireblade means that they will never rise to the rank of Shas'o -- they are limited to a level just beneath that of Shas'el. Nor does the title carry with it the élan associated with those who pilot a Battlesuit. Nonetheless, a Cadre Fireblade, or Shas'nel in the Tau Lexicon, is a highly respected role - not least because of their willingness to forgo prestige. The constant drilling and workman-like efficiency of a Cadre Fireblade is, to the Tau, a willing embrace of their most central societal philosophy, the Tau'va - the Greater Good.

Archetype Abilities

Tier: 2

Species: Shas T'au (Fire Caste)

Keywords: TAU, FIRE CASTE

XP Cost: 92

Attributes: Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 3

Skills:  Athletics 1, Awareness 2, Ballistic Skill 4, Leadership 3, Tech 2, Weapon Skill 2

Inspirational: Any ally within 12 metres of you gains +Rank bonus dice to Resolve and Conviction Tests.

Additionally, when an ally within 12 metres of you makes a ranged attack with a PULSE weapon, you can use your Reaction to make a Leadership Test, with DN equal to 2 + the Target's Defence. On a success, the ally may increase their weapons Salvo rating by +Rank for that attack.

Wargear: Tau Combat Armour, Fireblade Pulse Rifle, Bonding Knife, Markerlight, 3 Photon Grenades, Mess Kit.

Choose up to two drones from the following list;

• Gun Drone

• Marker Drone

• Shield Drone

Influence: +1

Renown: 50

Whilst a part of the T'au Empire, Agents who take the Cadre Fireblade Archetype can never be equipped with any form of Battlesuit, nor take an Archetype which grants one.