KY'VASH RECON CADRE

CADRE FIREBLADE

Cadre Fireblade Shas'el Yr'anto.

Not all warriors of the Fire Caste seek to don the 'Mantle of the Hero' - a T'au Battlesuit - once their time amongst the infantry has come to an end. Those with the aptitude and inclination may instead remain on foot, leading the bulk of T'au military forces in up-armoured, quasi-powered armour based on the standard Firewarrior raiment. Such warriors are - usually, though not always - limited to the rank of Shas'el, partly due to the increased likelihood of death faced by infantry when compared to those who pilot battlesuits meaning few live long enough to earn that highest honour, the rank of Shas'O. Some do, however, often ending their service as backline generals and strategists, providing tactical support for the more combat-capable suit-pilot Shas'O. 

Note the Strike Team markings, both a reminder of Yr'anto's past, and signal of his chosen bodyguard unit.

The infantry-heavy nature of the Ky'Vash Fire Caste has led to a higher proportion of such leaders among their number, with the majority of active - which is to say, non-training or tactics assigned - Shas'el serving as Fireblades, a term taken from the ubiquitous bonding knife that most wear as part of their combat raiment. It is common for such warriors to be the last remaining members of bonded infantry units, grizzled and prosthesis-enhanced veterans  who serve as much as examples to younger warriors as they do as combat leaders. 

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So, I don't love the basic Fireblade model, it's a little wide, a little... awkward? As such, I've done some modifications to make this one a little more my speed. The arm is from the Pathfinder box, and the helmet is a basic Strike one, which is all I really needed to switch out to make a more restrained take. I have something planned for a second, Breacher-themed one, too, but that's for later. For now, wahey, that's my first vow done! The second is... Bigger. It'll all be showing up here, eventually. 

Also, what are our thoughts on the black helmet with big marking? I'm considering doing something similar for squad leaders. Maybe JUST the black, or half camo/half black. We'll see.