I’m still quite enjoying exploring the Tau codex and I’ve noticed several things which seem to trip people up so I thought I’d take a leaf from Puppy’s Mistake Mondays and do one specifically for Tau. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of these were changed with an FAQ but until then, observe :).

1) A model with the Control and Command Node and/or Multi-spectrum Sensor Suit can still take advantage of the Interceptor special rule and CnC/M3S during your own shooting phase (i.e. fire a Quad gun).

2) A model shooting a weapon with the Interceptor rule does not restrict the number of weapons which can be fired in the next shooting phase, only the weapon which was fired cannot be used. This means a model with a Multitracker can fire two weapons in its own shooting phase plus a weapon with Interceptor (i.e. Quad Gun, Commander, etc.) as long as it’s not firing the same weapon again.

3) Multi-trackers don’t allow multiple weapons to be fired in Overwatch – it’s one weapon more than normal in the Shooting phase.

4) Missile Drones do not benefit from a Drone Controller. (and if you haven’t got this yet, seriously!)

5) Riptides can be joined by independent characters which gives them access to a whole host of special rules including Stealth/Shrouded, Hit & Run, Tank Hunter, etc.

6) Broadsides can still Hit & Run if a model in their unit has the USR – they simply cannot purchase Vectored Retro-thrusters.

7) Supporting Fire can be used even if the unit being charged does not have this special rule – including Battle Brothers (Allies); the only restriction is friendly models with this special rule must be within 6″ of the unit being charged.

8) Drones attached to vehicles must shoot at the same target as the vehicle until (or if) they disembark.

9) Invocation of the Elements is activated at the beginning of the Ethereal’s Movement phase, lasts until the next Movement phase for the Ethereal (unless the Ethereal dies) and affects all units with a model within 12″ of the Ethereal – this works from a Devilfish as well (measure from the vehicle’s hull).

10) Storm of Fire is only when shooting Pulse weapons at half distance – this means Pulse Rifles shoot once from 15.1″ to 30″ and three times at 15″ or under.

Understand and don’t be caught out by these again! I’m sure there’s more but these seem to be the most regular ones opponents or players seem to be surprised about when they are informed thusly.