Auxiliaries and the Genius of Hobbyists

 The Dream of Coalition

Since the first codex in the early 2000's the Tau were described as leading a diverse coalition of alien and even human factions under the banner of the Greater Good. Now, whether they were coerced, brainwashed, convinced or contracted, was irrelevant to the fact that the Tau were only one piece of what was hopefully going to be a pretty unique puzzle.

We're 20+ years later and we have two auxiliaries (Kroot and Vespid) despite having, well, this many:

The Galg are multi-limbed tentacled creatures from the planet Adummin. Young Galg oil is used as a hallucinogenic.

The Tarellians: Saurian aliens who's home worlds were destroyed by the Imperium.

The Greet: are an invertebrate species from the Ocean World of Isla'su. Aquatic, they contribute to the Greater Good with advanced hydroponic farms and aquaculture. Known to have vessels called Lineships and Stealthers.

The Ji'atrix : are ethereal aliens skilled in void-faring.

The Morralian: little is known other than they deploy 'Deathsworn' who fight with the Tau. Morralian young's skin are used as luxury robes by the Drukhari.

The Ranghon: little is known other than they deploy 'Battleborn' who fight with the Tau.

The Anthrazods: are a sturdy but dim-witted race used by the Tau for asteroid mining. When directed by the Demiurg or Earth Caste, the Anthrazods can build city substructures and transport tunnels like no one else.

The Brachyura: are a small race unparalleled in the construction of Earth Caste Plasma Generators. They resemble the tiny crabs of Terra. They possess a fierce technical intelligence. They help the Earth Caste in construction and manufacturing on the micro and macro level. Using tiny tools, the Brachyuran excel at delicate construction like creating and engineering the circuitry and small mechanisms of Tau suits and systems which results in more refined and finely tuned technology.

Boaburi: aided in the rebuilding of Dal'yth.

Charpactin: sentient fungal growths that joined the Tau recently. Their ability to subdue and calm individuals is unparalleled, able to counter even the effects of Nurgle's taint on plague zombies and return consciousness to these individuals. 

Demiurg: we now know them as "Kin". The Thurm and Sry'tok brotherhood have trade agreements with the Tau and are responsible for trading ion technology to the Tau several thousand years ago.

Domati: they deploy "Wyrmships" to support Tau fleet actions.

Formosians: joined the Tau in 896.m40 through the diplomacy of the Golden Ambassador. 

G'nosh: known for cargo hauling.

Hrenian: deploy "light infantry" in Tau actions.

 Jagordians: they created the "scepter of unity" for Aun'Wei

M'uh'ja: assisted in rebuilding Dal'yth after the Damocles Gulf Crusade.

N’deemi: intelligence experts.

Phosiab: can see in 9 dimensions.

Nagi: also known as Mindworms. They live in colonies and act as advisors, notably to Ethereals and high ranking officials.

Thraxians: chitin covered and multi-armed and known for close combat. Joined in the 1st Sphere.

Vorgh: giants, simple but can be driven to anger

Nicassar: the first race to join the Tau. Incredible telekinetics described both as ursine and birdlike. Operate in Lifefleets and Dhows and are used to scout ahead of Tau fleet actions.

Yabi-Yabi: a space bound race.

Pohu-Agg: an extremely aggressive species.

Ostense Council: a mercenary entity

Phoroki: unknown

Nin'aenh: notably defeated by the Tau and forced to compliance.

Strousii: known for their use of Neural weapons.

Ulumeathic: trade parters, single world left after empire destroyed by Gorgon

But the human imagination thrives on possibility and today we'd like to share with you some notable aliens that have come up through the years both officially and otherwise so that it might inspire you and your bitz box to make something cool.

To begin with, we have the original Gue'vesa (Human Helpers) made by Andy Hoare. You'll have to hunt the internet for some examples since GW has taken it off their website and take a trip in the WayBack Machine.

https://web.archive.org/web/20080420071331/http://uk.games-workshop.com/tau/tau-auxiliaries/

Eastern Empire: Started by the legendary Tael who also began Advanced Tau Tactica, an excellent source of Tau fandom. Tael is responsible for at least one of this alien species being showcased in Australian White Dwarf (and thus "soft" canon... but canon nonetheless)

Naga: a reptilian species technologically uplifted by the Tau.

Pete the Wargamer recently posted this how-to video about his Skravayok

In the end, we just want variety, so here's hoping we get some new options in the next edition (I'm sure we'd settle for just different vespid models or more of the new excellent kroot).

Until then, the possibilities are always endless for you and the bitz. If you have something cool you've seen or your own work, be sure to share with us!