Tau Evolution List
The original fluff from the HA with O 'Mesme. Cool.
Custodian, as said, it is now a massive strong ship:
+20pts for better shields, better batteries (tracking system), better Ion Cannon and more missiles then the FW counterpart.
A beast of ship someone will always take.
I think it is too cheap.
I really liked the HA original approach with 2/2 launch bays and 8 missiles. Much more fun. Would take it at 330.
Warden, good variant. Like it. (the 2 IC version is abusable and will fall badly among non-Tau players I feel).
Protector vior'la, is the FW variant ( a capable ship!) at -5 pts, with better Ion Cannon (arcs) and better batteries (tracking systems.
Protecot Tol'ku, hm, it adds 6 batteries for the loss of range on Ion Cannon and 2 missiles. hmmsels. Guess the tracking systems on 12 batteries are worth to take this variant. Under 30cm the vessel is a beast... 12 batteries and 2 ion cannon, that can be compared 18 batteries. There is no cruiser that can do that! In any fleet if I go quick on it. Perhaps the 260pts CWE Dragonship but... jeez. It can even do Imperial broadsides! 4 batteries and 1 ion cannon port starboard same time... no more weakness...
The vessel is heavily underpriced at 185 pts. I advice upping to 190 (frick the cruiser clash scenario no one plays
). Drop a launch bay on the Tol'ku and arcs on the batteries on the Tol'ku! Drop Ion cannon range on the vior'la.
Emissary, hmm. 110pts... but still not the much requested and and adviced 25cm and 90*.
dal'yth : never ever take it. Nice to have Wardens, but no missiles is really doh.
bor'kan: doh, missiles for launch bays = MUCH stronger!! So useable. But I advice to merge bor'kan and daly'th: 1 launch bay, 3 missiles.
sa'cea: gunship which has one mission: draw away fire from Protectors and die.
So much on the Emissaries : this is no envoy, diplomacy ship which can defend against or run away from pirates. It MUST get 25cm speed and 90* turns. Increase it to 125-130pts.
Please consider the Distant Darkness variant posted in the thread. It was received really well and is playable.
The 2nd shield is a wish from many but that's up to the rest: I do not warrant it I guess.
All in all I would not use this Emissary variant. The crux is still missed: speed & manoeuvrability.
Castellan: ooh. 45cm batteries. Nice. The LFR arc isn't needed I think (Distant Darkness is F only). Consider trading the arcs for +5cm speed.
Xenos: as other poster. Nicassar: modelling and/or alternative model options needed.
The fleet list..... Merging... GW and FW hmm.
I rather see a dedicated RAIDER / Fast strike fleet from the FW models, but alas.
I REALLY dislike the fact a Kor'O must lead the fleet if a Protector is present. Doesn't fit background. Having Kor'O's doing hunting and border patrols. tsk.
The Protector limit is odd. You know, this restriction doesn't matter. 2 per 500 means 4 per 750, right? But let alone of that: it just doesn't matter. Just make it unrestricted it won't change the local fleet setup.
Recap:
Custodian = overpowered
Protector = overpowered
Emissary = remains junk
Castellan = balanced thus good
Warden = balanced thus good
On the variants: fluff wise no fan of it as this fleet isn't developed by septs. So I would just drop the sept names on them and give them suitable other names.
Overall this fleet is stronger then the FW list.
1500:
Custodian 330
Warden*3 90
Protector*2 Vior'la 370
Protector*2 Tol'ku 370
Castellan*5 250
Kor'O 80
1490
or
Custodian 330
Warden*3 90
Protector*2 Vior'la 370
Protector*2 Tol'ku 370
Castellan*4 200
Kor'O + aun'el 105
1475
The second list would give me:
52 batteries @ 45cm (all with Tracking System!)
+ 6 batteries @ 30cm
= total 58
6 ion cannon @ 45cm
+ 7 ion cannon @ 30cm
= total 13
16 launch bays
34 missiles
Lets see the FW equivalent:
Custodian 310
Warden*3 90
Protector*4 760
Castellan*5 250
Kor'el + aun'el 75
1485
giving me:
32 batteries @ 45cm
+ 21 batteries @ 30cm
= total 53
8 ion cannon @ 45cm
+ 5 ion cannon @ 30com
= total 13
16 launch bays
38 missiles
So it might look almost even one most take in consideration that your new list means the Tau have much better batteries above 30cm (do the number times 1.25 to get a good value, thus having 64 bats instead of 52 really)). Better turrets (re-roll), better boarding. Better shields (Custodian). Less prow deflectors (Custodian/Emissary).
Main considerations:
variants
Custodian strength
Protector strength
Emissary junk
Fleet list
cheers!
ps, all is just in my own humble opinion.