Need help: FW Tau vs Nids

[Trasvi]

I just played my first game against 'nids, using the Forgeworld Tau fleet, and got thoroughly stomped. Usually when I lose I can see major things that I did wrong, but here I can't really see how I could have prevailed

The game was 1000pts, and I was using my standard list: 1 Custodian, 2 Protector, 4 Castellan, 2 Warden. Its done pretty well for me in the past.
His list was 8-Carrier Hiveship, 6-Carrier+Forward Gun Hiveship, 5 Escort Drones wLances, 3 Krakens, 4 Vanguard, and 1 Cruiser.

The amount of ordnance and torpedoes he was launching every turn just completely shut down my entire ordnance phase - he got first turn and so had somewhere between 14-28 fighters in play at once. I ran my ordnance against the wall of fighters for a few turns before he closed in; there were a few bloody lance volleys and boarding actions, and then I was dead. I killed the Vanguards and the Cruiser, and was wiped out in return.

Does anyone have some tactics advice for playing against such a list? It seemed that nothing I could do would break through his fighter wall, on top of that him being able to get every single special order he wanted was a nightmare for me.

[Valhallan]

the hiveships must be destroyed or at least braced at all costs. use your escorts to suicide into his threatening ord waves. he doesnt have too many ships screen yourself from his escorts with bombers.

nids are rough good hunting

[lastspartacus]

Fix nids

[horizon]

Tau per FW rules or draft rules?

[Trasvi]

The forgeworld rules - our group still wants to wait to see if/when the draft becomes official.

I was wondering if it is possible to game the nid's auto-special orders rules: I've gotten a few Nicassar Dhows, and with their 180* turns maybe I could keep them zipping around behind the Carriers?

[horizon]

FW then:
Personally I do not use the Custodian below 1000pts.
And If I use the Custodian I will always and ever take 3 Wardens. A Must take!

If you drop Custodian/2 Wardens you'll have 370points:
Either 2 Protectors, or 1 Protector and more Castellans.

I think this is less eggs in one basket and more versatility. You'll gain missiles. Tau missiles are kewl mega awesome. They add range.

Either : go total overkill with missiles/AC on his big carrier or his 2 cruisers.
His fleet is slower, make use of it.
Use Castellans (and/or Wardens) to take out escorts (Kraken) which come to close.

[Valhallan]

reading 'distant sun' might help too

[horizon]

Good call.