[Harlequin2]

Ogryn Auxiliaries (Elan’Gue’la)
Ogryns turning up in the service of the Tau Empire during the Taros Campaign, from then on, they have been fighting alongside their blue skinned comrades till the bitter end. Tau Commanders using these Ogryns have found them a great addition as their strength and stamina are useful in a Mont’ka attack, and their presence quickly alerts the enemy and brings them out, allowing for a Kauyon ambush.
Unlike their Imperial Counterparts, the Ogryns are not simply given a gun and told to wander off, and they are not genetically enhanced. Instead, they are given little less training than a normal Firewarrior, though they are given special oils and vitamins to enhance concentration levels and learning. Those that survive their Trial by Fire go on to learn for about three years, and then revered as an Elan’Gue’ui and more responsible, and as such, are given and increased choice in wargear.
Ogryns cannot really fit in a Devilfish, they are too bulky, and their weight would grind the skimmer to a halt, however, the Ogryns do not mind of this restriction, as they are wary of confined spaces anyway. Meanwhile, it took a while for the Fio to realise why so many Burst Cannons were being broken – the Ogryns were using them as weapons in close quarters. The Tau couldn’t really stop the Ogryns from their act, and their Burst Cannons keep breaking, and breaking, and breaking, much to the Earth Caste's dismay...

[table][tr][td] [/td][td]Cost[/td][td]Ws[/td][td]Bs[/td][td]S[/td][td]T[/td][td]W[/td][td]I[/td][td]A[/td][td]Ld[/td][td]Sv[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Elan'Gue'la[/td][td]30[/td][td]4[/td][td]3[/td][td]5(6)[/td][td]4[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]2[/td][td]8[/td][td]4+[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Elan'Gue'ui[/td][td]+10[/td][td]4[/td][td]3[/td][td]5(6)[/td][td]4[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]9[/td][td]4+[/td][/tr][/table]

Team: A team of Ogryn consists of between 3 and 10 Ogryns.
Weapons: Burst Cannon

Character: One Ogryn (Elan’Gue’la) may be upgraded to an Elan’Gue’ui at a cost of +10 points. However, you may not choose anything from the Infantry Armoury if you choose this option.

Options: The entire Ogryn squad may be given Photon Grenades for +1 point per model and/or EMP Grenades for +3 points per model. The Elan’Gue’ui, if any, may also be given a Targeting Array for +10 points, a Blacksun Filter at +3 points and/or a Target Lock for +5 points.
The entire Ogryn squad may also reinforce their Burstcannons for +5 points each. This no longer gives the Ogryns the "Ooops! I broke it!" special rule.

Special Rules
For da Greata’ Good: There is something about the path of the Tau’va that catches Ogryns starry-eyed, who then truly believe, that they really are fighting for the Greater Good, and refer to the Ethereals like they did to their old Generals and Commanders. As such, Ogryn Auxiliaries count as a Tau Unit when using Ethereals’ and/or Aun’va’s special rules.
Ooops! I broke it!: Dispite joining up with the Tau, the Ogryns still haven't banished their habit of malhandling their guns in close quarters. This often leads in them breaking. At the end of the Ogryn's combat round, roll a D6 for each Ogryn. Each roll of 1 breaks the Burstcannon that Ogryn is holding, it can no-longer be used in the shooting phase, but still confers a +1 Strength characteristic.
Mmmm... Clubby!: The Ogryns have found, like their old Ripper Guns, the Burstcannons made a nice club, even though they break quite easily. This gives them a +1 Strength characteristic, already shown in the statline.


Basically, the Elan'Gue'la are just normal Ogryns, except they are made into a shooty version to fit the Tau playing scheme. They are still a good shield unit, and can hold their own in close quarters, but they can also cause abit of damage from range. They're like beefed up Stealth Suits if you will. They also have additional options, since I deemed it fit they should.

Comments and Constructive Critisism welcome!

[Wargamer]

I seem to recall being told Ogryn Auxiliaries have rules already in IAvol3...

[Harlequin2]

You mean the Taros Campaign? I know, but I've decided to make different rules for them, though not all that different, just what I think they should be shown as. Of course, using the ones in an Imperial Armour book won't get you hassle from the enemy player, but I think this set is a worthy substitute.

[Falstead]

In IAvol3 the ogryn auxiliary are a unit upgrade for gangs of auxilary miners.

I like there rules, they're fun, but I think the jet pack option is a bit much. The weight and unareodynamic form of an ogryn doesn't lend it self well to this concept.

Instead I'd suggest keeping them as is. Perhaps the option to attach shield drones to the squad? Or perhaps not on second thought, that could be quite devestating.

[khanaris]

I do like the idea of Drones following the Ogryns around (perhaps that is how the Tau keep them on task). But I would scrap the Jetpacks. It just seems a little too goofy.

[Fish Ead]

I agree about removing the jetpack option. I'm picturing a Barney Gumbal with rocket pack like situation there .

Also, I'd get rid of the bit about the tau reinforcing the burst cannons just so you could have a rule called "Not Ogryn Proof". There could be a chance that an Ogryn breaks his gun in every round of combat he fights. Cue the "I did bad" sound effects. ;D

[Wargamer]

I'd just stick with Ripper Guns; I can picture a Shas'El stood there, ripping his topknot out in frustration as an Ogryn smashes his ninth Burst Cannon...

[Falstead]

Originally Posted by Fish Ead

Also, I'd get rid of the bit about the tau reinforcing the burst cannons just so you could have a rule called "Not Ogryn Proof".

Actually I love this!

Perhaps if the Ogryns if the Ogryns fight in a round of combat from that point on their guns have the "get's hot" special rule. To counteract the obvious disadvantage this gives, let them get the normal +1 strength bonus for Ogryn combat weapons!

[Harlequin2]

I did actually in the proto-type rules set put a "Weapons Break" special rule, but then I thought again about it, and removed it. I'll put in the "Close Combat Get Hot" special rule, and I'll remove the jetpacks as suggested. Thanks! ;D

[shaso kunas]

i think they sould have drone 'minders' to follow them around and keep them on task, if all of these are killed you could have a special rule that makes them wander off and do their own thing, not attack the tau, just not attack the enemy, not shoot, run towards the enemy screaming or someat like that