Great and worthy Magistrate, I have hope that this latest entry will give you much pleasure. My quest has indeed sent me to many far and alien planets, often in vain. Searching for the relics and information you requested has eluded me for much time, but I believe this will be of utmost interest to you. To access the file simply enter the location of our first meeting discussing my employment followed by your Imperial authorization code. If what you find pleases you, I will immediately send you the original for your further viewing.

-****** ******** ****[coded]


:::Entry code required:::
...awaiting input...awaiting input...await...
WARNING!!! INVALID ENTRY!!! WARNING!!!
:::Further failed input will result in lockout:::
*******************[enter]
:::Entry code confirmed. Copy will erase after file is closed.


The Emperor protects. To those whom it may concern, the following is, as required, my report on the primitive alien race as well as the rather pristine planet upon which they inhabit. Regardless of any "redeeming" qualities they may seem to have, in the end they are worthless, yet the planet is quite obviously of benefit to the Imperium. The whole of this report simply catalogs my observations on their culture, interactions and society, though a small portion is intended to focus on their aspect of war in the event colonization is chosen rather than viral bombing. And we Serve.



Section 1.00a- To describe these xeno accurately, as a species, it is insufficient to simply refer them as one catalog. Instead, the entirety of the race seems to have developed almost empty DNA sequences, where large parts of their helix is simply vacant of information. Within single generations it seems as though they possess the ability to alter their own genetics vastly, while still retaining key traits that identify them within their own tribes, or perhaps sub-race as a preferable descriptive term.

One of these "sub-races'', short stocky creatures, possess greater physical strength than the others, while unwieldy in battle, and have displayed much greater interest in my technology than the others. Within hours of my first encounter they pestered me with repeated attempts to barter for weapons, lights and recording devices. I note them only because of their astounding intelligence, which seemed to increase as I watched them. It seems that simply by observing the items and artifacts on my person and accompanying servitors, their minds adapted to understand things dozens of milenia beyond them. Astounding, yet revolting, for this was clearly heresy, an afront to the Machine God! No being could display such quick aggregation of knowledge without instruction. Upon observing this I immediately departed from their camp.

The other sub-races resemble to a degree each other, with subtle differences. One such tribe dwells solely in the mountains, odd webbed filament between their limbs giving them a gliding flight. Another seems to be athletic, strong and lithe and obsessed with aggression, warfare and weapons. Yet another appears to be concerned with deceit, trading and talking more than they should be. To imagine such diversity and development among such a primitive, young species is quite concerning.

Section 1.00b- The culture, while certainly different among each tribe as well as the varying sub-classes, is for the most part organized as an alpha pack. At the head of each tribe and "nation" is a powerful individual, though gender does not seem to play a part, with both male and females being allowed to lead. Beneath them are lieutenants of varying authority. Yet while clearly respect and honor are paid to the leaders, they for the most part seem to live largely as equals to their tribes. Housing is fairly primitive, as to be expected, yet even the chieftan lives in sparse quarters, often as I have observed even less adorned than those they lead.

Within the tribes, bartering is the main form of trade, though it is clear that a monetary system is soon to follow, as some items clearly have steady values, and precious metals bring more worth than food, water or medicine. It is interesting to note that while almost all other things they consume is cooked, fish is instead eaten raw, sliced and rolled with some white grain like substance and consumed...

*To be continued *

The sushi jibe is great, and this whole post is fantastic! Keep it up I look forward to reading more, good job.

-tis

A good read overall, very good writing quality. However, there are a few points that I would like to bring up.

First, I thought it was the Kroot who had a DNA with blank sections, which they could fill in with DNA of their prey? I don't remember the Tau ever being referenced as having such, and while they advance quickly, mostly it is the technological advancement that is noted much more than the biological.

The second is that, unfortunately, the divergence of the Tau occurred long after the Imperium earmarked it for development. In the codex it references



Some of the traits you ascribe to the Tau of this era seem a bit off as well. I seriously doubt the Earth caste, as technological as they are, would be able to understand technology Milena beyond them, especially in the course of a few hours. There also isn't mention anywhere of the Water caste being deceitful, just really good traders and negotiators.

Maybe from the perspective of the Tau. But if your looking at it from the perspective of the Imperium, a highly xenophobic race who fear and hate all aliens. Its more likely that they would see them that way.