| abstract | - Shield Drones consist of an advanced processor unit, which individually has only a basic intelligence (approximately equal to that of a small animal such as a pterasquirrel), and moves about by way of a small anti-gravitic generator and a much modified version of a Tau Jetpack. This allows the Shield Drone to hover over the ground and skim over most obstacles. As they hover over landscapes, rotating back and forth, their sensor vane constantly transmits vital information about their surroundings. In battle, Shield Drones will commonly serve under a Tau officer who commands it through the use of an electronic device known as a Drone Controller. Shield Drones that are attached to a Tau squad can be controlled by a Drone Controller, whether it is in the form of a support system for a Tau Battlesuit, or a hard-wired piece of wargear for Tau infantry. A Drone Controller is an electronic device that can be used by the Tau to further enhance their connections and control over their robotic companions. A Drone Controller acts as a hub of digital communications between the Drone's operator and any Drones that are nearby the user. It acts as an advanced interface between the operator and the artificial intelligence (AI) combat programs of the Drones, and is often used to direct the Drones’ firepower far more efficiently and with a level of accuracy far greater than would otherwise be possible on the battlefield. A remarkable feat of Earth Caste engineering, the artificial intelligence of Drones increases when they are networked together into squadrons, greatly increasing their processing speed and capability for independent action. Such deadly squadrons of Drones have no need for Tau controllers and are capable of impressive tactical feats, and operating independently for long periods of time without the need for close supervision. Operating in such a capacity significantly increases the intelligence and processing speed of all the Drones in the squadron through the networking of processing, targeting, and sensor systems, making the whole far more deadly than the sum of its parts. Whilst the most common types of Drone squadrons consist entirely of Gun Drones, in very rare instances entire squadrons have been altered to fit different roles -- such as the Shield Drone barrier used with some success in the great tank duels of the Almo'th Plains. So deeply do the Tau believe in the Greater Good, that even their Drones are programmed with self-preservation protocols -- in the face of what the AI deems to be hopeless odds, a Drone will attempt to escape rather than stand and fight. While, at need, Drone Squadrons might be used in high-risk missions or purposefully moved to block enemy paths towards the Fire Warriors, the Tau do not consider Drones to be disposable and the Drone artificial intelligence will analyse every possibility in order to ensure its own survival. Shield Drones attached to a Tau Stealthsuit Team are always upgraded with stealth field generators, which allows them to operate without compromising the Stealthsuit Team's own ability to remain undetected.
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