What Happens If You Join Tanith?

If you join the Tanith First and Only, you become part of a legend – a ghost legion forged in the fires of tragedy. You join a band of survivors, shaped by loss and bound by an unbreakable camaraderie. You enter a life of constant warfare, characterized by desperate battles fought on unforgiving worlds. You will be pushed beyond your limits, tested in ways you never imagined, and face death daily. You will learn to rely on your brothers and sisters in arms, and you will discover a loyalty that transcends blood. Joining Tanith is not a path to glory, but a path to survival, etched with sacrifice and defined by the haunting memory of a lost homeworld.

A Regiment Forged in Fire

The Tanith First and Only, often simply referred to as “Gaunt’s Ghosts,” is a unique regiment within the Astra Militarum of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Understanding what it means to join them requires understanding their tragic origin and the character of their leadership. Their homeworld, Tanith, was destroyed by Chaos forces immediately after the regiment’s founding, leaving them as the sole survivors of their planet. This cataclysmic event forged them into something more than just soldiers; it made them a family bound by shared grief and a relentless determination to endure.

The Experience of a Tanith Trooper

Joining the Tanith First and Only is a commitment to constant combat. Their specialized role often involves reconnaissance, infiltration, and dangerous frontline engagements. Here’s what you can expect:

• Relentless Warfare: Expect to be deployed to some of the most dangerous warzones in the galaxy. The Tanith are often sent on missions that other regiments would deem suicidal.
• Guerilla Tactics: The Ghosts excel in stealth and unconventional warfare. Expect extensive training in camouflage, infiltration, and close-quarters combat.
• High Casualties: Due to the nature of their missions and the intensity of the conflicts they face, the Tanith First and Only has suffered consistently high casualty rates. Death is a constant companion.
• Unwavering Loyalty: Despite the hardships, the Tanith are fiercely loyal to each other and to their commanding officer, Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt. This bond is the bedrock of their survival.
• A Life Without a Home: As the last of Tanith, the soldiers carry the weight of their lost world with them. This shared grief fuels their determination but also adds to the psychological burden of their service.
• Training and Discipline: While unconventional in some aspects, the Tanith First and Only maintains a high level of discipline. Expect rigorous training, both in combat skills and in maintaining the traditions of their lost homeworld.
• Unique Culture: The Tanith maintain aspects of their pre-Imperial culture, including distinctive dialect, woodcraft skills, and spiritual beliefs. This cultural identity is what keeps them connected and grounds them amidst the chaos of war.

The Leadership of Ibram Gaunt

Ibram Gaunt is the charismatic and respected Colonel-Commissar who leads the Tanith First and Only. His leadership is crucial to their survival. He is not just a commander but a father figure to many of the Ghosts. His decisions are often controversial, but always driven by a desire to protect his troops.

• Gaunt’s Trust: Gaunt places a high degree of trust in his officers and soldiers. He often delegates authority and encourages initiative. This trust is earned through loyalty and competence.
• Gaunt’s Resolve: Despite the immense pressure and the constant losses, Gaunt never wavers in his determination to lead the Tanith to victory. His unwavering resolve inspires his troops to fight on, even when all seems lost.
• Gaunt’s Burden: Gaunt carries the weight of responsibility for the entire regiment on his shoulders. He is constantly forced to make difficult decisions that impact the lives of his soldiers. This burden takes a heavy toll on him, but he never allows it to break him.

Joining: More Than Just Enlistment

Joining Tanith is more than just signing up for a military organization; it is embracing a legacy of loss, sacrifice, and unwavering hope. It is a commitment to fight for a future that may never be, driven by the memory of a past that can never be recovered. The Tanith First and Only is not just a regiment; it is a family forged in fire, and joining it means becoming a part of that family, for better or for worse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of person thrives in the Tanith First and Only?

Individuals who thrive in the Tanith First and Only are typically resilient, resourceful, and possess a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie. Adaptability is crucial, as they face unpredictable situations and challenging environments. A willingness to learn and a capability to maintain composure under pressure are also highly valued.

2. What are the primary weapons and equipment used by the Tanith?

The Tanith First and Only are known for their lasguns, standard-issue weapons in the Astra Militarum, but they also heavily utilize specialized equipment like sniper rifles, demolition charges, and recon gear. Their expertise lies in stealth, infiltration, and reconnaissance, so their equipment reflects those skills. They are also skilled in the use of Tanith knives, crafted by the woodcraftsmen of their home world.

3. How does the Tanith regiment differ from other Astra Militarum regiments?

The Tanith differ from other Astra Militarum regiments in several key ways. Their guerilla warfare tactics, their high casualty rates, and their shared experience of losing their homeworld all contribute to their unique identity. The Tanith are more independent and self-reliant than many other regiments. The strong leadership of Colonel-Commissar Gaunt also sets them apart.

4. What are some of the key skills acquired by Tanith soldiers?

Key skills acquired by Tanith soldiers include stealth and camouflage, infiltration and reconnaissance, close-quarters combat, survival skills, marksmanship, and demolition expertise. They are also trained in woodcraft and possess a deep understanding of their environment. Their mental fortitude is equally important; they must be able to withstand the psychological stresses of constant warfare and loss.

5. Is there a formal application process to join the Tanith First and Only?

Given their unique status and the circumstances of their creation, there is no formal application process in the traditional sense. The Tanith First and Only primarily recruit from survivors of war zones and those deemed suitable by Colonel-Commissar Gaunt or his officers. Entry is often a matter of chance and circumstance rather than structured recruitment.

6. What is the role of the Tanith woodsmen in the regiment?

The Tanith woodsmen are highly valued members of the regiment, possessing exceptional skills in stealth, camouflage, and survival. Their knowledge of terrain and their ability to move undetected make them invaluable for reconnaissance and infiltration missions. They are also skilled craftsmen, able to create tools and weapons from natural materials.

7. How does the loss of Tanith impact the psychology of the soldiers?

The loss of Tanith has a profound impact on the psychology of the soldiers, creating a shared sense of grief, loss, and displacement. This collective trauma fuels their determination to fight on, but also leaves them vulnerable to psychological distress and the temptations of despair. The memory of Tanith serves as both a source of strength and a constant reminder of their loss.

8. What is the relationship between the Tanith First and Only and the Imperial Guard High Command?

The relationship between the Tanith First and Only and the Imperial Guard High Command is often strained. Their unconventional tactics and the high casualty rates they suffer often lead to mistrust and misunderstandings. Gaunt often clashes with superiors, advocating for his men and questioning orders that he deems reckless or unnecessary.

9. Are there any female soldiers within the Tanith First and Only?

Yes, there are female soldiers within the Tanith First and Only. They are treated as equals to their male counterparts and play vital roles within the regiment, demonstrating the same courage, skill, and dedication. Brin Milo is one of the famous female soldiers in Tanith.

10. How does the Commissariat influence the Tanith First and Only?

The Commissariat, represented by Colonel-Commissar Gaunt, plays a crucial role in maintaining discipline and morale within the Tanith First and Only. Gaunt’s position as a Commissar ensures the regiment’s loyalty to the Imperium and enforces adherence to Imperial doctrine.

11. What are some of the notable battles and campaigns the Tanith have participated in?

The Tanith First and Only have participated in numerous notable battles and campaigns, including those on Fortis Binary, Verghast, and Gereon. These engagements tested their skills and resolve, pushing them to their limits and solidifying their reputation as a formidable fighting force.

12. How important is faith in the Emperor to the Tanith soldiers?

While the Tanith are part of the Imperium, and therefore expected to adhere to the Imperial Cult, their faith is often intertwined with their pre-Imperial beliefs. They respect the Emperor as a figure of authority, but their spiritual practices also incorporate elements of their Tanith heritage.

13. What rank can someone expect to achieve within the Tanith First and Only?

Rank advancement within the Tanith First and Only is based on merit, experience, and survival. Opportunities for promotion arise as soldiers demonstrate their competence, leadership skills, and unwavering dedication to the regiment. The high casualty rates within the regiment mean that advancement can often be rapid, but also perilous.

14. How does the Tanith First and Only handle internal disputes or conflicts?

The Tanith First and Only handle internal disputes and conflicts through a combination of informal mediation and formal disciplinary procedures. Gaunt and his senior officers often act as mediators, resolving conflicts through discussion and compromise. However, serious breaches of discipline are dealt with swiftly and severely. The strong bonds of camaraderie within the regiment often help to prevent disputes from escalating.

15. What is the long-term future of the Tanith First and Only?

The long-term future of the Tanith First and Only remains uncertain. Their continuous deployments to war zones and the high casualty rates they suffer mean that their numbers are constantly dwindling. However, their reputation for resilience, skill, and unwavering loyalty ensures that they will continue to be deployed where they are needed most, fighting for the Imperium’s survival. Their legacy, forged in fire and etched in the memory of a lost world, will endure as long as they continue to fight.