Yeah, as it stands it's a very shitty version of the shittier Riptide.

Firstly, needs Character.

As for ideas for what gear it brings, I'd suggest that it has a rule or wargear piece with the following stuffs:

'Battlesuit Command Data Hub:
The XV107b 'Starslayer' is a pinnacle of battlesuit technology - part traditional war machine, part mobile headquarters. The Starslayer may elect to activate it's data hub at the beginning of each turn, to better command and bolster the lesser Battlesuit systems under it's command. Activation lasts for a full player turn. While the data hub is active, you may choose one rule from the following list:

Preferred Enemy
Fearless
Monster Hunter
Tank Hunter
Skyfire

This special rule applies to all models within 12" of the Starslayer. While using the data hub, the Starslayer cannot move, shoot, assault, or undertake any other voluntary action. It is hit automatically in close combat and cannot make any attacks. However, defensive protocols activate to protect the Starslayer from attack while it uses the data hub. The Starslayer counts as having the Stealth special rule and the Flechette Discharger wargear item while it is using the data hub.'

So he deactivates and takes control of the HUD in all the battlesuits, streaming targetting information from his Battlesuit's advanced sensors and such, while they protect him as he sits there buffering. I need a clause to say that you don't have to give everything within 12" Skyfire since it makes you Snap Shot at ground targets, but I can't think of a succinctly-written statement.

Armament-wise is pretty much up to you - I liked your idea of Railguns with Submunitions, although there's a lot of other guns you could choose.

 

I rather like that idea, actually. However... would Stealth matter since it already has a 5++?

Also need to add that Drones are allowed. For obvious reasons.

I'm thinking a variation weapon. Something less than a hammerhead but more than a Broadside. Maybe Heavy2 Heavy Rail Rifles w/ Heavy2 Small Blast submunitions?

 

I rather like that idea, actually. However... would Stealth matter since it already has a 5++?

Yeah - stick one foot in area terrain and you get a 4+, which is nice, and if you manage to get a 4+ terrain piece covering your 25% then bully for you.

I'm thinking a variation weapon. Something less than a hammerhead but more than a Broadside. Maybe Heavy2 Heavy Rail Rifles w/ Heavy2 Small Blast submunitions?

That sounds pretty feasible. I'd keep the Submunitions as Large Blasts, one shot, Twin-Linked, but then Heavy 2 on the Solid Shot profile (Str8 AP1, yes?).

 

Tau XV107b 'Starslayer' Battlesuit - 275 pts

WS 2
BS 3
S 6
T 7
W 6
I 2
A 3
Ld 10
Sv 2+

Unit Type: Monstrous Creature (Character)
Wargear: R'varna Battlesuit, Riptide Shield Generator, 2 Heavy Rail Batteries, Drone Controller
Special Rules: Nova Reactor - R'varna Class, Supporting Fire, Master Tactician, Not To Be Outdone, War Asset, Battlesuit Tactical Program, Battlesuit Command Data Hub

May purchase up to four Drones (no more than two of each) from the following:
Shielded Missile Drone (25), Command Link Drone (20), Recon drone (25), Grav-Inhibitor Drone (20).

Heavy Rail Battery: When firing a Heavy Rail Battery, the controlling player selects if it is firing solid shot, or submunition rounds. Both Rail Batteries must fire the same ammo at the same time.

Solid Shot: 60" S8 AP1, Heavy 2, Twin Linked
Submunition: 60" S6 AP4, Heavy 1 Large Blast, Twin-Linked

Master Tactician: In an army containing an XV107b Starslayer, this model must be nominated as the Warlord. It may choose one Warlord Trait from either the Farsight Enclave or Tau Empire Warlord lists.

Not To Be Outdone: No hero of the Tau Empires would ever allow itself to be led by artificial intelligence. If an army contains an XV107b Starslayer, no named characters may be taken. The Exception to this rule is Ob'lotai 9-0, who may be purchased in the same manner as a bodyguard for Farsight.

War Asset: Even with its advanced Command & Control fuctions, the battlesuit is still a heavy piece of war material. An XV107b Starslayer is a Heavy Support choice in a Farsight Enclave army.

Battlesuit Tactical Program: The Starslayer possesses advanced tactical targeting and defensive systems, but these are limited only to compatible software. In an army with an XV107b Starslayer, only vehicles, drones and units with battlesuits may be selected.

Battlesuit Command Data Hub: The XV107b 'Starslayer' is a pinnacle of battlesuit technology - part traditional war machine, part mobile headquarters. The Starslayer may elect to activate it's data hub at the beginning of each turn, to better command and bolster the lesser Battlesuit systems under it's command. Activation lasts for a full player turn. While the data hub is active, you may choose one rule from the following list:

Preferred Enemy
Fearless
Monster Hunter
Tank Hunter
Skyfire (individual units may choose firing modes, as per usual)

This special rule applies to all models within 12" of the Starslayer. While using the data hub, the Starslayer cannot move, shoot, assault, or undertake any other voluntary action. It is hit automatically in close combat and cannot make any attacks. However, defensive protocols activate to protect the Starslayer from attack while it uses the data hub. The Starslayer counts as having the Stealth special rule and the Flechette Discharger wargear item while it is using the data hub.

 

Master Tactician: In an army containing an XV107b Starslayer, this model must be nominated as the Warlord. It may choose one Warlord Trait from either the Farsight Enclave or Tau Empire Warlord lists.

War Asset: Even with its advanced Command & Control fuctions, the battlesuit is still a heavy piece of war material. An XV107b Starslayer is a Heavy Support choice in a Farsight Enclave army.

Don't these two rules contradict each other? If he has to be the warlord, surely he would take a HQ slot and not a heavy?

 

Exactly so. You still have mortal commanders running the battle, but the Riptide is the important tactical hub.

In RAW terms, Warlord is just a designator for Slay the Warlord and its benefits, while HQ is just a force org slot.

 

Ah right gotcha - Carry on! This is quite interesting to read!

 

I think this dude is pretty dang awesome.

 

I'm rather fond of it myself. I added in the options to take a few different drones, some rare ones, to indicate it's command and control nature. Dropped the BS back to standard 3, but twin-linked the guns. This means the Drone Controller's not too OP.

 

So here's a question.... should I restrict the Starslayer to Farsight? Or allow both, but limit the Command Hub to only battlesuits, drones and vehicles?