Kroot

"They are fierce indeed these Kroot, and savage. I look upon them and tremble at their ferocity. I can only hope that when the enemy sees them they tremble as I do."

- Por’vre Tau Cho, Water caste envoy. The Kroot are a carnivorous humanoid species that frequently appears throughout the galaxy, native to the world Pech. They are a member species of the Tau Empire, but they also seem to be known mercenaries.

Biology
The Kroot belong to the genus "Krootis", common to 90% of the vertebrates species native to their homeworld Pech.

History
The Kroot worlds have long been a part of the Tau Empire ever since a Tau expeditionary force helped liberate several Kroot enclaves from Ork domination.

Military
Kroot warrior have a stric code of honour, and in return for the support of the Tau empire, supply large numbers of warriors as exlclusive mercenaries. Their self-sufficiency and uparalleled fieldcraft are a major asset to the Tau and a useful contrast to their more technologically dependent masters.

Whilst the Tau find the Kroot's predilection for eating the flesh of vanquished foes barbaric, it is hoped that prolonged exposure to the Tau's sensibilities and culture will eventually purge them of this distasteful habit. Despite this, the Kroot are afforded virtually the same level of respect as a Tau, since their skill at arms is much valued by the less physically able Tau. The Kroot are honoured for their martial prowess and are rewarded for their effors, as befits loyal citizens of the tau empire.

Krootox
The Kroot utilise Krootox as beasts of war. They saddle them and mount upon their backs an overlarge version of the Kroot rifle, which is crewed by a single Carnivore rider. The Krootox are large and solid enough to provide a stable and mobile firing platform for the weapon, while at the same time serving as powerful assault troops in close combat. While relatively placid under the control of a Carnivore, the Krootox become enraged by the presence of an enemy and their hugely powerful arms and fists are capable of staving in vehicle hulls and power armour with equal ease.

Knarloc
Knarloc Riders operate in groups of three to six Knarlocs and riders and are often delayed by Knarlocs feasting on the corpses of the prey they have just killed. While not as fast in the open as a Pathfinder team mounted upon its modified Devilfish carrier, the Knarlocs are far better suited for moving through terrain that armoured vehicles would have problems traversing. When moving through forests, jungles and swamps, the Knarlocs are stealthy. When launching an ambush it is common for the riders to dismount, sometimes using their mount as additional concealment or cover. Other Kindreds, generally those in possession of more vicious beasts, utilise them more like heavy cavalry. Knarloc riders equip themselves according to the character of their mount and the tactics they intend to employ against the enemy. Those riding the more aggressive mounts sometimes carry crude spears or lances, while those utilising the more stealthy beasts carry a longer version of the Kroot rifle. Others carry the more common version of the standard fire arm, which, thanks to its muzzle- and stock-mounted blades, makes an effective weapon close up as well at range.