Tarellian

The Tarellians are a vassal species of the Tau Empire in the 41st Millennium, driven to near extinction by both the Humans of the Imperium of Man, and the Tyranids.

History
During the Great Crusade, the Imperium of man decimated the Tarellian homeworld via virus bombing, slaughtering the majority of the planet's population. Millenia later, the Tarellians lost many of their colonies to the Tyranids. Desperate and almost extinct, the Tarellians accepted sanctuary from the Tau, who granted them citizenship within their empire. Despite not sharing the Tau's belief in the philosophy of the Greater Good, the Tarellians often hire themselves to the Fire Caste as mercenaries. Up to the present, the Tarellians maintain a deep hatred for Humans and Tyranids, and so would take any opportunity to fight either species.

Biology
Tarellians are a reptilian species that are are narrow-waisted, broad shouldered and slightly shorter than most humans, with long, snouted faces.

Culture
Tarellians are a spacefaring race found in much of the galaxy. Commonly known as Tarellian Dog-soldiers, due to their snouted faces and mercenary work. Like many non-human races they suffered at the uncaring hands of the Imperium of Man, during the Great Crusade the Imperium virus bombed most of their home worlds, nearly wiping the species out. Since the holocaust the Tarellians held a great grudge against the Imperium and humanity. Recently the Tarellians have contracted to fight under the Tau, serving as mercenaries in their armies as they hold the Tau to be reliable clients and also to join in the war against humanity.

Appearance

 * Kill Team (Novel) by Gav Thorpe (2001)
 * Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook (1998)
 * Codex: Tyranids (5th Edition) (2010)
 * Storm of Damocles by Justin D. Hill (2016)