The Kroot Hounds are alien beasts bred by the Kroot for hunting and war. They’re fast, vicious, and loyal only to their handlers, making them a terrifying addition to any T’au force.
What are the kroot hounds?
Kroot Hounds are quadrupedal creatures that evolved from the Kroot as an evolutionary dead end, but unlike other dead ends, they aren’t culled by their kin. Instead, the Kroot keep them as hunting beasts and war hounds.
They’re about the size of a large dog, with wiry frames and a row of sensory ganglia running down their spines. These ganglia make them incredibly alert, able to detect even the stealthiest intruders. They share the Kroot’s beak-like jaws, though theirs are set in a permanent underbite, giving them a particularly ugly look.
- Quadrupedal pack hunters, evolved from Kroot.
- Sensory ganglia along the spine for heightened detection.
- Size of a large dog, wiry but tough.
- Temperamental and prone to attacking their keepers.
Roles in kroot society
In Kroot settlements, Hounds serve as watch-beasts. Their keen senses can pick up approaching foes, and they’ll raise a shrieking alarm that scares off most infiltrators. With a handler, they can be trained to make softer sounds, letting the Kroot set ambushes.
They also patrol camps. If no T’au allies are nearby, the Kroot sometimes let them loose to hunt as a pack, trusting them to ambush anything they find. When allies are present, handlers accompany the pack to prevent ‘accidents’.
High-ranking Kroot like Shapers use Hounds as guards. In battle, they’re unleashed to flank enemies and drag down even large foes. Many an Imperial Guardsman has been executed for running from them.
On the tabletop
Kroot Hounds are fast, aggressive units that excel at harassing flanks and chasing down fleeing enemies. They’re driven into a frenzy by the scent of blood, and their speed lets them punch through enemy lines to catch vulnerable targets.
In the current edition, they have the Loping Pounce ability, which lets them charge after Advancing. At full tilt, a pack can move up to 30″ in a single turn, outpacing some aircraft. The Hunting Hounds ability also boosts their Objective Control to 1 when a Character is nearby, making them useful for grabbing objectives.
- Loping Pounce: can charge after Advancing.
- Top speed of 30″ per turn.
- Hunting Hounds: OC 1 when near a Character.
- Best used to flank and chase down weak units.
Kroot hound packs
Kroot Hound Packs are large groups of Kroot and Hounds fighting together. The Kroot often break enemy morale first, then release the Hounds on the retreating unit.
These packs have seen action in the T’au campaigns on Kronus and Kaurava. On Kronus, Shaper-bred Hounds were gifted to Commander O’Kais after he liberated their homes. On Kaurava, Shas’O Or’es’Ka used them to track down select prey.
Key facts
- Kroot Hounds are quadrupedal evolutionary dead ends of the Kroot.
- They have sensory ganglia along their spines, making them excellent watch-beasts.
- They’re temperamental and can attack their handlers if not controlled.
- In battle, they’re used to flank and chase down fleeing enemies.
- On the tabletop, they can move up to 30″ per turn and have Objective Control 1 when near a Character.
FAQ
What are Kroot Hounds?
They’re quadrupedal pack hunters bred by the Kroot from an evolutionary dead end. They serve as watch-beasts, guards, and war hounds.
How fast are Kroot Hounds in Warhammer 40k?
In the tabletop game, a pack can move up to 30″ in a single turn using their Loping Pounce ability, which lets them charge after Advancing.
Can Kroot Hounds be used by T’au Empire armies?
Yes, they’re a Kroot unit that can be included in T’au Empire forces. They’re often fielded alongside Kroot Carnivores and Shapers.