The Kroot Carnivores are the rank-and-file warriors of the Kroot species, fighting as mercenaries for the T’au Empire. They’re known for their savage combat style, their habit of eating fallen enemies, and their ability to adapt their DNA by consuming other creatures.
Who are the Kroot?
The Kroot are a humanoid xenos species with avian ancestry, native to the world of Pech. They’re best known for their genetic shaping, which lets them absorb traits from the creatures they eat. This has made them invaluable to the T’au Empire, who employ them as auxiliaries.
In battle, Kroot Carnivores are organised into squads of ten to twenty warriors. They’re led by a Shaper, a Kroot who guides the squad’s genetic development and spiritual well-being. The Imperium often refers to them simply as ‘Kroot Carnivore’.
They fight for reward rather than ideology, though they do follow a strict code of honour. Their savagery is viewed with distaste by their T’au allies, but their effectiveness as shock troops keeps them in high demand.
- Common auxiliaries in T’au armies, often deployed as skirmishers or flankers.
- Armed with Kroot Rifles and Tanglebomb Launchers; Shapers may carry T’au pulse weapons.
- Can be accompanied by Kroot Hounds and Krootox, beasts that add melee punch and fire support.
Origins and the T’au alliance
Thousands of years ago, an Ork Rok crashed on Pech. The Kroot ate the survivors, absorbed their DNA, and used the Ork technology to build their first cities and spacecraft. They eventually spread to nearby worlds but were later driven back by Orks.
By M38, the T’au First Sphere of Expansion arrived and helped the Kroot reclaim their homeworld in the War in the Place of Union. After liberation, the Shaper Anghkor Prok swore allegiance to the T’au Empire, and many Kroot have served as mercenaries ever since.
Biology and the shaping
The Kroot’s defining trait is their ability to incorporate genetic material from what they eat. This ‘shaping’ lets them adapt to new environments and threats. It’s also why they eat their fallen enemies, a practice that horrifies other races.
Over time, this has produced many subspecies, such as the Kroot Hound and Krootox. Some Kroot even develop psychic abilities. Their homeworld Pech is now a sacred site, where Kroot return to share genetic material.
On the tabletop
In Warhammer 40,000, Kroot Carnivores are a Troops choice for T’au Empire armies. They’re cheap, fast, and good in melee, making them ideal for grabbing objectives or screening more valuable units.
They can be upgraded with a Shaper, and may be joined by Kroot Hounds or Krootox. Their rules have evolved over editions, but they’ve always filled a light infantry role that complements the T’au’s shooty battlesuits.
Key facts
- Kroot Carnivores are the most common Kroot mercenaries serving the T’au Empire.
- They’re organised into squads of 10-20, often led by a Shaper.
- They can be accompanied by Kroot Hounds and Krootox.
- Their ability to absorb DNA through eating is called ‘shaping’.
- They were liberated from Ork occupation by the T’au in M38.
FAQ
What are Kroot Carnivores?
They’re the basic Kroot warriors who fight as mercenaries for the T’au Empire. They’re organised into squads and led by a Shaper.
Why do Kroot eat their enemies?
They consume genetic material to shape their evolution, absorbing useful traits from other species. It’s a core part of their biology and culture.
Are Kroot Carnivores part of the T’au Empire?
Yes, they’re a common auxiliary in T’au armies, though they fight for payment rather than pure loyalty to the Greater Good.