Knarloc

Knarlocs are voracious and highly successful predators from the Kroot home world of Pech. They live in small packs and hunt together through the forests of Pech, cooperating to bring down larger foes such as the Great Knarloc or coordinating complex pursuits of fleet Kroot Hound packs. The term Knarloc actually covers a wide variety of creatures, all exhibiting similar characteristics and habits. Some, for example, are broad and muscular and lack the clawed forearms that others display, while some are tall and lean. All of these varieties are highly prized by the Kroot, who capture entire packs and domesticate them, as far as is possible with such a wild creature. Kroot Kindreds utilise Knarlocs for a wide range of uses, most commonly as scouts and trackers. Because the beasts are native to the dense forests of Pech, they are well able to negotiate any type of rough terrain, from sweltering rain forests to urban warzones.
When Imperial forces first encountered Knarlocs and the Ordo Xenos set about analysing them, the beasts were taken as a form of raptor—agile, bird-like lizards. As more of the Kroot’s unique evolution and physiology became understood however, the savants of the Ordo Xenos all but abandoned hope of understanding or cataloguing the boundless variety displayed by the species. They realised that the Knarloc was not a bird-like creature at all, but more resembled a Kroot Carnivore whose form has become stooped and distended by the rapid development that characterises the species. The genetic ties between Kroot and Knarloc are plain to see and the two groups share many common physical traits, including the razor-sharp beak that makes the mounts effective as assault troops as well as scouts. Groups of Knarloc-mounted trackers are most often encountered ranging far ahead of their force. 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 all but silent and make use of every possible scrap of cover to remain concealed. When launching an ambush it is common for the riders to dismount, sometimes using their mount’s form as additional concealment or cover. Other Kindreds, generally those in possession of more vicious beasts, utilise them more like heavy cavalry, launching devastating charges from their ambush positions and overwhelming their target within seconds. Knarloc riders equip themselves according to the character of their mount and the tactic 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.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Kroot

Geographic Distribution

• Baraban