Krootox

A salutary example of Kroot dead-end evolution, the Krootox are massive brutes descended from those Kroot who consumed the flesh of especially muscular and barbaric beasts. These kindreds became locked into a downward spiral of evolution, losing their intelligence and with it their ability to forge their own genetic future. The result is a hugely muscled, oversized variant of Kroot physiology, its mind capable of little more than unreasoning brutality. Were it not for the fact that the Kroot have found a use for the Krootox, the line might have died out generations ago, but instead, they are a common sight in Carnivore Kindreds all over the Tau Empire and beyond. 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. Krootox and their riders are usually encountered in only small numbers and it is not uncommon for individual beasts to be found within a larger group of Kroot Carnivores. This provides the Carnivores with a degree of fire support as well as substantially augmenting its close combat capabilities. Some have noted that this deployment is not one learned or copied from the Tau, as the Fire Caste do not make use of teamlevel heavy weapons but instead rely on close integration and cooperation with specialised fire support units. Ordo Xenos savants have postulated that the Kroot are either more intelligent than they might appear, or else they copied the tactic from Imperial forces. On several occasions, larger groups of Krootox have been encountered. Such formations are a formidable obstacle for even the most skilled of Kill-teams. The massed heavy weapons are capable of unleashing a withering hail of fire, and the beasts present a solid wall of muscle and sinew to any who attempt to engage them in a melee. To date, the most effective tactic when faced with one or more Krootox has been to direct sniper fire at the rider, in the hope that, bereft of direction, the Krootox itself will run amok or amble off harmlessly. In reality, this tactic is not easy to accomplish, for the rider is almost entirely protected by the muscular bulk of the beast, and the first missed shot will draw an enraged charge.
usIng krootoX Krootox make great complications when a Kill-team is having things a little too easy. Adding them in to larger hordes of Kroot Carnivores is a great way of forcing the players to rethink their plans and approach the combat in a different manner. Krootox can also be used on their own, perhaps in groups and positioned to defend key points in the mission. The combination of heavy firepower and brutal strength makes the Krootox formidable enemies that have to be approached with great caution.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Kroot