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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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[[Image:Kroot shaper2.gif|right|thumb|250px|A Kroot Shaper]]'''Shapers''' make up the leadership of the [[Kroot]], both as individual [[Kindreds]] fighting under the [[Tau Empire]] or as mercenary forces, and oversee the consumption, direction and distribution of genetic material among the most basic Kroot and between various different Kroot forces. The Shapers are referred to as the Shaper [[Caste]] in one source, indicating a cultural link between the [[Tau]] and Kroot.{{Cite thisFn|2}}
The Shapers lead individual Kindreds into battle, directing them as a [[Imperial Guard Sergeant|Sergeant]] would. A large kindred is typically run by a [[Master Shaper]], while a group consisting of multiple kindreds may be headed by a [[Shaper Council]] of three to five kroot, who act as overseers to the other shapers, and ensure that shapers do not lead their warriors down a dangerous evolutionary path. Occasionally a '''Shaper Chief''' may rise to power in times of emergency and unite hundreds of kindreds as a single army.{{Cite thisFn|2}}{{Fn|3}}
The other job of a shaper is to direct the evolution of the Kroot in their Kindred by consuming certain enemies. For example, if a Shaper wanted his Kindred to become more muscular, he would have them pursue [[Ork]]s; likewise a Shaper who wanted more agile or swift Kroot would direct the Kindred to hunt [[Eldar]]. The Imperium has designated them Primary Intermediate Trophic.{{Cite thisFn|3}}
The Shaper as many powers and traits among them are an instinctual understanding of the foes wounds and abilities, if he has devoured an example of the foe's race.{{Fn|2}}
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Tyranids (5th Edition)]], pgs. 18-21
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos]], pg. 16
*{{Endn|3}}: *[[Chapter Approved 2004]], pg. 32-35
==Uncited==
*[[Codex: Tau (3rd Edition)]]{{Cite this}}
*[[Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition)]]{{Cite this}}
{{Kroot Forces}}