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The '''Kroot''' (scientific name '''Krootis aviana'''{{Fn|4}}, referenced by the [[Imperium]] as '''Kroot Carnivore'''{{Fn|6}}) are a humanoid species of [[xenos]]. They appear throughout the [[galaxy]], but are most frequently associated with the [[Tau Empire]].

[[Image:KrootArt1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Kroot Carnivore Squad{{Fn|7}}]]

The Kroot originated on the world of [[Pech]] and, though their physiology is humanoid, there is evidence to suggest that the roots of their evolution may be avian in origin. They retain vestigial beaks and have a light, almost hollow bone structure, with four digits on each hand and foot. Their skin is rough with small, barbed spines, similar to the elongated quills on their heads, protruding from various locations on their flesh. Skin pigmentation ranges from earthy brown colours and dappled greens to vibrant oranges and everything in between. Depending on the feeding directions of the Kroot [[Shaper]]s, the colouration of each kindred can vary quite considerably. It is also common for Kroot from each kindred to have particular tribal markings painted onto their skin. Kroot mature quickly, with their most rapid period of growth occurring in the first ten years of their lives. By the age of twelve they are considered adults and it is not unknown for Kroot to live to over a hundred years old, their skin becoming increasingly pitted and leathery in their last few years of life.{{Cite This}}

Kroot are tall and their bodies have a wiriness to them that appears deceptively fragile. In actuality, Kroot musculature is extremely powerful and composed of dense fiber spindles with a greater power‑to‑mass ratio than is found in humans. Swift muscle contractions create a whiplash effect, allowing the Kroot to deliver powerful blows with great rapidity. On the ground, the Kroot tend to move with a bounding, hopping gait, but in dense forests, they can spring from tree to tree at great speed. The Kroot favour primitive garb: harnesses worked from the hides of animals and adorned with bones, handcrafted amulets and circlets.{{Fn|9}}

The limited specimens that have been made available for study are found to have brains composed of a front and rear hemisphere. It appears that the larger, frontal hemisphere controls the functions of logic, reasoning and memory while the rear, less developed hemisphere is more attuned to imagination and creativity. If this is indeed the case, it would go some way to explaining the pragmatic approach to life of the Kroot and their current technological stagnation.{{Cite This}}

There are other variations, such as the smaller, flying [[Kroothawk]] (which is revered by Kroot as a possible evolutionary ancestor) and the serpentine [[Krootworm]], as well as other, more terrifying, creatures. Deep within the forests of Pech, there exist beasts that were once Kroot, but have since descended hideous evolutionary paths to become monsters that feed on their own kind. Such places have become cursed and only the bravest or most foolhardy Kroot ever venture within their haunted depths.{{Cite This}}

There are at least three species which Kroot are forbidden to eat:

*[[Tyranid]]s, which the Shapers have declared inedible (which means something far more horrible to a kroot than it does to a human), and because the Shapers are inherently repulsed by the Tyranid's particular way of changing their genetic makeup.{{Fn|6}}

== History and Culture ==

In order to gather genetic material from all over the galaxy, the Kroot offer themselves as mercenaries, and sell their services to anyone willing to pay them. They travel the galaxy taking limited contracts from both major and minor races, and are regularly employed by the [[Tau]]. While the contract with the Tau is supposed to be an exclusive one, the Kroot regularly send out their [[Warsphere]]s to continue their mercenary trade amongst the wider cosmos.{{cite this}}

===Union with the Tau===

The primeval aggression of the Kroot make them effective shock troops, though their savage veiewed with distaste by their Tau allies. The habits of the Kroot are still tolerated, at least so long as they don't eat fallen Tau warriors.{{Fn|11}}

===First contact with the Imperium===

==Technology==

The Silver Skulls recognised that Kroot with psychic potential posed a grave threat to the Imperium and recommended the planet where they were encountered on be cleansed.{{Fn|5}}

===Green Kroot===

==Religion==

==Notable Kroot==

*[[Gorok]] — a Kroot Shaper met by [[Ciaphas Cain]] who helped keep the peace between loyalist and xenos-following Imperial citizens on the planet [[Gravalax]].{{Fn|3b}}

*[[Dahyak Grekh]] — Mercenary tracker.

==Known Kroot Worlds==

*[[Pech]] — [[Homeworld]]

*[[Ky'san]]

*[[Yuun'chen]]

*[[List of sentient species]]

==Sources==

{{Cite}}

**{{Endn|3a}}: Chapter Twelve, pg. 210

**{{Endn|3b}}: Chapter Three, pgs. 78–79

*{{Endn|6}}: [[Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos]], pg. 19

*{{Endn|7}}: [[The Art of Warhammer 40,000]], pg. 216

*{{Endn|9}}: [[Only War: Enemies of the Imperium]], pg. 100

*{{Endn|14}}: [[Warhammer Quest: Blackstone Fortress]] Background Booklet, pg. 16

{{Kroot Forces}}

{{Tau}}

[[Category:Tau Empire]]

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