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We all know how much the new Daemons absolutely suck in Codex: I've been a bad boy and tossed out my Assault Cannon for a reaper autocannon. Futhermore, we also know that, unfortunately, daemons are about the only way to get any decent numbers into a Chaos Renegades list. However, Kroot mercs can easily fulfill the same requirements (numbers, limited counter-assault) while providing a whole  bunch of other useful services to the aspiring lash prince.

For starters lets go ahead and compare the basic Kroot Merc with a Generic Daemon.

Daemon:
WS4, T4, S4, I4, A2, Fearless, 5++ save.
Must be summoned
13 points
Slow (no fleet, no cavalry)
No weapons at all.

Kroot Merc
WS4 BS3 S4, T3, I3, LD8 6+ save
4++ save in woods
Can move and see through woods
S4 Kroot rifles
infiltrate
Some may be given Fleet (+2 points)
Can have shapers with evicerators
8 Points for basic Kroot
Con: must take shaper at +21 points

So for almost half the cost you get a guy who can shoot, infiltrate, has the same number of attacks in combat, is just as fast, and most importantly can help take care of the hordes that Chaos currently may have problems with. I really don't see any reason to take Daemons over Kroot Mercs..

You can get a unit of 10 Kroot Mercs for 101 points. Compare that to one squad of 10 Daemons for 130 points. I think Kroot win everytime.

I also think they can give you some more options in regards to Fzorgling. Use them to finish off those units you fzorgled into the open so that one dude left with a powerfist doesn't screw up your plans. Don't just move a devastator unit behind terrain so that it can't shoot for the next couple of turns. Charge it with those infiltrated Kroot so that you can tie them up even longer and maybe even get some victory points out of it.

Infiltrate alone almost makes them worth it because as we all know, the only infiltration unit in Codex: Gav Thorpe deserves a junk shot is the Chosen who are most likely overpriced.

I've given a basic list here for your viewing pleasure. Not sure about the prices so correct me if I'm way off.

Fzorgle Sorceror- 145 (sorceror or prince, doesn't matter)
Fzorgle Sorceror- 145

8 TKsons +1 Sorceror w/BOC ~269
8 TKsons +1 Sorceror w/BOC ~269
19 Kroot- shaper w/evicerator 198

10 Kroot, 8 Hounds-hyper-active nymune organ, shaper w/evicerator, hyper active nymune organ 194
2x2 Obliterators- 300
1x3 Obliterators-225

I think it covers most of the spectrum. You've got some good anti-meq in the TKsons, good anti-tank,Teq in the oblits and good horde in the kroot. You've alos sitting on 64 models at 1750 points which isn't bad. Haven't played Chaos and don't play Kroot so I may be way off, but it was a thought.

It's a neat idea. And the Kroot are cool models. My Slaaneshi army will not be adding a bunch of T-sons or maxing out oblits, but a couple of squads of corrupted Kroot could indeed be fun.

Hey, more uses for Venusians--I mean Kroot--are good by me.

I think that the Kroot are more useful than Daemons, they lack a few big points:
T4 is a nice boost
a 5++ is way better than the kroot "not really" save
Fearless makes them reliable, Kroot are too easy to break or pin

As opposed to hidden fists, S4 guns, infiltrate, the ability to take hounds who are just as good in combat as Daemons for 6 points, can fleet, and are cheaper to boot?

This is a great idea. There's also a setup for the kroot mercs that can get a 1st turn charge. They are cool all around.

Also: Kroot cannot be summoned, and you can't simply take as many as you want.

They still seem like the better deal, though.