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So, I've been obsessing over Tau lately. I'm trying to tailor a list against the much reviled Imperial Guard...
At first I discounted the Kroot entirely, but I'm reconsidering.

What do you dakka generals think about maxing out a single squad of Kroot (20) with a shaper upgrade and 12 hounds? I was considering using them as either infiltrators or outflanking reserve units. As infiltrators with an inexperienced IG player you might get an auto kill on a weak tank if you have first turn. If outflanking you can autokill any cornered manticore or basilisk. Similarly, they could really help the phase out vs Crons (another much reviled army of my step son). I mean 32 models, flanking with 96+ (WS4/S4) attacks on the charge if all the Kroot have Kroot Rifles (counts as 2 single handed CCWs). That's base point total of about 213.

Scenerio: 19 Kroot, 12 Hounds and 1 Shaper attacking a stationary IG tank w/ Rear Armor 10:
96 auto hits. The Carnivores and Hounds need a 6 to glance on a D6. 96/6 = 16 glances. I would prefer a 4 and a 3 on the Vehicle damage chart (Imobilized and Weapon Destroyed). To do this, I'd need to roll a 6 AND a 5 (because they would all glance) in 16 attempts. To roll either a 5 or 6 is about 33%. I think I should expect 2 to 4 results of 5 and 6 on the damage roll. All I need is 1 each to take the tank out of the game for all intents and purposes.

Do you care to opine? Thanks...

Actually, I guess I should add the 66% chance of outflanking on an appropriate table edge?

Kroots, by all means are not a very effective assault unit in general. The most common use for them is delaying/screening unit like Imperial Guard Ogryns. With that being said, if you outflank or infiltrate a large squad, they could potentially present a mild problem to a non-cc oriented army. The only problem with this is that Kroots don't have any saves. And Guards are infamous for having large blast templates and a high volume of fire. If a large Guardsmen squad uses FRFSRF on ur Kroot squad, that thing is going to be toast. Use the cover in a smart way and keep firing your own big guns. Remember, Kroot are not meant to present serious threats, they are a mild distraction at best.

In my opinion it's best to go with your initial gut feeling and discount Kroot. Especially against an IG player regardless of experience. Path Finder Marker Lights and Seeker Missiles on concealed Piranha's work wonders IMO. Or take the Sky Ray? Up to you though, maybe Proxy it and see the outcome?

Ok ok. Will do. <sad face> I think I'm more of an ork onslaught player. Thank you all for tempering my carnivore craziness. Also, JesusSausage (or whatever) I thank you for giving me an excuse to buy Piranhas. I reeeeeally like that model and will buy a crap ton. But I MUST dominate IG with an inferior codex. I will do anything to do so... even if it means switching 2nd army ideas. It's simply a neccessity. I WILL destroy IG.

DrG