Embracing the Auxiliary Cadre: T'au Empire's Newest Detachment and My Kroot Synergy
The Grotmas Calendar has gifted us an exciting new tool for the T'au Empire: the Auxiliary Cadre detachment. This detachment highlights the invaluable role of T'au auxiliaries, such as Kroot and Vespid, by granting them powerful rules, enhancements, and stratagems to truly shine on the battlefield. As someone with a growing Kroot collection—including my new Kroot Carnivores, War Shaper, and Flesh Shaper—this detachment offers incredible opportunities to make the most of my units. Let’s delve into how this new detachment works and explore how my Kroot forces can take full advantage of these rules.
Core Features of the Auxiliary Cadre
Detachment Rules
Targeting Triangulation (Aura): My Kroot Carnivores and other units now project an aura that increases the Armour Penetration (AP) of ranged attacks made by friendly T'au Empire models (excluding Kroot, Vespid, and Titanic units) by 1 when targeting enemies within 9" of them. This allows my Kroot units to act as forward scouts, marking targets for devastating follow-up fire from the rest of my army.
Localised Stealth Projectors (Aura): My T'au Empire units shield nearby Kroot units, including my Carnivores and War Shaper, from being targeted by enemy ranged attacks over 18" away. This adds a layer of survivability to my Kroot forces, letting them safely position themselves to control the midfield.
Enhancements
Student of Kauyon: My Kroot Shaper can grant Deep Strike to up to three of my Kroot units, including my Carnivores. This ability lets them deploy into advantageous positions, perfect for ambushing backline units or seizing objectives.
Fanatical Convert: Granting "For the Greater Good" to one of my Kroot units, such as my Carnivores, enhances their overwatch capabilities, making them reliable defenders of key objectives.
Admired Leader: Boosting the Leadership and Objective Control of my Kroot War Shaper ensures that my frontline Kroot units can hold their ground effectively under pressure.
Transponder Lock Module: By leveraging my Kroot’s positioning, I can strategically deploy T'au walkers, such as Piranhas or Broadsides, into critical areas of the battlefield.
Stratagems
The Auxiliary Cadre’s stratagems enhance mobility, firepower, and survivability. Here’s how I plan to use them:
Experimental Modifications to improve the AP of my Kroot Carnivores, giving their attacks more punch.
Multisensory Scanning for re-rolling wounds when my Kroot are engaged in key combats.
Interlocking Manoeuvres to reposition my units, especially my War Shaper and Flesh Shaper, after combat.
Alien Expertise to let my Kroot shoot and charge after advancing, amplifying their aggressive potential.
How My Kroot Units Shine in the Auxiliary Cadre
Kroot Carnivores and War Shaper:
My 10-strong unit of Kroot Carnivores, currently being painted by Rogue Miniatures and supported by the War Shaper, is the heart of this detachment. With their enhanced AP from "Targeting Triangulation," they can soften up key enemy units for follow-up fire from my Broadsides or Fireknife Crisis Suits. The War Shaper adds durability and melee strength, making this unit a resilient force for holding objectives or contesting critical areas. Using Student of Kauyon to Deep Strike them into ideal positions ensures they’re always a threat.
Flesh Shaper and Kroot Hounds:
My Flesh Shaper’s healing and buffing abilities keep my Kroot Hounds and Carnivores in the fight longer. The Hounds, with their incredible mobility, become even more dangerous with Alien Expertise, allowing them to charge after advancing. Together, they form a fast-moving harassment force that can disrupt enemy plans while staying supported by the Flesh Shaper.
Kroot Shaper:
My Kroot Shaper ties everything together, acting as a force multiplier. With Admired Leader, they bolster the leadership and objective-holding capacity of nearby units, ensuring my Kroot Carnivores and War Shaper can hold their ground when the battle heats up.
Leveraging My Kroot Force
Under the Auxiliary Cadre detachment, my army operates as a cohesive ecosystem. My Kroot units provide disruption, mobility, and target marking, while my T'au core forces capitalize on these opportunities for devastating firepower. The synergy between my Kroot and T'au models has never been stronger, creating a dynamic and rewarding playstyle.
By integrating the new detachment’s rules, stratagems, and enhancements, my growing Kroot forces feel more impactful than ever. Whether it’s my Carnivores ambushing key enemy positions or my War Shaper leading a charge, the Auxiliary Cadre detachment ensures that my auxiliaries are essential to my path to victory.
How are you planning to use the Auxiliary Cadre in your games? Let me know in the comments below, and let’s share strategies to make the most of this exciting new detachment!
Follow Konnor on Instagram!
For even more behind-the-scenes action, follow Konnor on Instagram. Catch exclusive battle shots, painting progress, and sneak peeks into the tactics that didn’t make it to the blog. Join the journey and stay connected
Join the Conversation on Discord !
Enjoyed the blog? Head over to Konnor’s channel on the Rogue Miniatures Discord to dive deeper! It’s the perfect place to chat strategy, share thoughts on the latest posts, and connect with fellow fans of the T’au. Don’t miss out on the discussion—see you there!
