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Unggoy: Difference between revisions

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(New "phenotype" image. Blue skin, bulging orange eyes, and crab-like chitin.)
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*Gas-sucker
*Gas-sucker
*Crybaby
*Crybaby
|image=[[File:HReach - Unggoy.png|130px|left]][[File:StormUnggoy.png|145px|right]][[File:H5G-Render-Grunt.png|230px|center]]Unggoy variations. <small>(not to scale)</small>
*Punk
*Pig
*Lobster
|image=[[File:H2A Unggoy.png|150px|left]][[File:StormUnggoy.png|130px|right]][[File:H5G-Render-Grunt.png|210px|center]]Unggoy variations. <small>(not to scale)</small>
|homeworld=[[Balaho]]
|homeworld=[[Balaho]]
|height={{Convert|4.5|ft|cm}}–{{Convert|5.5|ft|cm}}<ref name="waypointarticle">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/unggoy '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Unggoy'']</ref>
|height={{Convert|4.5|ft|cm}}–{{Convert|5.5|ft|cm}}<ref name="waypointarticle">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/unggoy '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Unggoy'']</ref>
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|notable-person=
|notable-person=
*[[Dadab]]
*[[Dadab]]
*[[Dimkee Hotay]]
*[[Kwassass]]
*[[Kwassass]]
*[[Stolt]]
*[[Yayap]]
*[[Yayap]]
}}
}}
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===Induction into the Covenant===
===Induction into the Covenant===
[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy join Covenant.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Unggoy join the Covenant]]
[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy join Covenant.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The Unggoy join the Covenant]]
In [[2142]], the Unggoy and their defenseless homeworld were discovered by the [[Covenant]]. Most species of the Covenant became incorporated due to faith or mutual beneficence, however the Unggoy were forced into lowly positions within the Covenant through force and aggressive conversion.<ref name="waypointarticle"/><ref>'''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminal 10]]''</ref> The Unggoy were quickly conquered with little resistance and were the seventh species to be inducted into the empire. The species was quick to become one of the most devoted followers of the [[Covenant religion]] and the Great Journey.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 187''</ref> By the time of their discovery by the Covenant, the Unggoy homeworld was still recovering from its ecological collapse over a hundred millennia earlier, and the Unggoy's [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 6: Industrial Age|Tier 6]] civilization had yet to return to its former state.<ref name="Bestiarum"/>
In [[2142]], the Unggoy and their defenseless homeworld were discovered by the [[Covenant]]. Most species of the Covenant became incorporated due to faith or mutual beneficence, however the Unggoy were forced into lowly positions within the Covenant through force and aggressive conversion.<ref name="waypointarticle"/><ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 10]]''</ref> The Unggoy were quickly conquered with little resistance and were the seventh species to be inducted into the empire. The species was quick to become one of the most devoted followers of the [[Covenant religion]] and the Great Journey.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 187''</ref> By the time of their discovery by the Covenant, the Unggoy homeworld was still recovering from its ecological collapse over a hundred millennia earlier, and the Unggoy's [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 6: Industrial Age|Tier 6]] civilization had yet to return to its former state.<ref name="Bestiarum"/>
[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy Rebellion.jpg|thumb|250px|Unggoy rebel on ''High Charity'']]


Being the lowest-ranked species of the Covenant, they are bitter rivals with the [[Kig-Yar]], who are also low-ranked. The higher-ranking races of the Covenant have often ignored this rivalry. The growing Unggoy population on ''[[High Charity]]'' forced Kig-Yar to relocate their homes to accommodate the Unggoy. The move put stress on Kig-Yar females, which led to an increase in infant mortality, while Unggoy that were forced to share habitats with the Kig-Yar occasionally trampled their nests, inadvertently. The breaking point came when [[Prophet of Truth|a junior staffer]] in the [[Ministry of Concert]] discovered evidence of the Kig-Yar planning to poison recreational narcotics the Unggoy enjoyed, which would have left them sterile. However, the [[Minister of Concert]] and the [[High Council]] refused to investigate the matter, as they were willing to accept several thousand sterile Unggoy rather than risk upsetting the Kig-Yar. The rising tensions with the Kig-Yar and the general disinterest from the other Covenant races led to the [[Unggoy Rebellion]] in [[2462]]. While the rebellion was ultimately put down thanks to [[Unidentified Arbiter (Unggoy Rebellion)|an Arbiter]] partially [[glassing]] Balaho, the Unggoy proved that they were not the cowards they had been long deemed, and could indeed be vicious fighters when provoked. After the uprising's conclusion, as was their tradition, the Sangheili forgave the surviving Unggoy and allowed them to enter the [[Covenant military]] as armed infantry units, rather than the unarmed cannon fodder as which they had previously served.<ref name="ch150">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''pages 150-151''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''pages 142, 153''</ref> The Unggoy rebelled several more times in Covenant history, including the [[Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience]], which was quickly ended by the [[Ministry of Preservation]]'s [[Ripa 'Moramee]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 10''</ref>
[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy Rebellion.jpg|thumb|250px|Unggoy rebel on High Charity]]
Being the lowest-ranked species of the Covenant, they are bitter rivals with the [[Kig-Yar]], who are also low-ranked. The higher-ranking races of the Covenant have often ignored this rivalry. The growing Unggoy population on [[High Charity]] forced Kig-Yar to relocate their homes to accommodate the Unggoy. The move put stress on Kig-Yar females, which led to an increase in infant mortality, while Unggoy that were forced to share habitats with the Kig-Yar occasionally trampled their nests, inadvertently. The breaking point came when [[Prophet of Truth|a junior staffer]] in the [[Ministry of Concert]] discovered evidence of the Kig-Yar planning to poison recreational narcotics the Unggoy enjoyed, which would have left them sterile. However, the [[Minister of Concert]] and the [[High Council]] refused to investigate the matter, as they were willing to accept several thousand sterile Unggoy rather than risk upsetting the Kig-Yar. The rising tensions with the Kig-Yar and the general disinterest from the other Covenant races led to the [[Unggoy Rebellion]] in [[2462]]. While the rebellion was ultimately put down thanks to [[Unidentified Arbiter (Unggoy Rebellion)|an Arbiter]] partially [[glassing]] Balaho, the Unggoy proved that they were not the cowards they had been long deemed, and could indeed be vicious fighters when provoked. After the uprising's conclusion, as was their tradition, the Sangheili forgave the surviving Unggoy and allowed them to enter the [[Covenant military]] as armed infantry units, rather than the unarmed cannon fodder as which they had previously served.<ref name="ch150">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''pages 150-151''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''pages 142, 153''</ref> The Unggoy rebelled several more times in Covenant history, including the [[Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience]], which was quickly ended by the [[Ministry of Preservation]]'s [[Ripa 'Moramee]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 10''</ref>


Despite the low place they have in the Covenant hierarchy, the true irony is that the Unggoy's entry into the Covenant has ensured their species' survival. Membership in the Covenant granted the Unggoy freedom from risk of extinction during Balaho's two winters, as they now have access to sufficient supplies of food. Infant mortality has decreased to below fifty percent, and [[Wikipedia:Senicide|geronticide]] is no longer a necessity for survival. The average life expectancy for non-combatant Unggoy has doubled.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 143''</ref> Their incorporation into the Covenant likely also alleviated the threat of the [[Blue Death]], which Unggoy typically fear.<ref name="goo237">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 237''</ref>
Despite the low place they have in the Covenant hierarchy, the true irony is that the Unggoy's entry into the Covenant has ensured their species' survival. Membership in the Covenant granted the Unggoy freedom from risk of extinction during Balaho's two winters, as they now have access to sufficient supplies of food. Infant mortality has decreased to below fifty percent, and [[Wikipedia:Senicide|geronticide]] is no longer a necessity for survival. The average life expectancy for non-combatant Unggoy has doubled.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 143''</ref> Their incorporation into the Covenant likely also alleviated the threat of the [[Blue Death]], which Unggoy typically fear.<ref name="goo237">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 237''</ref>


===Human-Covenant War===
===Human-Covenant War===
The Unggoy were one of the first races in the Covenant to encounter [[human]]ity.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 95''</ref> During the [[First Battle of Harvest]], [[Jiralhanae]] forces had Unggoy secure [[Harvest]]'s orbital [[Tiara]] station. Most of the Unggoy present on the planet were killed in the battle; some were even killed by Jiralhanae and [[Yanme'e]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 374''</ref> In [[2535]], the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] allowed Kig-Yar [[Reth]] to amass an army of thousands of Unggoy on the [[moon]] of [[Metisette]] to use to invade the human [[Earth|homeworld]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 214''</ref> Reth's plans were foiled by the [[Insurrectionists]] of [[the Rubble]], {{UNSCShip|Midsummer Night}}, and a team of [[Sangheili Zealot]]s that believed the Unggoy and Kig-Yar to be heretics, unaware of Truth's orders. Most of the Unggoy on the moon were killed during the [[Battle of Metisette]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 328''</ref>
The Unggoy were one of the first races in the Covenant to encounter [[human]]ity.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 95''</ref> During the [[First Battle of Harvest]], [[Jiralhanae]] forces had Unggoy secure [[Harvest]]'s orbital [[Tiara]] station. Most of the Unggoy present on the planet were killed in the battle; some were even killed by Jiralhanae and [[Yanme'e]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 374''</ref> In [[2535]], the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] allowed Kig-Yar [[Reth]] to amass an army of thousands of Unggoy on the [[moon]] of [[Metisette]] to use to invade the human [[Earth|homeworld]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 214''</ref> Reth's plans were foiled by the [[Insurrectionists]] of [[the Rubble]], {{UNSCShip|Midsummer Night}}, and a team of [[Sangheili Zealot]]s that believed the Unggoy and Kig-Yar to be heretics, unaware of Truth's orders. Most of the Unggoy on the moon were killed during the [[Battle of Metisette]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 328''</ref> The Unggoy's large numbers and fast breeding proved to be a pivotal asset to the Covenant during the Human-Covenant War, as they were able to overwhelm human forces with their sheer numbers and were even know to massacre an entire [[105th Drop Jet Platoon|platoon]].


The Unggoy obeyed other Covenant races out of fear more than religious faith.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Sierra 117]]'' - ''Arbiter'': "The Grunts' new-found courage is but fear."</ref> During the [[Great Schism]], as the Unggoy did not ally with a particular side, and stayed with whoever commanded them, most likely out of subservient fear to their current masters. However, many of those serving under the Jiralhanae still held support for the Sangheili and revered [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], pointing out to their comrades that they once served under him. The [[Minister of Discovery]] believed that the Unggoy would follow the strongest side in the civil war.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[Wages of Sin]]", ''page 509''</ref>
The Unggoy obeyed other Covenant races out of fear more than religious faith.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Sierra 117]]'' - ''Arbiter'': "The Grunts' new-found courage is but fear."</ref> During the [[Great Schism]], as the Unggoy did not ally with a particular side, and stayed with whoever commanded them, most likely out of subservient fear to their current masters. However, many of those serving under the Jiralhanae still held support for the Sangheili and revered [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], pointing out to their comrades that they once served under him. The [[Minister of Discovery]] believed that the Unggoy would follow the strongest side in the civil war.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[Wages of Sin]]", ''page 509''</ref>
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===Post-war===
===Post-war===
After the Human-Covenant War, at least some of the Unggoy continued working for the Sangheili as farmers on [[Sanghelios]], while others continued to work in the military under either their Sangheili or Jiralhanae commanders.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''' ''page 90''</ref> Many Unggoy returned to Balaho after the war.<ref name="waypointarticle"/> A number of Unggoy joined—or were drafted into—the various [[Covenant remnants|splinter groups]] that upheld the Covenant's religious beliefs after the war, most notably [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed Covenant faction]]. [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] surveys record no off-planet transport from Balaho since "Solipsis"<!--Presumably this was an ONI operation. However, the report does not specify what Solipsis was.--> and seem to indicate that facilities on Balaho's primary [[Natural satellite|satellite]] [[Buwan]] has been abandoned, though both remain under observation. Moderate Unggoy populations have been observed in Sangheili systems at various intervals.<ref>'''[[Eleventh Hour reports]]''', ''#3''</ref> The Office of Naval Intelligence speculates that several independent vessels and colonial facilities are under the control of Unggoy factions, yet no significant populations of unaffiliated Unggoy are known to exist among the [[human colonies]].<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref>
After the Human-Covenant War, at least some of the Unggoy continued working for the Sangheili as farmers on [[Sanghelios]], while others continued to work in the military under either their Sangheili or Jiralhanae commanders.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''' ''page 90''</ref> Many Unggoy returned to Balaho after the war.<ref name="waypointarticle"/> A number of Unggoy joined—or were drafted into—the various [[Covenant remnants|splinter groups]] that upheld the Covenant's religious beliefs after the war, most notably [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed Covenant faction]]. [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] surveys record no off-planet transport from Balaho since "Solipsis"<!--Presumably this was an ONI operation. However, the report does not specify what Solipsis was.--> and seem to indicate that facilities on Balaho's primary [[Natural satellite|satellite]] [[Buwan]] has been abandoned, though both remain under observation. Moderate Unggoy populations have been observed in Sangheili systems at various intervals.<ref>'''[[Eleventh Hour reports]]''', ''#3''</ref> The Office of Naval Intelligence speculates that several independent vessels and colonial facilities are under the control of Unggoy factions, yet no significant populations of unaffiliated Unggoy are known to exist among the [[human colonies]].<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref>
Some Unggoy would find themselves in more respected positions in the post-war years. Within the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], they were treated as equals and two of them, [[Bibjam]] and [[Stolt]], were known to have even had command over Sangheili.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Guardians (level)|Guardians]] [[Mission Intel]]''</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
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===Psychology and behavior===
===Psychology and behavior===
[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy.jpg|thumb|250px|A group of Unggoy]]
[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy.jpg|thumb|250px|A group of Unggoy]]
While not overly intelligent or creative on the battlefield, Unggoy are one of the most gregarious and sociable of the Covenant races and possess a very strong pack mentality, often associating with each other in groups. This numerical superiority and pack mentality allows for their sense of cultural identity to remain, despite a number of hardships, including their extreme subservience to the other races of the Covenant, as well as [[the dark time]] following [[reintroduction]] after the activation of the [[Halo Array]].<ref name="Bestiarum"/> Although other species generally regard the Unggoy as a dim-witted race, many have proven to be very intelligent, resourceful, and knowledgeable.<ref name="waypointarticle"/>
Although other species generally regard the Unggoy as a dim-witted race, many have proven to be very intelligent, resourceful, and knowledgeable. Indeed, the general perception of the Unggoy being inherently unintelligent is almost certainly a result of their poor education and training within the Covenant.<ref name="waypointarticle"/> Unggoy are one of the most gregarious and sociable of the Covenant races and possess a very strong pack mentality, often associating with each other in groups. This numerical superiority and pack mentality allows for their sense of cultural identity to remain, despite a number of hardships, including their extreme subservience to the other races of the Covenant, as well as [[the dark time]] following [[reintroduction]] after the activation of the [[Halo Array]].<ref name="Bestiarum"/>


Although they are quite capable of handling weaponry and operating vehicles and machinery such as [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghosts]] and [[Shade|Shades]], Unggoy are generally rather simple-minded. There are exceptions to this rule, however: the Unggoy [[Deacon]] [[Dadab]], for example, was noted as being quite intelligent for an Unggoy, as demonstrated by his ability to learn and communicate in [[Huragok]] sign language. An inherent psychological advantage possessed by the Unggoy are their unburdened neural pathways, which allows Unggoy to absorb knowledge more freely compared to the other Covenant species. As such, they are often tasked with monitoring space for traces of human communication. In addition, many Unggoy have developed a clear understanding of two or even three [[human]] languages. This advantage serves as a river of confidence in times of great stress for them.<ref name="Bestiarum"/>
Unggoy develop sensory-motor integration relatively rapidly, and possess unburdened neural pathways which allow them to absorb knowledge more freely compared to the other Covenant species. As such, they were often tasked by the Covenant with monitoring space for traces of human communication. In addition, many Unggoy have developed a clear understanding of two or even three [[human]] languages. This advantage serves as a river of confidence in times of great stress for them.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> The Unggoy [[Deacon]] [[Dadab]] was also able to learn and communicate in [[Huragok]] sign language.
 
In the battlefield, Unggoy are generally not very creative, although they are quite capable of handling weaponry and operating vehicles and machinery such as [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghosts]] and [[Shade|Shades]].


===Anatomy and physiology===
===Anatomy and physiology===
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[[File:H2A Terminals - Sad Grunt.jpg|thumb|250px|The face of an Unggoy]]
[[File:H2A Terminals - Sad Grunt.jpg|thumb|250px|The face of an Unggoy]]
Unggoy share a number of features with different animal species on [[Earth]]. Like primates, they walk both bipedally and with the aid of their oversized forearms. However, their bodies are armored with a hard exoskeleton as with crabs and insects. Their mouths have a set of small, pointed teeth, much like reptiles.<ref name="waypointarticle"/> Unggoy are on average about four to five feet tall and are relatively weak compared to other [[sentient|sapient]] species. The Unggoy have flat, three-toed feet, with another toe on the back of their feet. Although they can easily walk upright on two legs, they may often use their arms to move in a quadrupedal fashion. While carrying armaments, they are forced to walk upright so that they may support their weapons with their hands, but while trying to flee, or while patrolling without a weapon drawn, they use their over sized arms as forelegs to add speed or stability to their gait. Their eyesight<ref name="THB 5.9.12"/> and hearing are average, and seem to have a very well-developed sense of smell, sometimes sniffing the air to detect traces of foes or hidden enemies.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref> This is facilitated through the olfactory membranes installed in their masks. Unggoy have over-sized forearms, while their upper arms and thighs are relatively small. This has allowed them to be quite excellent climbers over rocky terrain, although they are rather clumsy when walking upright. Their large arms help the Unggoy in hand-to-hand combat and scaling heights, but make movement around tight corridors or manipulate small, delicate objects difficult. To protect themselves from the voracious predators of Balaho, the Unggoy have a rigid exoskeleton that is lined with sharp barbs that covers large portions of their backs, arms, and legs.<ref name="waypointarticle"/> They also have an astonishingly fast finger reflex speed, as they can fire a [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistol]] at almost the same rate a Sangheili can with a [[Type-25 plasma rifle|plasma rifle]].
Unggoy share a number of features with different animal species on [[Earth]]. Like primates, they walk both bipedally and with the aid of their oversized forearms. However, their bodies are armored with a hard exoskeleton as with crabs and insects. Their mouths have a set of small, pointed teeth, much like reptiles.<ref name="waypointarticle"/> Unggoy are on average about four to five feet tall and are relatively weak compared to other [[sentient|sapient]] species. The Unggoy have flat, three-toed feet, with another toe on the back of their feet. Although they can easily walk upright on two legs, they may often use their arms to move in a quadrupedal fashion. While carrying armaments, they are forced to walk upright so that they may support their weapons with their hands, but while trying to flee, or while patrolling without a weapon drawn, they use their over sized arms as forelegs to add speed or stability to their gait. Their eyesight<ref name="THB 5.9.12"/> and hearing are average, and seem to have a very well-developed sense of smell, sometimes sniffing the air to detect traces of foes or hidden enemies.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref> This is facilitated through the olfactory membranes installed in their masks. Unggoy have over-sized forearms, while their upper arms and thighs are relatively small. This has allowed them to be quite excellent climbers over rocky terrain, although they are rather clumsy when walking upright. Their large arms help the Unggoy in hand-to-hand combat and scaling heights, but make movement around tight corridors or manipulation of small, delicate objects difficult. To protect themselves from the voracious predators of Balaho, the Unggoy have a rigid exoskeleton that is lined with sharp barbs that covers large portions of their backs, arms, and legs.<ref name="waypointarticle"/> They also have an astonishingly fast finger reflex speed, as they can fire a [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistol]] at almost the same rate a Sangheili can with a [[Type-25 plasma rifle|plasma rifle]].


Unggoy also have thick, bioluminescent,<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', page 59: ''Phosphorescent blood pooled beneath their prone forms.''</ref> light-blue [[blood]],<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 27''</ref> possibly a result of methane-based proteins in the blood to facilitate methane-based respiration.<ref name="ENC143"/> Like Earth's [[Wikipedia:Horseshoe crab|horseshoe crabs]], it is possible that their blood is blue due to high copper content.
Unggoy also have thick, bioluminescent,<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', page 59: ''Phosphorescent blood pooled beneath their prone forms.''</ref> light-blue [[blood]],<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 27''</ref> possibly a result of methane-based proteins in the blood to facilitate methane-based respiration.<ref name="ENC143"/> Like Earth's [[Wikipedia:Horseshoe crab|horseshoe crabs]], it is possible that their blood is blue due to high copper content.
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===Role within the Covenant===
===Role within the Covenant===
{{Quote|But they are among the Covenant's most devoted seekers after the Great Journey, sacrificing themselves in great numbers on the battlefield, so prolific that more always seem ready to throw themselves under the altar of war.|From the [[Zo Resken|Prophet of Clarity]]'s ''[[Notes on the History of the Covenant]]'', referring to the Unggoy<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 187''</ref>}}
{{Quote|But they are among the Covenant's most devoted seekers after the Great Journey, sacrificing themselves in great numbers on the battlefield, so prolific that more always seem ready to throw themselves under the altar of war.|From the [[Zo Resken|Prophet of Clarity]]'s ''[[Notes on the History of the Covenant]]'', referring to the Unggoy<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 187''</ref>}}
Believed to be rather unintelligent by the [[San'Shyuum]], Unggoy were generally forced to serve in laboring positions or deployed into battle as cannon fodder. During engagements, they were often deployed as the first wave of attack in ground campaigns or Unggoy were deployed in high numbers to undertake various types of operations.<ref name="waypointarticle"/> Most Unggoy that served aboard Covenant [[warship]]s were tasked with monitoring human communications, leading to most members of the species having a better grasp on [[English]] than other species.<ref name="ENC143"/> The [[lower districts]] of ''[[High Charity]]'' housed a massive Unggoy population;<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 261''</ref> the Unggoy-inhabited portion of the districts was methane-rich so the Unggoy did not require [[methane tank]]s to breathe.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 149''</ref>
Believed to be rather unintelligent by the [[San'Shyuum]], Unggoy were generally forced to serve in laboring positions or deployed into battle as cannon fodder. During engagements, they were often deployed as the first wave of attack in ground campaigns or Unggoy were deployed in high numbers to undertake various types of operations.<ref name="waypointarticle"/> Most Unggoy that served aboard Covenant [[warship]]s were tasked with monitoring human communications, leading to most members of the species having a better grasp on [[English]] than other species.<ref name="ENC143"/> The [[lower districts]] of [[High Charity]] housed a massive Unggoy population;<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 261''</ref> the Unggoy-inhabited portion of the districts was methane-rich so the Unggoy did not require [[methane tank]]s to breathe.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 149''</ref>


The Unggoy's lowly position within the Covenant was based on racial bias rather than the species' inherent abilities.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> The Unggoy were not represented on the Covenant [[High Council]] but were instead vetted by the [[Ministry of Concert]], albeit poorly.<ref name="ch150">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 150''</ref> The Unggoy were mistreated by nearly every client species of the Covenant, except the [[Huragok]]. They were often treated as second-class citizens within Covenant society.<ref name="ENC143"/> The Unggoy had a particularly tense relationship with the [[Kig-Yar]], a race only ranked slightly higher in the Covenant hierarchy. Despite both species holding similar standings, the Kig-Yar were granted more independence and often favored over the Unggoy by other individuals in the Covenant. Unggoy were expected to revere [[Sangheili]] as the near-divine protectors of the San'Shyuum, however many Unggoy despised the Sangheili for mistreating their race.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''pages 35-36'' (2010 edition)</ref> While they were essentially a slave race, the Unggoy have managed to largely retain their cultural identities, and have [[Unggoy Rebellion|rebelled in the past]] [[Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience|more than once]]. Before the Unggoy Rebellion of [[2462]], Unggoy were not given the right to use weapons in battle. When the rebellion proved to the Sangheili that Unggoy could be determined and competent fighters, they were given better training and weaponry, and integrated into formerly Sangheili-only units.
The Unggoy's lowly position within the Covenant was based on racial bias rather than the species' inherent abilities.<ref name="Bestiarum"/> The Unggoy were not represented on the Covenant [[High Council]] but were instead vetted by the [[Ministry of Concert]], albeit poorly.<ref name="ch150">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 150''</ref> The Unggoy were mistreated by nearly every client species of the Covenant, except the [[Huragok]]. They were often treated as second-class citizens within Covenant society.<ref name="ENC143"/> The Unggoy had a particularly tense relationship with the [[Kig-Yar]], a race only ranked slightly higher in the Covenant hierarchy. Despite both species holding similar standings, the Kig-Yar were granted more independence and often favored over the Unggoy by other individuals in the Covenant. Unggoy were expected to revere [[Sangheili]] as the near-divine protectors of the San'Shyuum, however many Unggoy despised the Sangheili for mistreating their race.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''pages 35-36'' (2010 edition)</ref> While they were essentially a slave race, the Unggoy have managed to largely retain their cultural identities, and have [[Unggoy Rebellion|rebelled in the past]] [[Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience|more than once]]. Before the Unggoy Rebellion of [[2462]], Unggoy were not given the right to use weapons in battle. When the rebellion proved to the Sangheili that Unggoy could be determined and competent fighters, they were given better training and weaponry, and integrated into formerly Sangheili-only units.


Unggoy generally followed a few short, simple guidelines given to them by the Sangheili; for example, "''When in doubt, shoot''" or "''Stay out of the way, live another day''".<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 162'' (2010 edition)</ref> Despite being held in low regard by the Covenant, many Unggoy were strong followers of the [[Covenant religion]] and the Great Journey. Their [[Deacon]]s would often hold sermons onboard ships to boost the morale and teach the Unggoy onboard about the Covenant. For instance, a Deacon named [[Dadab]] gave sermons and taught the Unggoy on board a [[Jiralhanae]] [[Rapid Conversion|cruiser]] about the Covenant and its religions. The Jiralhanae allowed Dadab these teachings because they believed that it would help the Unggoy become more competent and helpful.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 226''</ref>
Unggoy generally followed a few short, simple guidelines given to them by the Sangheili; for example, "''When in doubt, shoot''" or "''Stay out of the way, live another day''".<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 162'' (2010 edition)</ref> Despite being held in low regard by the Covenant, many Unggoy were strong followers of the [[Covenant religion]] and the Great Journey. Their [[Deacon]]s would often hold sermons onboard ships to boost the morale and teach the Unggoy onboard about the Covenant. For instance, a Deacon named [[Dadab]] gave sermons and taught the Unggoy on board a [[Jiralhanae]] [[Rapid Conversion|cruiser]] about the Covenant and its religions. The Jiralhanae allowed Dadab these teachings because they believed that it would help the Unggoy become more competent and helpful.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 226''</ref>
 
{{Listen|title=Example 1 of Unggoy speech
|filename=Grunt look lngtme8.ogg}}
===Language===
===Language===
Their native language is composed of dog-like barks, squeaks, and grunts. Though largely unintelligible to most humans, translation software is able to decipher the meanings of these.<ref>''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''</ref> The word "Unggoy" itself is not a word from their vocabulary, rather, it is the Sangheili name for their species.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 191''</ref> Unggoy are also fully capable of speaking a variety of human languages, a fact in which they take great pride.<ref name="Bestiarum"/>
Their native language is composed of dog-like barks, squeaks, and grunts. Though largely unintelligible to most humans, translation software is able to decipher the meanings of these.<ref>''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''</ref> The word "Unggoy" itself is not a word from their vocabulary, rather, it is the Sangheili name for their species.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 191''</ref> Unggoy are also fully capable of speaking a variety of human languages, a fact in which they take great pride.<ref name="Bestiarum"/>


===Naming conventions===
===Naming conventions===
Unggoy often have names which reflect a language of very simple phonics. Common names, such as ''[[Yayap]]'' and ''[[Dadab]]'', begins with a reduplicated consonant and consist of two syllables. Other names typically consist of a single syllable with clusters of consonants, such as "[[Flim]]". Some exceptions have occurred of which a name has more consonants than is usual while following the first method of naming, as in [[Kwassass]]. Often, their names are palindromes, such as [[Zawaz]].
{{Listen|title=Example 2 of Unggoy speech
|filename=Grunt look lngtme11.ogg}}
Unggoy often have names which reflect a language of very simple phonics. Common names, such as [[Yayap]] and [[Dadab]], begin with a reduplicated consonant and consist of two syllables. Other names typically consist of a single syllable with clusters of consonants, such as "[[Flim]]". Some exceptions have occurred of which a name has more consonants than is usual while following the first method of naming, as in [[Kwassass]]. Often, their names are palindromes, such as [[Zawaz]].


Unggoy do not have family names, nor did the Sangheili allow it during their service in the Covenant.<ref name="ENC143"/> Instead, they formally identify themselves by the names and birthplaces of famous patriarchs within their family. This patriarch could be the Unggoy's uncle, grandfather, or even a mythical [[Wikipedia:Pater familias|paterfamilias]] that was revered by their ancestors. An example of this identification method would be "''Yayap, son of [[Pum]]. Of Balaho's blasted scablands.''"<ref name="ch307"/>
The Sangheili did not permit the Unggoy to retain family names during their service in the Covenant.<ref name="ENC143"/> Instead, they formally identified themselves by the names and birthplaces of famous patriarchs within their family. This patriarch could be the Unggoy's uncle, grandfather, or even a mythical [[Wikipedia:Pater familias|paterfamilias]] that was revered by their ancestors. An example of this identification method would be "''Yayap, son of [[Pum]]. Of Balaho's blasted scablands.''"<ref name="ch307"/> Following the end of the Human-Covenant war, individual Unggoy serving under the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]] have begun to use family names to identify themselves, such as [[Dimkee Hotay]].


==Homeworld==
==Homeworld==
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|-
|-
|'''[[Unggoy Storm]]'''
|'''[[Unggoy Storm]]'''
|[[File:Halo4 Grunt.png|80px]]
|[[File:H5G-Render-Grunt.png|100px]]
|Storm Grunts are the Covenant remnant's version of the Grunt Minor.
|Storm Grunts are the Covenant remnant's version of the Grunt Minor.


|-
|-
|'''[[Unggoy Minor]]'''
|'''[[Unggoy Minor]]'''
|[[File:HReach_-_Unggoy.png|80px]]
|[[File:H2A Unggoy.png|80px]]
|The Covenant equivalent of a UNSC [[Private (UNSC)|Private]] or Private First Class. They wear orange colored armor and are often the least dangerous, most cowardly, and inaccurate marksmen of all the Unggoy. When their commanding officer is killed, they routinely break formation and flee; however, they will regroup and start firing at their target again. As is fitting for Jiralhanae behavior, Unggoy under the command of the Jiralhanae are substantially more aggressive.
|The Covenant equivalent of a UNSC [[Private (UNSC)|Private]] or Private First Class. They wear orange colored armor and are often the least dangerous, most cowardly, and inaccurate marksmen of all the Unggoy. When their commanding officer is killed, they routinely break formation and flee; however, they will regroup and start firing at their target again. As is fitting for Jiralhanae behavior, Unggoy under the command of the Jiralhanae are substantially more aggressive.
|}
|}
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File:HaloLegends-GruntswithPlasmaRifles.png|Unggoy single and dual-wielding plasma rifles in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[The Package]]''.
File:HaloLegends-GruntswithPlasmaRifles.png|Unggoy single and dual-wielding plasma rifles in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[The Package]]''.
File:HBL-HappyGrunts.png|Three happy Unggoy Minors in ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''.
File:HBL-HappyGrunts.png|Three happy Unggoy Minors in ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''.
File:HReach - Unggoy.png|An Unggoy Minor in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:Halo Reach - Unggoy.png|An Unggoy Ultra in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo Reach - Unggoy.png|An Unggoy Ultra in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach - SpecOps Unggoy.png|A Special Operations Unggoy in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HCEA-GruntMinor-crop.png|An Unggoy Minor in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA-GruntMinor-crop.png|An Unggoy Minor in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:Grunt Storm face.jpg|Concept art of an Unggoy Storm's face for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:Grunt Storm face.jpg|Concept art of an Unggoy Storm's face for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:StormUnggoy.png|An Unggoy Storm in ''Halo 4''.
File:StormUnggoy.png|An Unggoy Storm in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A-UnggoyMinors-Screen.jpg|Unggoy Minors in ''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A-UnggoyMinors-Screen.jpg|Unggoy Minors in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H5G-Render-Grunt.png|An Unggoy Storm in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:Chief groundpound grunts.jpg|An Unggoy Imperial and Unggoy Storm in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-Campfire.png|Unggoy Storm standing around a fire on [[Sanghelios]].
</gallery>
</gallery>


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**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[The Package]]''
**''[[The Package]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
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**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
**''[[The Return]]''
**''[[The Return]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
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*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}



Revision as of 02:57, December 24, 2015

Template:Species Infobox

"When in doubt, flee."
— Unggoy philosophy[1]

The Unggoy[2] (Latin, Monachus frigus, meaning "cold monk") are a sentient species of squat bipedal vertebrates (commonly misidentified as arthropods)[3] from the planet Balaho. The Unggoy were one of the unified races of the Covenant. They were the lowest-ranking species in the hierarchy, and were frequently mistreated by almost every higher-ranking race including the Sangheili, Jiralhanae, and Kig-Yar.

Unggoy were primarily used by the Covenant as laborers or—in combat situations—cannon fodder. They were one of the later races to be introduced into the Covenant, and were one of the first Covenant species to be encountered by humanity. They are referred to as Grunts by humans, mainly because they are considered weak compared to their superiors and also because they perform the majority of the labor required by the Covenant.[4]

History

The Ark and reseeding

Unggoy are believed to have evolved from smaller amphibious primates.[5] Prior to the activation of the Halo Array, the Unggoy had managed to achieve a Tier 4 society on their homeworld, Balaho. However, the planet and the Unggoy civilization was devastated by the collapse of its biosphere due to massive global over-industrialization.[6]

The Unggoy were one of many species indexed by the Librarian for preservation on Installation 00 from the firing of the Halo Array. They were subsequently returned to their homeworld Balaho, where they began re-building their culture.[7]

Induction into the Covenant

The Unggoy join the Covenant

In 2142, the Unggoy and their defenseless homeworld were discovered by the Covenant. Most species of the Covenant became incorporated due to faith or mutual beneficence, however the Unggoy were forced into lowly positions within the Covenant through force and aggressive conversion.[5][8] The Unggoy were quickly conquered with little resistance and were the seventh species to be inducted into the empire. The species was quick to become one of the most devoted followers of the Covenant religion and the Great Journey.[9] By the time of their discovery by the Covenant, the Unggoy homeworld was still recovering from its ecological collapse over a hundred millennia earlier, and the Unggoy's Tier 6 civilization had yet to return to its former state.[6]

Unggoy rebel on High Charity

Being the lowest-ranked species of the Covenant, they are bitter rivals with the Kig-Yar, who are also low-ranked. The higher-ranking races of the Covenant have often ignored this rivalry. The growing Unggoy population on High Charity forced Kig-Yar to relocate their homes to accommodate the Unggoy. The move put stress on Kig-Yar females, which led to an increase in infant mortality, while Unggoy that were forced to share habitats with the Kig-Yar occasionally trampled their nests, inadvertently. The breaking point came when a junior staffer in the Ministry of Concert discovered evidence of the Kig-Yar planning to poison recreational narcotics the Unggoy enjoyed, which would have left them sterile. However, the Minister of Concert and the High Council refused to investigate the matter, as they were willing to accept several thousand sterile Unggoy rather than risk upsetting the Kig-Yar. The rising tensions with the Kig-Yar and the general disinterest from the other Covenant races led to the Unggoy Rebellion in 2462. While the rebellion was ultimately put down thanks to an Arbiter partially glassing Balaho, the Unggoy proved that they were not the cowards they had been long deemed, and could indeed be vicious fighters when provoked. After the uprising's conclusion, as was their tradition, the Sangheili forgave the surviving Unggoy and allowed them to enter the Covenant military as armed infantry units, rather than the unarmed cannon fodder as which they had previously served.[10][11] The Unggoy rebelled several more times in Covenant history, including the Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience, which was quickly ended by the Ministry of Preservation's Ripa 'Moramee.[12]

Despite the low place they have in the Covenant hierarchy, the true irony is that the Unggoy's entry into the Covenant has ensured their species' survival. Membership in the Covenant granted the Unggoy freedom from risk of extinction during Balaho's two winters, as they now have access to sufficient supplies of food. Infant mortality has decreased to below fifty percent, and geronticide is no longer a necessity for survival. The average life expectancy for non-combatant Unggoy has doubled.[13] Their incorporation into the Covenant likely also alleviated the threat of the Blue Death, which Unggoy typically fear.[14]

Human-Covenant War

The Unggoy were one of the first races in the Covenant to encounter humanity.[15] During the First Battle of Harvest, Jiralhanae forces had Unggoy secure Harvest's orbital Tiara station. Most of the Unggoy present on the planet were killed in the battle; some were even killed by Jiralhanae and Yanme'e.[16] In 2535, the High Prophet of Truth allowed Kig-Yar Reth to amass an army of thousands of Unggoy on the moon of Metisette to use to invade the human homeworld.[17] Reth's plans were foiled by the Insurrectionists of the Rubble, UNSC Midsummer Night, and a team of Sangheili Zealots that believed the Unggoy and Kig-Yar to be heretics, unaware of Truth's orders. Most of the Unggoy on the moon were killed during the Battle of Metisette.[18] The Unggoy's large numbers and fast breeding proved to be a pivotal asset to the Covenant during the Human-Covenant War, as they were able to overwhelm human forces with their sheer numbers and were even know to massacre an entire platoon.

The Unggoy obeyed other Covenant races out of fear more than religious faith.[19] During the Great Schism, as the Unggoy did not ally with a particular side, and stayed with whoever commanded them, most likely out of subservient fear to their current masters. However, many of those serving under the Jiralhanae still held support for the Sangheili and revered Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, pointing out to their comrades that they once served under him. The Minister of Discovery believed that the Unggoy would follow the strongest side in the civil war.[20]

Post-war

After the Human-Covenant War, at least some of the Unggoy continued working for the Sangheili as farmers on Sanghelios, while others continued to work in the military under either their Sangheili or Jiralhanae commanders.[21] Many Unggoy returned to Balaho after the war.[5] A number of Unggoy joined—or were drafted into—the various splinter groups that upheld the Covenant's religious beliefs after the war, most notably Jul 'Mdama's reformed Covenant faction. ONI surveys record no off-planet transport from Balaho since "Solipsis" and seem to indicate that facilities on Balaho's primary satellite Buwan has been abandoned, though both remain under observation. Moderate Unggoy populations have been observed in Sangheili systems at various intervals.[22] The Office of Naval Intelligence speculates that several independent vessels and colonial facilities are under the control of Unggoy factions, yet no significant populations of unaffiliated Unggoy are known to exist among the human colonies.[23]

Some Unggoy would find themselves in more respected positions in the post-war years. Within the Swords of Sanghelios, they were treated as equals and two of them, Bibjam and Stolt, were known to have even had command over Sangheili.[24]

Description

Unggoy are, in general, poor soldiers in terms of skill and combat ability. They are poor shots when not focused, are physically weak, and are tactically inept as a rule. If their commanders are eliminated during combat, they frequently panic and scatter in random directions. However, what Unggoy may lack in individual skill, they make up for with tenacity and sheer numbers. The Covenant used the high breeding rate of the Unggoy to their advantage in the Human-Covenant War, where squads of Unggoy frequently overpowered UNSC personnel through force of numbers.[25]

Unggoy are the only Covenant species to breathe methane rather than oxygen. Their combat armor/harness has an integrated methane re-breather system, as Unggoy are unable to survive for long periods of time without methane due to asphyxiation.[4] Unggoy could be afflicted by barnacles; the removal of barnacles leads to deep, oozing pores in their chitinous skin.[26]

Psychology and behavior

A group of Unggoy

Although other species generally regard the Unggoy as a dim-witted race, many have proven to be very intelligent, resourceful, and knowledgeable. Indeed, the general perception of the Unggoy being inherently unintelligent is almost certainly a result of their poor education and training within the Covenant.[5] Unggoy are one of the most gregarious and sociable of the Covenant races and possess a very strong pack mentality, often associating with each other in groups. This numerical superiority and pack mentality allows for their sense of cultural identity to remain, despite a number of hardships, including their extreme subservience to the other races of the Covenant, as well as the dark time following reintroduction after the activation of the Halo Array.[6]

Unggoy develop sensory-motor integration relatively rapidly, and possess unburdened neural pathways which allow them to absorb knowledge more freely compared to the other Covenant species. As such, they were often tasked by the Covenant with monitoring space for traces of human communication. In addition, many Unggoy have developed a clear understanding of two or even three human languages. This advantage serves as a river of confidence in times of great stress for them.[6] The Unggoy Deacon Dadab was also able to learn and communicate in Huragok sign language.

In the battlefield, Unggoy are generally not very creative, although they are quite capable of handling weaponry and operating vehicles and machinery such as Ghosts and Shades.

Anatomy and physiology

An Unggoy's luminous blue blood

The taxonomic classification of the Unggoy has been a source of some confusion for the United Nations Space Command. Because they possess exoskeletons, they have been identified as being analogous to Earth arthropods; despite this, the Unggoy are actually a vertebrate species. The UNSC misclassified the species as arthropodal due to their physiological similarities to terrestrial arthropods; among other differences, the Unggoy circulatory system is apparently closed as opposed to the open systems characteristic of many arthropods.[3] More accurately, the species should be considered xeno-arthropodal vertebrates which possess substantial—albeit hypothetical—genetic influences from primate-like amphibians that once dwelt in Balaho's aphotic zones. This taxonomically incorrect nomenclature persists as late as 2557 as an ad hoc identifier, though the pressures of the Human-Covenant War and reconstruction have made such concerns trivial at best.[5][3]

The face of an Unggoy

Unggoy share a number of features with different animal species on Earth. Like primates, they walk both bipedally and with the aid of their oversized forearms. However, their bodies are armored with a hard exoskeleton as with crabs and insects. Their mouths have a set of small, pointed teeth, much like reptiles.[5] Unggoy are on average about four to five feet tall and are relatively weak compared to other sapient species. The Unggoy have flat, three-toed feet, with another toe on the back of their feet. Although they can easily walk upright on two legs, they may often use their arms to move in a quadrupedal fashion. While carrying armaments, they are forced to walk upright so that they may support their weapons with their hands, but while trying to flee, or while patrolling without a weapon drawn, they use their over sized arms as forelegs to add speed or stability to their gait. Their eyesight[3] and hearing are average, and seem to have a very well-developed sense of smell, sometimes sniffing the air to detect traces of foes or hidden enemies.[27] This is facilitated through the olfactory membranes installed in their masks. Unggoy have over-sized forearms, while their upper arms and thighs are relatively small. This has allowed them to be quite excellent climbers over rocky terrain, although they are rather clumsy when walking upright. Their large arms help the Unggoy in hand-to-hand combat and scaling heights, but make movement around tight corridors or manipulation of small, delicate objects difficult. To protect themselves from the voracious predators of Balaho, the Unggoy have a rigid exoskeleton that is lined with sharp barbs that covers large portions of their backs, arms, and legs.[5] They also have an astonishingly fast finger reflex speed, as they can fire a plasma pistol at almost the same rate a Sangheili can with a plasma rifle.

Unggoy also have thick, bioluminescent,[28] light-blue blood,[29] possibly a result of methane-based proteins in the blood to facilitate methane-based respiration.[4] Like Earth's horseshoe crabs, it is possible that their blood is blue due to high copper content.

Although they require an atmosphere to breathe, Unggoy are capable of surviving in the vacuum of space without sealed, full-body gear. However, they must employ sealed face masks in order to breathe, as well as presumably to protect their facial tissues.[30]

Subtypes

Some Unggoy, commonly seen among bands of Covenant remnant forces in the mid 2550s, have exoskeletons that cover only patches on their bodies, leaving most of their skin exposed; the paucity of chitin means that the elbow and knee spikes of these individuals are less pronounced.[3] Unlike other Unggoy, which have a chitinous protrusion that covers the groin and posterior, these Unggoy are unarmored in this area, exposing their primate-like buttocks.[31] Their necks are also several times longer than normal (Unggoy typically have almost non-existent necks) and their heads are set farther forward; folds of loose skin hang down from their necks and chins, likely due to the relative lack of chitin. Their eyes are reddish orange and feature black, cross-shaped pupils, unlike the solid red or yellow eyes of their kin. Their mouths are set farther inward and house larger, more pointed teeth. These specimens have much stouter legs and have longer and thinner fingernails than the rest of the species, and they possess claws meant for climbing and digging[32] on their feet instead of the more common hoof-like digits. What sets these Unggoy apart—morphologically speaking—is that they are sourced from specific breeding zones. This indicates either prolonged genetic drift in refugia populations or induced selection.[33] In any case, such morphological variation can be likened to the differences among Earth's dog breeds.[3]

Reproduction

Unggoy breed prodigiously, with large egg clutches and short childhood periods.[6] This combined with the large number of young per clutch and rapid sensory-motor integration development was one of the primary reasons why the Covenant cleverly used the breeding habits of the Unggoy to their advantage in battle, deploying the Unggoy as cannon fodder—this would play a key-role in their war against humanity. Overpopulation is a serious problem and in non-war times, strict laws are placed on Unggoy breeding.[10]

Unggoy do value their ties to their offspring, but are usually separated from their families at an early age by the requirements of military service to the Covenant.[4] They resent this greatly, but because of their low social status in the Covenant, they are unable to muster any response.

Culture

Ancient Unggoy being reseeded on Balaho by Forerunner machinery

The Unggoy culture has been largely wiped out as a result of constant indoctrination by the Covenant, they do retain a degree of their cultural identity as a result of their inherent tenacity. Of what is known, the Unggoy generally live in small, tribal societies which are typically defined as being matriarchal.[6] On Balaho, Unggoy had to constantly produce food to ensure that they had enough stocked during the planet's winter seasons. On a near-daily basis, the corpses of those that succumbed to Balaho's plagues had to be burned to further prevent infections. Both of these problems were solved when the Unggoy were discovered by the Covenant.[4]

Many Unggoy are interested in human culture. During their service with the Covenant, Unggoy enjoyed trading human communication files, such as soap operas and sitcoms, through their own black market.[4] Unggoy often gamble with each other and often play games; one in particular, hunting rock, involves two Unggoy competing to kill the most scrub grubs.[34] Unggoy were also known to take recreational narcotics called infusions by adding them to their portable methane tanks.[10][35]

Role within the Covenant

"But they are among the Covenant's most devoted seekers after the Great Journey, sacrificing themselves in great numbers on the battlefield, so prolific that more always seem ready to throw themselves under the altar of war."
— From the Prophet of Clarity's Notes on the History of the Covenant, referring to the Unggoy[36]

Believed to be rather unintelligent by the San'Shyuum, Unggoy were generally forced to serve in laboring positions or deployed into battle as cannon fodder. During engagements, they were often deployed as the first wave of attack in ground campaigns or Unggoy were deployed in high numbers to undertake various types of operations.[5] Most Unggoy that served aboard Covenant warships were tasked with monitoring human communications, leading to most members of the species having a better grasp on English than other species.[4] The lower districts of High Charity housed a massive Unggoy population;[37] the Unggoy-inhabited portion of the districts was methane-rich so the Unggoy did not require methane tanks to breathe.[38]

The Unggoy's lowly position within the Covenant was based on racial bias rather than the species' inherent abilities.[6] The Unggoy were not represented on the Covenant High Council but were instead vetted by the Ministry of Concert, albeit poorly.[10] The Unggoy were mistreated by nearly every client species of the Covenant, except the Huragok. They were often treated as second-class citizens within Covenant society.[4] The Unggoy had a particularly tense relationship with the Kig-Yar, a race only ranked slightly higher in the Covenant hierarchy. Despite both species holding similar standings, the Kig-Yar were granted more independence and often favored over the Unggoy by other individuals in the Covenant. Unggoy were expected to revere Sangheili as the near-divine protectors of the San'Shyuum, however many Unggoy despised the Sangheili for mistreating their race.[39] While they were essentially a slave race, the Unggoy have managed to largely retain their cultural identities, and have rebelled in the past more than once. Before the Unggoy Rebellion of 2462, Unggoy were not given the right to use weapons in battle. When the rebellion proved to the Sangheili that Unggoy could be determined and competent fighters, they were given better training and weaponry, and integrated into formerly Sangheili-only units.

Unggoy generally followed a few short, simple guidelines given to them by the Sangheili; for example, "When in doubt, shoot" or "Stay out of the way, live another day".[40] Despite being held in low regard by the Covenant, many Unggoy were strong followers of the Covenant religion and the Great Journey. Their Deacons would often hold sermons onboard ships to boost the morale and teach the Unggoy onboard about the Covenant. For instance, a Deacon named Dadab gave sermons and taught the Unggoy on board a Jiralhanae cruiser about the Covenant and its religions. The Jiralhanae allowed Dadab these teachings because they believed that it would help the Unggoy become more competent and helpful.[41]

Example 1 of Unggoy speech
SoundQuote.png Trouble with the audio sample?

Language

Their native language is composed of dog-like barks, squeaks, and grunts. Though largely unintelligible to most humans, translation software is able to decipher the meanings of these.[42] The word "Unggoy" itself is not a word from their vocabulary, rather, it is the Sangheili name for their species.[43] Unggoy are also fully capable of speaking a variety of human languages, a fact in which they take great pride.[6]

Naming conventions

Example 2 of Unggoy speech
SoundQuote.png Trouble with the audio sample?

Unggoy often have names which reflect a language of very simple phonics. Common names, such as Yayap and Dadab, begin with a reduplicated consonant and consist of two syllables. Other names typically consist of a single syllable with clusters of consonants, such as "Flim". Some exceptions have occurred of which a name has more consonants than is usual while following the first method of naming, as in Kwassass. Often, their names are palindromes, such as Zawaz.

The Sangheili did not permit the Unggoy to retain family names during their service in the Covenant.[4] Instead, they formally identified themselves by the names and birthplaces of famous patriarchs within their family. This patriarch could be the Unggoy's uncle, grandfather, or even a mythical paterfamilias that was revered by their ancestors. An example of this identification method would be "Yayap, son of Pum. Of Balaho's blasted scablands."[26] Following the end of the Human-Covenant war, individual Unggoy serving under the Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction have begun to use family names to identify themselves, such as Dimkee Hotay.

Homeworld

Main article: Balaho
Balaho, the Unggoy homeworld

The Unggoy homeworld of Balaho is a temperate, swampy planet with a methane atmosphere and naturally occurring pillars of fire. The planet is orbited by two natural satellites: Buwan and Padpad. A cold planet, temperatures on Balaho range from -33°C to 5°C (-27°F to 41°F).[6] The cold season of their planet makes them highly covet any source of warmth and light they can find, mainly due to the "blue death".[14] The planet is still in process of recovery from a global ecological collapse before the activation of the Halo Array due to over-industrialization caused by the Unggoy at the time.[6]

Since their natural environment has a methane atmosphere, Unggoy require methane tanks and breathing apparatus with them whenever they travel into areas without high levels of methane in the air. Since all the other races of the Covenant and humanity, breathe oxygen, the Unggoy find themselves wearing breathing masks more often than not.[44] They have been revealed to be inhabiting large environment domes that have airlocks and methane filters for them to breathe, while not in armor[45] or restocking their methane reserves at battlefield recharge stations.[46] They seem to have high-pitched and squeaky voices, possibly due to the different resonating properties of methane gas. The high-pitched voices are commonly regarded as humorous by most other races, since they tend to sound like frightened children trying to sound intimidating.

Military structure

Ranks

The Unggoy have five classes which are easily identified by the color of their armor and/or the type of armor.

Rank Image Description
Unggoy Leaders
Unggoy Imperial UnggoyImperial.png The Unggoy Imperial rank is a Covenant remnant rank that is mostly comprised of Unggoy that served in the Human-Covenant war.
Unggoy Ultra Halo Reach - Unggoy.png These Unggoy serve as field commanders to their comrades, and wear distinctive white-lilac armor (reminiscent of the Sangheili Ultras). While they appear to have some authority over lesser-ranked Unggoy, they have no control whatsoever over the other Covenant races. They are stronger opponents than their subordinates, and are more accurate with firearms, throw plasma grenades often, and wear heavier armor.
Grunt Specialists
Unggoy Ranger UnggoyRanger.png A specialized group of Unggoy fully trained and armored for extra-vehicular activity.
Special Operations Unggoy HReach - SpecOps Unggoy.png These Unggoy are experienced and specially-chosen, usually commanded by the special operations Sangheili, and are given distinctive jet-black armor. They are part of the Covenant Special Operations division of the Special Warfare Group. Just like the special operations Sangheili, they are able to use active camouflage. They are extremely skilled in warfare compared to their lower-ranked counterparts, and won't panic too often in combat situations, if they do at all. They usually can be seen wielding fuel rod guns, and throw plasma grenades with great accuracy. Many of them chose to side with Thel 'Vadam and his followers during the Great Schism. However, many remained within the Jiralhanae-led units loyal to the Prophets, wearing white armor similar to the Unggoy Ultra. Some loyalist Unggoy were seen during the Battle of Installation 00.
Unggoy Heavy H4-UnggoyHeavy.png Being similar to the rank of UNSC Corporal, these specialized Unggoy wear green colored armor and are often deployed for defensive actions [47]. Their primary purposes are to deploy plasma cannons and man them, although they are occasionally seen wielding fuel rod guns. They can be seen wielding a brute spiker on The Ark. Two or three are seen wielding plasma rifles during the attack on Sword Base on Reach.
Grunt Infantry
Unggoy Major HReach-GruntMajor.png Similar to a UNSC Lance Corporal, they are more experienced than Unggoy Minors, and wear crimson colored armor. They command several Unggoy Minors and are slightly more skilled in combat and courageous, though this difference is not always substantial. In Halo: Combat Evolved, two Sniper Rifle shots in the chest is required for one to die on Legendary (they have roughly the same health as the player in the game).
Unggoy Storm H5G-Render-Grunt.png Storm Grunts are the Covenant remnant's version of the Grunt Minor.
Unggoy Minor H2A Unggoy.png The Covenant equivalent of a UNSC Private or Private First Class. They wear orange colored armor and are often the least dangerous, most cowardly, and inaccurate marksmen of all the Unggoy. When their commanding officer is killed, they routinely break formation and flee; however, they will regroup and start firing at their target again. As is fitting for Jiralhanae behavior, Unggoy under the command of the Jiralhanae are substantially more aggressive.

Other titles and roles

Deaconship is the only position open to the Unggoy in the Ministry of Tranquility. Unlike many other roles available to the Unggoy, this rank does not often involve combat or hard manual labor, though they have been known to carry around plasma pistols and Needlers.[48]

Some Unggoy are also known to serve as merchants and are well-respected in the Covenant hierarchy. During the Ascension ceremony of the Covenant's last triumvirate of Hierarchs, a Yanme'e queen, Kig-Yar Shipmasters, and Unggoy traders were present. It was also said that their harnesses were adorned with large jewels.[49]

While Unggoy infantry occasionally choose to employ suicide attacks out of desperation, the Covenant are also known to purposefully assign select fanatical Unggoy squads to use such attacks as their primary offensive tactic against the enemy.[50][51]

The Heretic Unggoy followed their Sangheili organizers in a rebellion against the Covenant's Prophets. They started as members of an artifact retrieval group led by the Sangheili Sesa 'Refumee.[52]

Gameplay

Main article: Unggoy/Gameplay

Overall, the Unggoy in gameplay are very weak in combat; often fleeing when their leader has been killed. However, in larger numbers, they can be more of a threat, especially in higher difficulties. If their leader is killed, Unggoy may sometimes activate two plasma grenades and rush to the player in an attempt to suicide-bomb them.

In Halo Wars, the Unggoy serves as the main infantry unit, serving as the Covenant equivalent to the Marine. They start with a plasma pistol and three in each squad, but they can be upgraded to wield needlers.

A melee attack can kill a Grunt instantly, so when you face no more than 5 of them, don't waste your ammo and just punch them. For large groups use the Gravity Hammer, unless the catch skull is on meaning you have to stay outside their range, as even in close-range the Grunts will not hesitate to spam-grenades at the enemy.

Trivia

  • In Tagalog, Unggoy means "monkey".
  • In real life, "Grunt" is a slang military term for infantrymen.[53]
  • The Unggoy were ranked #5 in Game Informer's "The Top 10 Most Pathetic Enemies" list.[54]
  • In Halo: Reach, Unggoy voices were changed. Instead of their original high-pitched and squeaky voices, they sound more deep and mechanical, possibly because of their breathing apparatus. However, they are still being voiced by Joseph Staten.[55]
  • In Halo: Reach, if an Unggoy's methane tank is shot or meleed it may fall off, causing the gas to launch said Unggoy into the air and eventually explode. Many players consider this a great hazard, especially on higher difficulties.
  • The redesigned Unggoy that appear in Halo 4 bear a great deal of resemblance to the wretches from the Gears of War series.

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 144
  2. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 191 - "Unggoy: the Elite name for the Grunt race."
  3. ^ a b c d e f Halo Waypoint: The Halo Bulletin - 5.9.12
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Encyclopedia, page 143; pages 150-151 (2011 edition)
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named waypointarticle
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Bestiarum
  7. ^ Halo Legends, Origins
  8. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, Terminal 10
  9. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 187
  10. ^ a b c d Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 150-151 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "ch150" defined multiple times with different content
  11. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, pages 142, 153
  12. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 10
  13. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page 143
  14. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 237
  15. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 95
  16. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 374
  17. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 214
  18. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 328
  19. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Sierra 117 - Arbiter: "The Grunts' new-found courage is but fear."
  20. ^ Halo: Evolutions, "Wages of Sin", page 509
  21. ^ Halo: Glasslands page 90
  22. ^ Eleventh Hour reports, #3
  23. ^ Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction - Page 14
  24. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Guardians Mission Intel
  25. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 20 (2010 edition)
  26. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, page 307
  27. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Arbiter
  28. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 59: Phosphorescent blood pooled beneath their prone forms.
  29. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 27
  30. ^ Halo: Reach, "Long Night of Solace"
  31. ^ McFarlane Toys: Halo 4 Storm Grunt
  32. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 39
  33. ^ Halo Waypoint Forums: Catalog Interaction (post 248247)
  34. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, pages 89-90
  35. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, pages 186-187
  36. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 187
  37. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 261
  38. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 149
  39. ^ Halo: The Flood, pages 35-36 (2010 edition)
  40. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 162 (2010 edition)
  41. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 226
  42. ^ Conversations from the Universe
  43. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 191
  44. ^ Halo: The Flood, page ???
  45. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 60
  46. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 303
  47. ^ Halo 2, level Gravemind
  48. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 50
  49. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 381
  50. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 350
  51. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Exodus
  52. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  53. ^ Grunt on Wikipedia
  54. ^ GameInformer: Top five video game punching bags.
  55. ^ Bungie.net : Bungie Weekly Update 4.16.10

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