Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman

Brute Honor Guard is a Covenant Jiralhanae (Brute) rank.

Introduction
The Brute Honor Guards took the place of the Elites as the protectors of the High Prophets after the murder of the High Prophet of Regret. This "Changing of the Guard" was the beginning of the Civil War of the Covenant or Great Schism, as the Elites were incensed that their role of protecting the Prophets, which they had faithfully executed for millennium, had been now delegated by these new upstarts and genetic rivals.

They are found on the levels Gravemind, High Charity and The Great Journey and make their first appearances during the starting cut-scene of the level Sacred Icon where they take the Honor Guard Pikes and armor of the Elite Honor Guards. They are also the first Brute rank to be encountered alive, by the player at the start of Gravemind.

Combat
Brute Honour Guards, fight with their own weapons, which include the Brute Plasma Rifle, the Brute Shot and sometimes the Covenant Carbine. Also they can use the Shotgun. They always work in pairs/packs of 2-3 Brutes and will go berserk when all but one are killed. Like their Elite counterparts, Brute Honor Guards cannot receive headshots due to the fact, that they both wear the same Honor Guard helmet. Many players prefer to use the carbine on the level Gravemind, but this makes it somewhat ineffective. If you fire at their head with a Covenant Carbine, M6C Magnum or Battle Rifle you can see their 'normal helmet' fall off. The best way to kill these Brutes, is to dual-wield Plasma Rifles, to blast the with Needler fire, use the Covenant Carbine or the Beam Rifle, or simply kill them with a Plasma Grenade, as they are somewhat slow. Fuel Rod Cannons and Brute Shots, are also effective. Like all of their companions they will berserk if their pack is defeated, will throw away their weapons and start charging towards you using their physical mass.

Armour
Brute Honour Guards wear the same armor as the Elite Honor Guards but with slightly different 'platings'. These 'plates' have a yellow and red alternating pattern, bordered by black. This yellow/red alternating pattern is also seen on the thrones of High Prophets.The helmet has been upgraded and made larger since Brutes have larger heads than Elites and also have a yellow/red alternating pattern. They also have a red Brute Captain flag mounted on their shoulder.

Appearances
The Brute Honor Guards were first encountered in the level Gravemind in Halo 2 guarding Truth and Mercy, although they were first seen in the opening cut-scene of the level Sacred Icon. They also briefly appear in Halo: Uprising, again guarding the Prophet of Truth onboard the Forerunner Dreadnought. However, it should be noted that the Brute Honor Guard does not appear in Halo 3; they appear to have been turned into the Brute Bodyguard, though this is only speculation.

Trivia

 * The Brute Honor Guards in Halo 2 look the closest to their Halo 3 companions, because they are actually wearing armor, although the armor appears different.

Related Links

 * Honor Guard Ultra
 * Elite Honor Guard
 * Honor Guard Councilor