Kig-Yar: Difference between revisions

|classification=Saurian<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>

|subspecies=*[[Ibie'shan]]<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>

*[[Ruuhtian]]<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>

*[[T'vaoan]]<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>

|weight=88–93 kilograms (195–206 lbs)<ref name="EVG"/>

|techlevel=Native Tier 4/Adopted Tier 2<ref name="bestiarum"/>

There are several distinct races of Kig-Yar, though humans have commonly identified two groupings ('''Jackals''' and '''Skirmishers''') based on encounters in the battlefield. In combat, Kig-Yar typically served the Covenant as snipers and scouts due to their excellent senses of sight, smell, and hearing.<ref name="HE155"/>

Shortly afterward, they established colonies on many small [[asteroid]]s and planetoids around [[Chu'ot]]. The Kig-Yar on these asteroids were sustained by [[Wikipedia:grey market|gray market]] trade and developed free from the government that dominated Eayn. Some Kig-Yar continued their ancient ways of life and became [[piracy|pirates]] once more, preying upon merchant starships. The piracy and looting in the system led to the Kig-Yar government's militia recruiting selectively picked [[Skirmisher Commando|Commandos]] from sectarian societies from the asteroids that orbit Chu'ot. The Commandos fought off the pirates in an extremely ruthless and precise fashion.<ref name="HE157"/> When the overwhelming [[Covenant military]] juggernaut arrived in the Kig-Yar home system in [[1342]], the Kig-Yar pirates and militia joined forces in an attempt to fend off the alien intruders.<ref name="HE115"/>

At first, the Covenant arrived in the [[Y'Deio system|Kig-Yar home system]] with small contingent fleets. These fleets were directly attacked by ruthless Kig-Yar pirates and mercenaries, leading to a long naval war in the system.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/> Despite the sheer strength and numbers of the Covenant, the Kig-Yar used the Y'Deio system to their advantage. It was difficult for the larger Covenant ships to maneuver through Y'Deio's abnormally dense asteroid belt compared to the Kig-Yar's smaller vessels, while Kig-Yar forces could use the asteroids for hiding.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 157''</ref> The war between the Covenant and Kig-Yar forces culminated in sieges of redoubts on the asteroids surrounding their world. Eventually, realizing the unlikelihood of them winning the war and the opportunity to profit from the expansion of trade, they accepted Letters of Marque: commissions from the [[Ministry of Tranquility]] to engage in the services of the Covenant, though often this was merely used as an excuse to continue their plundering lifestyle. The Kig-Yar would spend much of their time preying on the ships of the Covenant's enemies, such as [[human]]ity.<ref name="HE121">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 121'' (2011 edition)</ref>  

A small number of Kig-Yar were enlisted as mercenaries by conservative Sangheili states,<ref name="11th hour"/> while many served in the various [[Covenant remnants|Covenant remnant groups]], including [[Merg Vol]]'s [[Merg Vol's Covenant|Covenant]] and [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]]. A massive pirate faction had settled on the desolate world of [[Ven III]] by [[2558]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 11|Issue #11]]''</ref> A notable exception to the Kig-Yar's chiefly disparate mentality was Shipmistress [[Chol Von]], who wished to gather a formidable naval force to defend the Kig-Yar home system from outside threats. However, few Kig-Yar shared her ambitions and her efforts ended up bearing little fruit.<ref name="mdic"/>

Kig-Yar share many features with Earth avians as well as reptiles and exhibit several features that are common among species that have evolved in low-gravity environments, such as ''[[Lacerta erectus]]''.<ref name="bestiarum"/> Their legs are sinewy and muscular, and are reverse-jointed in a similar fashion to those of birds. Though they have been mistaken for carnivores,<ref name="journal"/> the Kig-Yar are apparently an omnivorous species.<ref name="md73"/><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 49''</ref> Kig-Yar beaks are sharp and lined with razor-sharp teeth; their tri-digit hands and feet have sharp talons. Their eyes are protected by a nictitating membrane that sweeps across the eyes horizontally. Starved Kig-Yar have been known to eat the flesh of fallen enemies, as well as that of live prisoners. They are gifted with extraordinarily acute senses of sight, hearing, and smell, making them adept as scouts and snipers in the Covenant military. Kig-Yar are also very agile, and can execute swift jumps and rolls in combat; these abilities are most pronounced in the more muscular [[T'vaoan]] subspecies, members of which can leap great distances and cover ground at extremely high speeds. Kig-Yar possess a strong salty, occasionally acrid stench.<ref name="B.net"/><ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 159''</ref>

Young Kig-Yar chicks are covered in a brown fledgling down which gradually molts and gives way to scales and plumage as they age.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 71''</ref> Male Kig-Yar possess plumes of spiny quills (feathers in the case of Skirmishers) at the back of the head and on the elbows; the color of this plumage indicates the Kig-Yar's mood.<ref name="Contact">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 56, 58''</ref> Quill color also varies between subspecies; Jackal quills typically have brown, red or light blue coloration, whereas Skirmishers generally have black or reddish feathers. Females lack these quills, instead having calloused plates at the forearms and the rear of the head. This thick skin helps protect the female during courtship: when mating, the male will often bite, chew, and tear at the back of the female's head, neck, and arms. Apart from these differences as well as those in reproductive organs, there is no meaningful physical variance between male and female Kig-Yar.<ref name="bestiarum"/>

Unique even among the diverse assortment of the other client species of the Covenant, the Kig-Yar species has vast genetic variation within their race.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/> The Kig-Yar species is represented by at least three morphologically distinct subtypes. These include the mainstream "Jackals" of [[Ruuht]],<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141013192606/https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2988575_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2988575 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 37'']</ref> the notably reptilian Jackals of [[Ibie'sh]], and the more physically robust and more avian "[[Skirmisher]]s" of [[T'vao]]. Many [[xenobiology|xenobiologists]] believe the morphological variation among the Kig-Yar likely represents diverging evolutionary pressures in response to varied environments and ecosystems on prehistoric Eayn and, subsequently, their various interplanetary colony worlds. However, all of the known variations of the species have the ability to effectively breed with all other subtypes of the Kig-Yar species and exhibit no marked cognitive differences.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/><ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' (2011), ''pages 56-57''</ref><ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us#/intel/theuniverse/characters/video/the-jackals/24dc0ecc-8cf0-473a-aae3-266fe6019d61?filter=all '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Jackals'']</ref>

Kig-Yar hailing from the isolated, volcanic continent of Ibie'sh ('''Ibie'shans''') display the most "primitive" characteristics of all the known Kig-Yar subtypes, being closest to the species' common ancestor.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/> Ibie'shans have the same body structure as most of their kin, but their heads are far more muscular and reptilian in appearance, with shorter snouts and underbites.<ref name="Bulletin"/><ref>'''Halo 4'''</ref><ref name="VIS">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''pages 40 - 43''</ref> These Jackals also differ from the more commonly seen variety in having reddish plumes and yellow-tinted eyes. Ibie'shans have served in the [[Covenant military]] as early as [[2526]]<ref>'''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn'''</ref> and constituted the majority of Kig-Yar in [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>

'''T'vaoans''', commonly known as '''Skirmishers''', originated from the Kig-Yar colony [[asteroid]] of T'vao.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/><ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''Chapter 2''</ref> They have darker skin and stockier, squared heads with small yellow eyes. They also have more beak-like mouths and bony facial coverings. T'vaoans have true feathers on their heads and arms, unlike the Jackals' quills. Like Jackals, T'vaoans have sharp talons on their hands and feet. While both subspecies are quite agile, T'vaoans are capable of sprinting at great speeds and leaping long distances. Male Kig-Yar from T'vao had much heavier upper body plumage than other Kig-Yar. Females from T'vao had a ruff of feathers on their heads and necks instead of scales.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''Chapter 3''</ref> The higher gravity and more dramatic atmospheric shifts of T'vao led to the development and evolution of these avian features.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>

Kig-Yar are often considered to be driven and motivated solely by personal desires and needs.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/> Ancient Kig-Yar were once divided into [[clan]]s, scattered across [[Eayn]]. The clans would often compete for resources and raid each other's cities or hold inter-clan competitions in major population centers.<ref name="HE157"/> During the Kig-Yar's service in the [[Covenant]], the clans became slightly obsolete. However, many Kig-Yar still kept their roots to these clans, often living in territory that had been claimed by their clans ages ago. Parts of [[Myur City]], on [[T'vao]], had been once claimed by [[Chol Von]]'s clan.<ref name="md86">'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 68''</ref> Kig-Yar clans often work together, unless one clan has grievances with another. Allied clans defend one another, if necessary.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 138''</ref> The center of a clan is known as the "clan home" and often contains a "clan mother" to cook for the young.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''pages 163-165''</ref> Known clans include the [[Mor clan]] and the [[Gei clan]].<ref name="md142">'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 142''</ref>

[[Piracy]] plays an important role in Kig-Yar society and history. While legitimate organizations, governments, and businesses are found throughout Kig-Yar society, pirates once plagued Eayn's seas. After becoming an interplanetary race, many Kig-Yar returned to piratical ways.<ref name="ch93"/> Many Kig-Yar chicks desire to be pirates when they grow up. Many Kig-Yar folklore heroes were pirates and represented freedom during the Kig-Yar's service with the Covenant. There were numerous Kig-Yar pirates that operated independently of the Covenant. These pirates would contact and ally themselves with like-minded Kig-Yar that served in the [[Covenant military]]. The Covenant-serving Kig-Yar would often contact the pirates when opportunities to steal Covenant supplies and materials arose.<ref name="HE155"/> Members of other species—including [[San'Shyuum]], [[Sangheili]], and [[human]]s—are often distrustful of the Kig-Yar, believing every member of the race to be a pirate.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "[[The Return]]", ''page 509''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 266''</ref><ref name="md94">'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 94''</ref>

Kig-Yar society is matriarchal, with males described as being “henpecked” by their females and having to toil for a living.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 60''</ref> Early Kig-Yar society was a form of tyrannical matriarchy. Eayn's government would eventually spread power more widely and equally among the species, though females generally remained at the top. Before the Kig-Yar's indoctrination into the Covenant, female Kig-Yar were in control of breeding rights, territory, familial organization, and had control of major assets. The matriarchal-based society continued after the collapse of the Covenant empire.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/> The expectations of young male chicks are lower than their female counterparts. Kig-Yar females typically hop from mate to mate, however, males generally stay around their mate's nests for as long as they are tolerated.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 243''</ref> T'vaoans believe themselves to be superior over the rest of the Kig-Yar.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 272''</ref>

Within Covenant society, Kig-Yar have little status and are subservient to all but the [[Unggoy]]. Because of this, Kig-Yar frequently harass Unggoy to assert what little authority they have. Despite being rather lowly-ranked in the Covenant, Kig-Yar are not typically disrespected by other races like the Unggoy. Thus, they had no true desire to gain a higher rank in the Covenant. Although, some Kig-Yar unsuccessfully protested their lowly position.<ref name="HE155"/> In some cases, Sangheili or [[Jiralhanae]] disposed of criminals or prisoners by feeding them to Kig-Yar [[convict]]s, who eat the victim alive.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref>

The Kig-Yar are unique among [[Covenant races]]: rather than being faithful followers of the [[San'Shyuum]]'s [[Covenant religion|religion]], they served the Covenant due to the monetary rewards the Prophets paid them. Most were loyal only to their families and matriarchs, with service to the [[Great Journey]] only a distant consideration.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''', ''Jackal Marksmen description''</ref> However, due to their long service in the Covenant, a large number of them came to accept the [[Covenant religion]]. Although the Kig-Yar held a rather low standing in the Covenant hierarchy, their position closely resembled a separate and independent entity that operated as mercenaries for the Covenant;<ref name="bestiarum"/> most Kig-Yar saw their service in the Covenant as a business arrangement, rather than a true religious and spiritual journey.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/> The Kig-Yar were not represented on the [[High Council]] but were instead vetted by the [[Ministry of Concert]]. The Kig-Yar did not vocally complain about their position but had instead selected to siphon off resources to their brethren, to which the Covenant powers either turned a blind eye to or were unaware of it.<ref name="HE155"/><ref name="Halo page 150"/> [[Black market]]s were also operated on ''[[High Charity]]'' by the Kig-Yar; the [[Hierarchs]] were aware of it, but seemingly only monitored the markets.<ref name="Halo page 146"/> Unlike some species in the Covenant,<ref name="bestiarum"/> the culture of the Kig-Yar did not suffer as a result of their incorporation to the hegemony. When the Covenant was dissolved at the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]], Kig-Yar society and culture experienced little change.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>

Due to their unique position in the Covenant, the Kig-Yar often utilized starships of their own making instead of Covenant-made ones. In addition, they were forbidden to build their own [[slipspace drive]]s, and had to rely on heavily regulated, unmodifiable drives engineered by the San'Shyuum instead.<ref name="Halo page 222"/>

The Kig-Yar government on [[Eayn]] is a post-industrial [[Capitalism|capitalist system]], with a population of 978 million.<ref name="bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> It is also described as an [[wikipedia:ochlocracy|ochlocracy]], a system of government best described as a government by mob, or the intimidation of constitutional authorities; whatever form of local government the Kig-Yar possess is ineffective and ignored. Before the Kig-Yar's inauguration to the [[Covenant]], all colonies were self-governed. Due to the lack of Eayn's government, Kig-Yar colonists developed their economy based on the gray market. Eayn's government also had a functioning militia.<ref name="HE157"/> Clans often governed certain portions of cities on Kig-Yar worlds.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 167''</ref>  

After the Kig-Yar joined the Covenant, all of their governmental systems became obsolete. Following the Covenant's dissolution after the [[Human-Covenant War]], the Kig-Yar had no true functioning government to control Eayn and its colonies. Instead, all Kig-Yar worked together, relatively cooperatively.<ref name="md94"/> In [[2553|April 2553]], [[Chol Von]] attempted to form a united Kig-Yar navy and have all Kig-Yar clans unite, but few agreed that it was necessary.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''pages 74-75''</ref> By [[2558]], pseudo-governments have administrative control of Eayn's two supercontinents, [[Ruuht]] and [[Ah'lomet]]. There is controversy among both continents about which one has control of the small islands between the two.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141013033938/https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm3003659_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post3003659 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 48'']</ref>

Kig-Yar names usually consist of a single syllable, with two consonants and one vowel, such as [[Yeg]], [[Jak]], and [[Bok]]. However, [[Chur'R-Yar]] and [[Chur'R-Mut]], who were both [[Shipmaster|shipmistresses]], have multiple syllables in their names. While some Kig-Yar possess clan names (e.g. [[Chol Von]], [[Eith Mor]]), most were not allowed by the Sangheili to have more than one name during their service in the Covenant—though most were not particularly bothered by the edict as their society never placed a premium to it;<ref name="HE155"/> this limitation was abolished after the Covenant's dissolution. Some names are often more common among certain clans.<ref name="md142"/>

Eayn is the homeworld of the Kig-Yar species and is the primary satellite of the planet [[Chu'ot]]. It is characterized by its single equatorial ocean, sparse volcanism, and almost total lack of glaciation. Only about one-third of all Kig-Yar who still reside in the Y'Deio system call Eayn their home; many have chosen to live among the minor planets within the asteroid belt since their initial contact with the Covenant. The most notable Kig-Yar interplanetary colonies are known as [[Muloqt]], [[Kaelarot]], and [[Valyanop]];<ref name="11th hour"/> other Kig-Yar colonies include [[Dal'koth]], as well as [[T'vao]], home of the [[T'vaoan|Skirmishers]].<ref name="md73"/>

In the original [[Covenant]], Kig-Yar were divided into several different ranks. Males formed the bulk of most of Kig-Yar presence in the [[Covenant military]], while females were often given command positions.<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>

Within the Covenant and its [[Covenant remnants|remnants]], the rank of [[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]] is the lowest field rank a Kig-Yar can attain. They are armed with standard-strength, light-blue [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|point defense gauntlets]] and small arms such as the [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistol]] or [[Type-33 Needler|Needler]].<ref name="e146-7">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''pages 146-147''</ref> After gaining a sufficient amount of experience, Kig-Yar can be promoted to the rank of [[Kig-Yar Major|Major]]. Majors are more experienced than Minors and are issued stronger point-defense gauntlets that emit a violet, red or orange-colored shield and carry heavier weaponry. In the Covenant, Kig-Yar hold a relatively low position and have little authority. Minors are typically commanded by [[Sangheili]] or [[Jiralhanae]] leaders, while Majors may lead their own [[file]] or even [[lance]] consisting of low-ranking [[Unggoy]] and [[Yanme'e]] but are still subject to the command of the higher-ranking species.<ref name="EVG"/>

Several specialist ranks exist of the Kig-Yar. The Kig-Yar rank of [[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]] comprises the Covenant's foremost long-range combatants. They are known to carry weapons such as [[Type-31 needle rifle|needle rifles]] and [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|particle beam rifles]], but do not use point defense gauntlets as to better wield their weapon. This is turn makes them more vulnerable and exposed to enemy fire. <ref name="e146-7"/> [[Kig-Yar Ranger]]s are part of the Covenant's [[Special Warfare Group]] division, [[Fleet Security]], and are trained for zero-G [[Extra-vehicular activity|EVA]] combat, and are equipped with [[vacuum suit]]s and magnetic boots.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'''</ref> One of the highest ranks obtainable by a Kig-Yar in the Covenant was [[Kig-Yar Zealot|Zealot]].<ref name="EVG"/>

Kig-Yar were also employed by the Covenant as prison guards to protect [[penal colony|penal colonies]], such as the one on [[Verge]].<ref>''[Halo: Evolutions''', "[[Blunt Instruments]]", ''page 234''</ref> The Kig-Yar were often used as a police force in former Covenant colonies, although normally under the supervision of a representative from one of the races higher in the Covenant hierarchy. The Kig-Yar were believed to have been given the responsibility due to their intimidating and threatening appearance they often project, keeping the Unggoy in-line.<ref name="bestiarum"/>