Unggoy: Difference between revisions

They have small black, bead-like eyes, although some have reddish-orange eyes, and grayish-blue, scaly skin. [[Humans]] have termed such warriors '''Grunts''', due to their size, and because of their speech patterns<ref>, as they make odd squeaking and grunting noises. They constantly make these noises, and the Grunt will usually run from you when their commander is killed.[[Halo 1 Orange Grunt Action Figure]]</ref> and their status in [[Covenant]] society.

Grunts are the lowest-ranked species of the Covenant hierarchy, forming the bottom-most of all the castes. They are fierce rivals with [[Jackals]] who are also a smaller Covenant Group which they compete to prove themselves better and more skilled. This is often ignored by the higher ranking races of the Covenant. That has unfortunately lead to an [[Unggoy Rebellion|Grunt Rebellion]]. They are often pressed into combat and manual labour.<ref>''[[Halo: First Strike]]''</ref> Furthermore, they are typically poor and cowardly warriors, are physically diminutive, wear minimal armor, making them very vulnerable to ballistic weaponry, plus most of them are tactically inept and are inaccurate shots. However, what they lack in ability they make up for with sheer numbers, as they breed in large numbers relatively quickly. In some cases, a squad of Grunts has been known to overpower careless marines. [[Special Operations Grunts|Spec Ops Grunts]] are far more tenacious than the lower tiered ones, and have even been known to carry [[Fuel Rod Guns]] and wear black armor, which makes them extremely dangerous foes.[[Image:BlackNeedlerGrunt3.jpg|thumb|right|A Halo 2 Spec Ops  grunt.|200 px]]

They are unusual in the way that they breathe [[methane]] rather than oxygen. Their combat armor/harness has an integrated  methane re-breather system, as Grunts appear to be unable to survive long without methane due to asphyxiation much like humans without oxygen, yet in Halo 3, knocking the methane tank off of them will still cause them to linger around for a long period of time.  It may be a hindrance to the Unggoy's natural ability. <ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]''</ref>  

Grunts are essentially a slave race, who obey the other Covenant races out of fear, not will, because they have no political power in Covenant society. However, within the Grunt community there is a strong hatred of other species, especially Jackals. It has been indicated that at some time in the Covenant's history, in one of the nine ages, there was a Grunt Rebellion, which was quelled, thanks in part to an [[Arbiter (rank)|Arbiter]] who was called upon during that period for that purpose. This fear also leads to a lack of political loyalty during the [[Covenant Civil War]], the Grunts did not ally with a particular side and stayed with whoever was stronger and commanding them, most likely out of subservient fear to their masters, however, many held support for the Elites and still revered [[The Arbiter (character)|The Arbiter]]. <ref>"As for some general things, there was a lot of combat banter. The Grunts were always screaming about the Arbiter, telling him to "get away while he still could" and to "save himself" (shaky loyalties... a sign of things to come, maybe?), and going on about "How could the [[Demon]] be here?!" "The Demon is alive?", and all around Grunt banter" —[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=827114 Halo 3 IMAX preview write up] by Avalon Drew.</ref>

It is also important to note that in [[Halo 3]], the Grunts are more courageous than beforehand; fighting more ferociously and are seemingly more hostile to the enemy. In the level [[Sierra 117 (Level)|Sierra 117]] a [[Marine]] comments on the fact that even the Grunts weren't pushovers when led by the Brutes. The Arbiter replies that their newfound courage is a result of fearing their new Brute masters, who are more cruel and primal than the Elites. Another idea is that the Brutes mixed a gas into the methane tanks to make the Grunts more aggressive, as suggested by a Marine. Also in ''[[Halo 3]]'', when a superior ally or many of their allies are killed Grunts have tendencies to ignite two [[Plasma Grenade]]s and become kamikazes, in this case they let out a strange continuous battle call, and start running towards an enemy with two plasma grenades in-hand. These Grunts are known as "Suicide Grunts" to many gamers and are considered one of the more irritating ways to die.

Grunts also have thick, luminescent, light-blue blood,<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', page 27</ref> possibly a result of methane-based binding proteins in the blood to facilitate methane-based respiration. [[Wikipedia:Horseshoe Crabs|Horseshoe Crabs]]  also have blood that is very similar in color, it may be that their blood, like the horseshoe crabs, is blue due to copper. They may also go as far as to contain a protien very similar to [[Wikipedia:hemocyanin|hemocyanin]] (copper based) which is the horseshoe crabs equivalent of [[Wikipedia:hemoglobin|hemoglobin]] (iron based). Most grunts will eat a sludge-like substance from something called a Food Nipple. These are believed to have tamed the Grunts after the Unggoy Rebellion. Previously, though, the Grunts fed on meats and vegetables on their native planet.  

| '''[[Grunt Ultra]]''' || [[Image:Grunt Ultra H3.jpg|150-px]] || These Grunts appear to be field [[commander]]s for other Grunts, and wear distinctive pearlescent white armor reminiscent of the [[Ultra Elite]]s. While they appear to have some authority over lesser-ranked Grunts (besides Special Operations Grunts, who are of a different jurisdiction), although they have no control whatsoever over the other Covenant races. Grunt Ultras are also stronger opponents than their subordinates, and are more accurate with firearms, throw [[Plasma Grenades]] often, and have heavier armor, making them able to sustain more damage than most other Grunts. They very rarely run, and when present, other Grunts do not run either. Grunt Ultras mostly sided with the [[Covenant Separatists]]. There are two on Halo 3 that can be seen wielding [[Brute Spikers]].

| '''[[Grunt Major]]''' || [[Image:H3 Grunt Major.jpg|150 px]] || Veteran Grunts that wear crimson armor. They sometimes command several Grunt Minors and are slightly more skilled in combat and courageous than Grunt Minors, though this difference is not always substantial. In Halo:CE they take two sniper shots in the chest to die (on legendary), which means that they have similar base health than Elite minors who also require two chest shots, when their shields are fully charged to be killed. Sometimes they will not run away but keep shooting at you if everyone around him is dead.

'''Cylindrical-backed Grunts''' It was in concept arts for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and was seen again in a ''[[Halo Wars]]'' Screen Shot on The Halo Wars official Website.

'''Curl-Back Grunts''': In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', there was an alternate suit for the Grunt Infantry. It was a slightly larger mask that covered more of the face and a methane tank that curled upwards instead of it sticking out. The reason for this is because they could roll out of the U shaped covenant dropships, posibly to take cover and to get out of the ships faster as this variation is only seen in Halo: Combat Evolved. It is possible that the curl-back design would denote that the wearer was a Grunt Heavy. This could have been used before an actual rank and suit were made for the heavy grunts. This is supported by the fact that most [[Shade|Turrets]] in Halo: Combat Evolved are controlled by curl-backs (on higher difficulties), and that there are screenshots depicting them on turrets in [[Halo Wars]]. But if the player looks closely, he/she will find that ALL Grunt ranks on Halo: Combat Evolved have this armor design, including Minor Grunts, Major Grunts and SpecOps Grunts. Also some people think that the methane tanks on the "Curl-Back Grunts" could have not been refilled unlike the other grunts methane tanks in the Halo series. Curl-back design could also be a type of out-dated suit that was slowly being removed from the Grunt military. The reason for the curl-back methane tank is that it was in fact, a different version, which would contract for easier transportation as it ran out of methane.

Grunts usually fight in groups consisting of mostly Minor Grunts, one or two Major Grunts, and an Elite leading them in [[Halo 2]] or a [[Brute]] in [[Halo 3]]. Most of the time, when the Elite or Brute leading them is dead, the Grunts will run away, even the higher ranking ones. If playing on the lower difficulties (Easy, Normal) Grunts may run away even if they just see you. Although, Minor Grunts will sometimes regroup and attack you. If the Brute or [[Elite]] leading them is dead, but the Major Grunts aren't, some Grunts will stay and fight because they will have someone leading them. Grunts can be tenacious fighters as long as they have someone leading them. Higher ranking Grunts may not run away, but keep fighting you.

Grunts are often armed with the ubiquitous [[Plasma Pistol]], although they are sometimes seen wielding [[Needler]]s and [[Plasma Rifle]]s. Sometimes grunts will carry [[Fuel Rod Gun]] but the size shrinks a little when they wield it.. Grunts can be dangerous in groups, even if they are mostly Minors, as they usually wield Plasma Pistols which can deplete your shields quickly if many are firing at you. Grunts are never seen equipped with two-handed weapons like [[Covenant Carbine]]s, [[Brute Shot]]s, [[Energy Sword]]s, etc. Grunt Heavies can carry folded Plasma cannons. Special Operations grunts and Grunt Heavies are occasionally seen bearing Fuel Rod Guns. In Halo 3, they can be seen carrying Fuel Rod Guns with one arm but they use both hands most of the time since it is such a powerful weapon, as well as the Plasma Cannon, but they do not use them in that manner, and instead they run and try to find a place to put it so they can get out of the fight quicker. On [[The Storm]] and [[The Ark (level)|The Ark]], a Grunt can be seen with a [[Brute Spiker]]. On [[The Ark (level)|The Ark]], it is a Grunt Heavy that is walking alone on the top of the tunnel which the [[Human]] vehicles, including 3 [[Scorpion Tanks]], come out of just before the [[Scarab]] battle.   

All Grunts are equipped with and often use [[Plasma Grenade]]s and sometimes [[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade|Spike Grenades]], although Ultra Grunts, Special Operations Grunts and Major Grunts throw grenades in combat more often. [[Special Operations Grunts]] also use Fuel Rod Guns in combat. They have been known to "

"'Nade Spam'" Plasma Grenades on the [[Legendary]] difficulty, which means that in a group of 10 Grunts, as many as 8 of them will throw Plasma Grenades, one after the other, in an attempt to easily dispatch their foes. In [[Halo 3]], Grunts who are startled or possibly see their allies get killed will arm 2 Plasma Grenades and rush to the player, causing an explosion after a few seconds. This is an action of desperation or fear, and Grunts using this choice of action are preferably "last-minute Kamikaze". If there are more than one charging at you, shoot the first one; as the other Grunts run past, the dead Grunts grenades will detonate, killing the rest. As mentioned earlier, most Grunts are inaccurate shooters, with the exception of Ultra Grunts and Special Operations Grunts, which pose more of a threat with their very accurate marksmanship and their tendency to throw grenades accurately. They are never limited in skill when using heavy weapons either.

Grunts do not only wield covenant wepons but you can give them [[human]] wepons on levels such as [[Sacred Icon (level)]] you can give them the human magnum and [[smg]] by dead flood combat forms.

A single Grunt is also heard of an [[Assault Rifle]] in the ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''.

[[Image:grunt-turret.jpg|thumb|right|A Grunt Minor firing a plasma turret on board a [[Scarab]].]]In Halo: Combat Evolved, Minor and Major Grunts are the primary operators of the stationary [[Shade]] Turrets, although the turrets are open to use by other races if a turret is vacant. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', it is the specific task of Gunner Grunts to man Plasma Cannons or Shielded Plasma Turrets, yet if no Gunner Grunts are available, Minor or Major Grunts will often man the turret instead.

*Heavy Machine Gun, Halo 3 specifically [[Crow's Nest (Level)|Crows Nest]].

Grunts are the most commonly encountered enemy in the Halo series, and are lightly armored and lack any form of additional shielding. In battle, they are easily dispatched by most weapons. Weapons such as the [[M6D Pistol]] and [[BR55 Battle Rifle]] are very effective in executing head-shots. Like many other unshielded enemies, a single head shot from any gun on any difficulty will kill them (though there are some guns that for reasons unknown cannot execute headshots). Grunts are also easily killed with brief bursts of automatic fire from weapons such as the [[MA5B ICWS Assault Rifle|Assault Rifle]], [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMG]], and the Plasma Rifle. If just out of melee range, the player may fire a quick burst, as the Grunt reels from the hit, the player can melee the Grunt. Some players prefer to melee Grunts to death, and save ammo for [[Brutes]], [[Elites]], and any other foe. Ultra Grunts and Special Operations Grunts have stronger body armor and can withstand more damage than lower-ranking Grunts. Melee attacks generally kill [[Grunt]]s in one or two blows. They can prove to be stealthy choices of action when clearing out sleeping Grunts, especially if you are wanting to avoid detection. In Halo 3, an attack will sometimes blow off the flimsy cover of a Grunts methane tank, and may rupture the tank inside. The respirator can also be knocked off, which is fatal after a certain amount of time. Even after the respirator has been knocked off they will continue to fight. A leakage of methane gas can turn a situation perilous in the presence of a flame.

Because Grunts often fight in tight formations, grenades and [[Rocket Launcher|Rockets]] can be used to great effect. Spikers can also work to a great effect also, as can kill a Grunt with a few shots. However, when stuck with Plasma Grenades, Grunts will panic and start running in random directions, posing a threat to both the player and their allies. It may be heard that the Grunt, when stuck by a Plasma or Spike grenade, he may yell, "Noooooo!", "Pull it off!", or even "Eeeiiiaaayyyhhh!". However, sticking them is particularly useful, as the stuck Grunt will often run towards its comrades, decimating an entire squad at times.

A '''Suicide Grunt'''<ref>[[Halo 3: The Official Guide]], page 30</ref>, also known as a "Kamikaze Grunt", is like a "berserk" mode for the Unggoy in ''Halo 3''. Occasionally, an Unggoy will hold two Plasma Grenades in each hand while screaming in rage and charge towards enemy forces. This is usually triggered by their leader being killed, and you can sometimes hear them scream, "For the [[Great Journey]]!" or "Witness my beliefs!", "For the Covenant!", "Follow the light my brothers!", "Please enjoy my BRIGHT! BLUE! BALLS!", "*hums the Halo Theme Song*", and rarely "Oh! I bet I can stick him!", but most of the time, they start shouting unintelligable Suicide Terrorists words like "iiiyyyeee yyyeeaattteee, or a simple, but sharp "ooottt!!." Most of the intellagable words are of the former of quotes seeming to indicate that they deeply believe and follow the [[Prophets]] and the Covenant religion. Although, some of them are just for humor. They will sometimes not say anything at all and babble pointlessly while running at you, but sometimes they might say something when one gets close to you like "Faith and devotion!" This mode can be achieved by any Unggoy, so it is most likely a parallel to the Brute berserk mode, although Brutes tend to go bloodthirsty, while the Grunts become suicidal, and the Grunts don't do it nearly as often as Brutes do. It tends to happen to Brutes mostly when their leader is slain, when you shoot them enough to make their armor come off, or if you kill their leader in a brutal way (such as sticking one with a grenade). An odd thing about Kamikaze Grunt is that when you throw a plasma grenade it lasts about 4 seconds,when Kamikaze Grunts stick two plasma grenades to their hands they can last over 5 seconds. To see more Kamikaze Grunts more often, activate the skulls [[Famine]] and [[Tough Luck Skull|Tough Luck]], as obserbed with one players encounter with a whole swarm of them going suicide.

Suicide Grunts can be VERY dangerous if not taken care of quickly. To locate and avoid being killed by them it is advisable to take the following three precautions. First, keep an eye out for them - they are usually quite easy to spot since they have a blue glow on each side of them. Second, listen for the Kamikaze Grunts' distinctive screams. This is helpful when you are not using your [[Motion Tracker]]. Finally, do not wait for them to explode on their own. The grenades won't explode until the Grunt wielding them is killed. Once the Grunt is killed, the grenades will fall to the ground and detonate, destroying anything in the blast radius of the grenades. This can often be used to your advantage. If there are enemies near by, they may be caught in the blast radius. Be careful though, for the explosion may set off stray grenades lying around on the floor. Often Kamikaze Grunts can be a threat if you are sniping and don't hear the screams. Often, these Kamikaze Grunts' are, on higher difficulties, lower ranks, such as the Grunt Minor. It is unknown as to why this is, possibly the fact being that higher ranking Grunts on higher difficulties can prove to be even more dangerous when they don't Kamikaze you and simply use the weapons and tactics they already have, or maybe the lower ranking Grunts do this thinking that this is their only chance of stopping the player from advancing any further.  

*Grunts are referred as "cute" by many players, but in [[Halo 3]], they are referred as "ugly"

*Grunts can be seen with different methane tanks. Shark fin (normal), Curl back (Halo 1), Heretic pack (Halo 2), Cylindrical tub (In Halo 1 Concept arts, and Halo Wars Screenshots).