Jiralhanae: Difference between revisions

|distinctions=Simian body structure; thick, shaggy fur; prominent fangs

The '''Jiralhanae''' ([[Latin]], ''Servus ferox'', translated to "wild slave"<ref>[http://forums.bungie.org/halo/archive29.pl?read=865756 '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Bestiarum Latin names translated'']</ref>), known by [[human]]s as '''Brutes''', are a carnivorous [[sentience|sentient]] species of pseudo-ursine mammals.<ref name="BES"/><ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> Originating from the planet [[Doisac]], the Jiralhanae were the final addition to the [[Covenant]] hegemony. They have a profound hatred of the [[Sangheili]], unmatched by any other feud within the Covenant, fueled by the Jiralhanae's naturally aggressive demeanor and the Sangheili's natural sense of superiority.<ref name="ENC142">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 142'' (2011 edition)</ref>

Exceedingly strong (surpassing the strength of both and Sangheili and [[human]] [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]]), the Jiralhanae place a greater emphasis on brutality than wisdom and are on the whole a savage species. Preferring this potential for blind obedience, the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] began plans to replace the Sangheili with Jiralhanae, slowly placing the latter in higher positions and giving them greater allowances than Sangheili troops would receive.<ref name="changeguard"/> Finally, on Truth's orders, the Jiralhanae began a galaxy-wide purge of [[Sangheili Councilor|Sangheili High Councilors]] and commanders, sparking a cataclysmic civil war known as the [[Great Schism]] that led to the [[Battle of the Citadel|dissolution of the Covenant]]. This civil war would continue well after the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="ret"/>

[[File:AncientDoisacBrutes.png|250px|thumb|Ancient Jiralhanae on Doisac]]

The Jiralhanae were one of the many species of predators that originated on [[Doisac]], evolving from temperamental, tree-dwelling mammals due to Doisac's challenging and diversifying environment.<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> The Jiralhanae were one of many [[sentience|sentient]] species indexed by the [[Librarian]] for preservation aboard [[Installation 00]]. After the [[Halo Array]] was fired, the Jiralhanae were returned to Doisac to begin rebuilding their culture.<ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Origins''</ref>

Despite their savagery, Jiralhanae proved intelligent enough to achieve [[Technological Achievement Tiers|spaceflight and space-faring status]]. However, their warlike nature inevitably led them into conflict, and eventually the various Jiralhanae [[master-pack]]s—belonging into either of the Jiralhanae's two main social divisions (the [[Rh'tol]] and [[Vheiloth]] skeins) fell into a massive war known as the [[First Immolation]].<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> This mechanized war of attrition lasted a decade and eventually led to the use of [[nuclear weapon]]s that devastated Doisac.<ref name="ch194">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 194''</ref> The First Immolation and the nuclear holocaust that followed nearly led to species self-extinction and caused the collapse of Jiralhanae society; by the time the Covenant discovered them in [[2492]] CE, the species had just rediscovered radio and rocketry. Although some Jiralhanae were quick to join the Covenant, such as those led by [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] [[Maccabeus]],<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 260''</ref> others put up resistance against the invading alien hegemony.<ref name="bc187">'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 187''</ref> In their primitive state they were quickly defeated and absorbed into the Covenant.<ref name="ch194"/> The Jiralhanae's search for theological meaning led to the species' swift incorporation into the Covenant as they adopted the [[Covenant religion|empire's religion]] and began worshiping the [[Forerunner]]s.<ref name="bc187"/>

The Jiralhanae serve in the [[Covenant military]], deployed as heavy infantry and shock troops. Most of the Jiralhanae roles within the Covenant were only mere extensions of their own clan-based organizational structure, albeit more formalized under the Covenant's rule.<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> The Covenant settled Jiralhanae on worlds rich in resources to guard them from anyone seeking to claim them for themselves. Meanwhile, the Jiralhanae lacked the capability to mine the resources themselves and were not provided the technologies necessary for the process, ensuring that the Prophets had secure control over the resources.<ref name="esc1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref> Upon the Jiralhanae's inclusion into the Covenant a group of [[Sangheili]] commanders went before the Covenant [[High Council]] and claimed that the Jiralhanae's pack mentality would inevitably bring conflict between the two species. Citing the Jiralhanae's natural instincts to fight to the top of any hierarchy, the Sangheili commanders proposed that any peaceful "urges" that the Jiralhanae exhibited should be "aggressively encouraged". The High Council believed that the argument was fair, and began to impose restrictions on the technology the Jiralhanae could access. Although this ruling was meant to curb the enmity between the Sangheili and Jiralhanae, a feud between the two species continued.<ref name="ch199">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 199''</ref>

[[File:H2A Terminals - Murder of the Councilors.jpg|thumb|250px|The massacre of the Sangheili High Councilors initiated the Great Schism.]]

Jiralhanae troops fought in many battles throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]], including the [[First Battle of Harvest|first conflict]] on [[Harvest]] and the [[Fall of Reach|invasion]] of [[Reach]].<ref name="contact">'''Halo: Contact Harvest'''</ref><ref name="reach">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[New Alexandria (level)|New Alexandria]]''</ref> While effective combatants, they remained subordinate to the Sangheili, who continued to regard the Jiralhanae with universal disdain. Receiving differing opinions and suggestions on how to deal with the threat of [[human]]ity by both [[San'Shyuum]] and Sangheili, the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] began pursuing numerous schemes as he sought to replace the Sangheili with the Jiralhanae; Truth considered the latter to be easier to control and more dogmatic. [[Tartarus]], a Jiralhanae who participated in the first contact on Harvest, caught the eye of the [[Hierarch]], who was impressed that the Jiralhanae managed to take control of the entire [[Rh'tol]] skein at a young age. In the final years of the Human-Covenant War Truth had prepared Tartarus for an ascension to military authority.<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/>

By the final months of the war the High Prophet of Truth had gathered the personal allegiance of many of the [[Lesser Prophet|San'Shyuum members]] on the High Council.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 196''</ref> Recognizing the Jiralhanae's ferocity and unquestioning obedience, the San'Shyuum had decided to promote the Jiralhanae to the top of the Covenant military hierarchy — a position occupied by the Sangheili since the Covenant's inception. The Sangheili were scapegoated for failing to prevent the recent assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] (secretly arranged by Truth), and their previous failure to safeguard [[Installation 04]]; these events were used to justify the decision.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 209''</ref> The Jiralhanae became the Hierarchs' chosen protectors, [[Changing of the Guard|replacing]] the [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] and taking command of the [[Covenant fleet|fleet]]. This event led to some Sangheili Councilors to threaten resignation from the High Council.<ref name="changeguard">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon]]''</ref> On [[2552#November|November 3, 2552]], Tartarus and the High Prophet of Truth enacted their plans after several decades of preparation. After Tartarus seemingly killed [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee,<ref name="QZ">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]''</ref> the Chieftain's second-in-command, [[Melchus]], led a massacre on the Sangheili High Councilors and several of the former Honor Guardsmen on [[Installation 05]].<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 219-222''</ref> These acts began the [[Great Schism]], a civil war that led to the Sangheili allying themselves with humanity and the eventual fracturing of the Covenant empire. Tartarus attempted to initiate the Great Journey by activating Installation 05 but he was slain by the Arbiter.<ref name="journey">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>

After the Covenant's [[Battle of Installation 00|disastrous defeat]] at [[Installation 00|the Ark]], Jiralhanae society splintered among many tribes. Most Jiralhanae returned to Doisac, where they continued to fight among themselves as the species' organization fell apart.<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> Many refused to cease their campaigning against the Sangheili and the two species remained locked in an irregular conflict for years to come. When the remaining [[San'Shyuum]] retreated into hiding, the Jiralhanae returned to their primitive, savage nature, allowing the Sangheili to gain the upper hand in battle. [[Unidentified Shipmaster (Righteous Vigilance)|A Sangheili shipmaster]] visiting [[Kholo]] noted that at least some Jiralhanae factions had separated from those loyal to the former Covenant and were waging an internecine war against each other.<ref name="ret">'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', ''[[The Return]]''</ref> Additionally, due to the Jiralhanae's lack of advanced technology, they were unable to attain resources or even food for themselves, instead resorting to raids on Sangheili settlements. This, in turn, only served to provoke further violence between the two species.<ref name="esc1"/>

There were several Jiralhanae, such as [[Manus]] and the crew of ''[[Piety]]'', who remained loyal to their Sangheili commanders after the split of the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 225''</ref><ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> Many others served the Sangheili as security guards and servants on [[Sanghelios]]. However, this did not come without conflict. In [[2553#March|March 2553]], Jiralhanae servants in the state of [[Ontom]] launched [[terrorism|insurgent attacks]], which resulted in the death of dozens of Sangheili. Their revolt was quickly quelled by the city militia.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''', ''pages 22-23''</ref> At least some Jiralhanae allied with various [[Covenant remnants|remnants of the Covenant]]; some fought on behalf of [[Merg Vol]]'s [[Merg Vol's Covenant faction|forces]] during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] in [[2554]]. On [[2558#March|March 5, 2558]], the Jiralhanae Chieftain [[Lydus]] represented a [[Lydus' clan|polity]] of Jiralhanae willing to begin peace talks with Arbiter Thel 'Vadam on [[Ealen IV]].<ref name="esc1"/> However, initial peace talks were foiled by [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|a mercenary group]] hired by the human [[New Colonial Alliance]].<ref name="esc3">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue #3]]''</ref> Hidden in corners throughout the [[Orion Arm]], several Jiralhanae clans continue to gather in strength, continuing the work of the dissolved Covenant.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Covenant'']</ref>

[[File:H2A - Tartarus with Rukt.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus, Chieftain of the Jiralhanae until the outbreak of the Great Schism]]

Jiralhanae are a carnivorous, [[sentience|sentient]] species of mammals who share physical characteristics with [[Earth]]'s gorillas, rhinoceros, and bears; due to their bear-like features, they are designated pseudo-ursines.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=enemies&cid=28450 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach, Brute'']</ref><ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> They have thick gray skin that is highly resistant that makes them highly resistant to harm.<ref name="ENC142"/> Their bodies are covered with matted black, tan, or brown fur. The majority of Jiralhanae shave their fur,<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> with higher-ranking individuals sporting beards or mohawks. Pale fur and skin and considered extremely rare.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 198''</ref>

Their large, stocky appearance is most likely due to the gravity on their planet, which is about twice that of Earth. Jiralhanae are immensely strong, hence the "Brute" moniker, and are capable of delivering crushing blows in hand-to-hand combat. Their teeth are very sharp, and are frequently used as natural weapons. They are prone to fits of berserk rage in battle; Brutes often rush at and pummel any targets within reach with terrifying aggression. Jiralhanae have three digits on each hand including opposable thumbs. As such they can make use of a variety of weapons both of Covenant and human design. Their feet have only two digits, each with thick, hardened claws.<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> Jiralhanae blood is purplish-red.

Jiralhanae are carnivorous, as evidenced by their fearsome fanged jaws and propensity for violence. They are known to eat the flesh of their enemies, such as [[human]]s. They consider [[thorn beast]] a delicacy.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 195''</ref> A Jiralhanae once stated he would have gladly devoured [[Thel 'Vadam|the future Arbiter]], had he been allowed.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]'' (Brute: ''"Them? What about us? My belly aches, and his flesh is seared just the way I like it."'')</ref> Jiralhanae have highly sensitive [[Wikipedia:olfactory glands|olfactory glands]] that allow them to quickly track down and hunt prey, even in unfamiliar territories.<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/>

Jiralhanae often descend into a highly aggressive berserker rage when all their pack mates have been killed. Their incredible physical strength coupled with a dogged determination to kill their target makes a berserk Jiralhanae a force to be reckoned with, being powerful enough to even kill an [[Mgalekgolo]].<ref name="gravemind">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref> Before Jiralhanae reach full maturity, they naturally release pheromones. Other Jiralhanae can smell these pheromones and tell how others are feeling by the scent. When they do reach maturity, they learn to control the releases of their pheromones and most ideally stop them altogether.<ref name="ch203">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 203''</ref>

The Jiralhanae are rated a native Tier 4 species by the [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Forerunner Technological Achievement Tier scale]], although a Tier 2 rank was adopted from the [[Covenant]].<ref name="BES"/> They are extremely zealous beings, known for their willingness to cling to ancient, bloody traditions and their unwavering belief in the words of the [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]] and in the promise of the [[Covenant religion#Great Journey|Great Journey]]. Their homeworld of [[Doisac]] is war-torn, and Jiralhanae are known for their particular joy in vicious activities, complimented by regimented discipline. As part of the Covenant, Jiralhanae were required as a prerequisite to convert to the Prophets' religion of worshipping the [[Forerunner]]s. Previously, their culture revolved around the worship of totems and idols<ref name="BES"/> and their religion was based on the lunar cycles of Doisac's three [[moon]]s,<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> but they made swift converts due to their search for theological meaning.<ref name="bc187"/> The Jiralhanae were one of the most fanatical adherents to the Prophets' faith, although they seemed to hold little concept of sanctity, evidenced by [[Tartarus]]' improper handling of the "Oracle" [[343 Guilty Spark]].<ref name="journey"/><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref> Following the dissolution of the Covenant most Jiralhanae abandoned their belief in the Great Journey.<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/>

 

The Jiralhanae fighting style is forceful, utilitarian, and pragmatic.<ref name="ENC142"/> They prefer using weapons from their homeworld rather than the Covenant's standard [[plasma]]-based firearms. Jiralhanae weapons are notable for being extremely dangerous, somewhat primitive and brutal, and always featuring a blade attachment such as the [[Type-25 Spiker]], [[Type-52 Mauler]], [[Type-25 Brute Shot]], and the [[Type-2 gravity hammer]]. These weapons show their barbaric nature, for example, the fact that all of the weapons are named after ways of injury or causing bodily harm to another being. The many spikes and serrated edges that adorn their race's weapons, vehicles and armor further support this. Although they do have their own type of [[Type-25 Brute plasma rifle|plasma rifle]]. The Sangheili abhorred the Jiralhanae weapons due to their primitive nature, but allowed them to be serviced in low numbers.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 190''</ref> Unlike the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae have no qualms about using human weaponry. Some were seen using human [[M90 shotgun|shotguns]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="H2up">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref>

The Jiralhanae are disdainful of every other species except the San'Shyuum.<ref name="bc187"/> In general, Jiralhanae have a pronounced dislike of the [[Sangheili]] because the former believe they are better protectors of the Prophets than the Sangheili. The [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] took advantage of this to ignite the [[Great Schism]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]].<ref name="H2up"/> However, some Jiralhanae have surrendered and are willing to labor under the Sangheili after the end of the war.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 256''</ref>

Jiralhanae to interpret direct eye contact as a challenge. They have been known to brutally beat to death humans who have boldly dared to stare at them.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', ''page 59''</ref>

[[File:Brute 1024.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Jiralhanae Army Commander]] circa [[2531]], an example of the Jiralhanae's strong physique]]

Jiralhanae society is dominated by a fierce pack culture and a focus on lineage. Familial bonds tie each member to the other, forcing them into states of berserker rage and desperate mourning for their fallen pack mates should one die in battle. Jiralhanae society is a [[Wikipedia:Dictatorship|dictatorship]] controlled by the strongest male;<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> dominance is established by the social, martial, and sexual success of the patriarch. Patricide is an common side effect of the patriarchy due to the ambition seeded within many Jiralhanae to rise to the top of a hierarchy.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 347''</ref> Female Jiralhanae generally serve as mothers and caretakers.<ref name="wp jiralhanae"/> No females have been observed in military roles.<ref name="ENC143">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 143'' (2011 edition)</ref> A Jiralhanae's blood relation to another Jiralhanae did not offer subordinates immunity from discipline.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 198''</ref>

 

Each pack is led by a prominent [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] who wields a ceremonial [[gravity hammer]], passed from one leader to another upon his death, to denote his status. A Jiralhanae becomes a pack chieftain by challenging the current chieftain to a mortal duel; the victor claims the title after executing the other. The chieftain rules his pack like his own empire. An individual's rank is measured by success on and off the battlefield, unlike the more martial Sangheili.<ref name="BES"/> Interactions among the Jiralhanae are dominated by personal status, which they display through decoration and ornate armor.<ref name="ENC143"/>

Jiralhanae exhibit a variety of grooming styles to denote their status and pack affiliation. Jiralhanae typically are either clean shaven or sport mohawks, goatees or beards. However, some Jiralhanae packs do away with shaving altogether. Some Jiralhanae packs also adorn themselves with [[tattoo]]s over their entire bodies.<ref>'''Halo: Reach'''</ref>

Whereas the Sangheili used to command the Covenant's military and serve as the personal protectors of the San'Shyuum, the Jiralhanae primarily served as the Covenant's shock troops and secret police. This changed with the outbreak of the Great Schism, when the Jiralhanae supplanted the Sangheili in all areas of the Covenant military.<ref name="changeguard"/><ref name="gravemind"/> The Jiralhanae treated all the species under their command as expendable cannon fodder. If a subordinate failed to complete their task in any aspect, the leading Jiralhanae would enact a swift punishment, generally [[capital punishment|execution]].<ref name="ENC143"/> Eager to prove themselves superior over the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae often acted with no respect for the lives of civilians or other races.<ref name="ENC142"/>

The military structure of the Jiralhanae race was reorganized after they joined the Covenant. Inexperienced Jiralhanae that had just joined the military were given the rank of [[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]], identified by their blue colored power armor similar to the Minor rank in other species' military structures.<ref name="stats">'''[[Bungie.net]]''', ''service record''</ref> Minors were given little armor for protection. After gaining experience, a Jiralhanae was promoted to the rank of [[Jiralhanae Major|Major]]. The equipment used by Majors were basic, but significantly better than that of the Minors. Majors often commanded Jiralhanae Minors and [[Unggoy]]. [[Jiralhanae Ultra|Ultra]] was the highest rank obtainable by standard Jiralhanae infantry personnel. Ultras often led lower-ranked troops or served under Chieftains.<ref name="enc145">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 145''</ref> Ultras operated a wide range of weaponry and vehicles. Three Jiralhanae specialist ranks existed within the Covenant military. Replacing the [[Stealth Sangheili]] at the dawn of the [[Great Schism]], [[Jiralhanae Stalker]]s served in reconnaissance and infiltration roles. Equipped with [[active camouflage]], Stalkers often operated as bodyguards, spies, and assassins for Chieftains. [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s served as an aerial support unit that was equipped with [[jump pack]]s. Their jump packs give them enhanced mobility on the battlefield. [[Jiralhanae Bodyguard]]s were responsible for the protection of Chieftains and other political figures within the Covenant,<ref name="stats"/> often enforcing tribal and military laws.<ref name="enc145"/>