Kig-Yar: Difference between revisions

{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}

|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Ruuhtian|content1=[[File:JackalMinor.png|250px]]|title2=Ibie'shian|content2=[[File:H5G-Render-Jackal.png|300px]]|title3=T'vaoan|content3=[[File:Halo_Reach_-_Skirmisher.png|200px]]}}

*[[Ruuhtian]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypointuniverse}}

|notable-person=*[[Chur'R-Yar]]

The '''Kig-Yar''' (sometimes rendered as "'''Kig-yar'''"; [[Forerunner]] designation: ''Perosus latrunculus'', [[Wikipedia:Latin|Latin]] for "hateful bandit";<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Bestiarum Latin names translated'']</ref> [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] designation: ''Covenant secundarium carnivora prœdonis'', Latin for "Covenant secondary carnivorous combatant"<ref name="journal">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''</ref>), are a dinosaur-like saurian species.<ref name="B.net">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ODST Guide]</ref> Following their assimilation in [[1342|1342 CE]], the Kig-Yar served the [[Covenant]] until its [[Great Schism|dissolution]] in [[2552]]. Many went on to aid its [[Covenant remnants|remnants]] as mercenaries, privateers, and [[pirate]]s, though the majority stayed independent of any such factions.  

During their early history, Kig-Yar society was divided into [[clan]]s that sailed across [[Eayn]]'s seas as pirates, raiding the encampments and settlements of rival clans.<ref name="ch93">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 93''</ref> Ancient Kig-Yar once experienced a gladiatorial era, similar to [[human]]s. These ancient Kig-Yar would hold inter-clan physical combat competitions in the largest population centers on Eayn's biggest continent.<ref name="HE157">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 157''</ref> Eventually, the clans united, and the Kig-Yar species worked together in developing space-travel technology.<ref name="HE115">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 115''</ref>  

Kig-Yar are around the same level as the [[Unggoy]] in the Covenant hierarchy, although the Kig-Yar despised the [[Unggoy]] and believed themselves to be superior. This reached a boiling point in [[2462]], when the growing Unggoy population on ''[[High Charity]]'' put pressure on the Kig-Yar as many of the Kig-Yar were forced to relocate their homes and nests to accommodate the Unggoy. The relocation caused stress for female Kig-Yar that were going through their incubation cycles, and Kig-Yar infant mortality rose on ''High Charity'' and the birth rate declined. To exact their revenge, a radical group of Kig-Yar [[shipmaster]]s poisoned [[infusion]]s—recreational narcotics the Unggoy enjoyed—on ''High Charity'' and on the vessels operated by the Kig-Yar which left many male Unggoy sterile.<ref name="Halo page 150">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 150''</ref> Although [[Prophet of Truth|a junior staffer]] in the [[Ministry of Concert]] found evidence of this, the [[High Council]] failed to properly investigate the incident, as they were willing to accept several thousand sterile Unggoy rather than risk upsetting the Kig-Yar. As a result, the offending Kig-Yar were not imprisoned and the guilty shipmasters were simply fined for damages. The lack of attention and the case's results eventually culminated to the [[Unggoy Rebellion]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 152''</ref> The Unggoy began to attack, not only the Kig-Yar but, all other races in the Covenant. The [[Sangheili]] and Kig-Yar faced difficulty quelling the rebellion, which led to [[Unidentified Arbiter (Unggoy Rebellion)|an Arbiter]] partially [[glassing]] [[Balaho]] to convince the Unggoy to surrender.<ref name="h2a terminal10">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 10]]''</ref>

[[File:Jackal_by_Halsey.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ruuhtian physiology and skeletal structure as drawn by [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]] in [[2536]].]]

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/Reuse|bestiarum}} Their legs are sinewy and muscular, and are digitigrade in structure like those of birds. Though they have been mistaken for carnivores,{{Ref/Reuse|journal}} the Kig-Yar are apparently an omnivorous species.{{Ref/Reuse|md73}}<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 49''</ref> Kig-Yar possess very sharp teeth, and their jaws are tipped with a hooked, bird-like beak. Both their hands and feet are tridactyl, and are armed with sharp talons. Their hands in particular exhibit an unusual structure, with a single large middle finger surrounded by two opposable thumbs. 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/Reuse|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. Ruuhtian 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/Reuse|bestiarum}}

While Kig-Yar are somewhat physically frail, they are capable of moving quickly to evade harm. Their blood is bright purple in color, similar to that of the [[Sangheili]], possibly showing a similar chemical makeup. They lack high amounts of [[calcium]] in their skeletons, which makes them a poor source of biomass for the [[Flood]]. Thus, Kig-Yar that are infected by the Flood are typically turned directly into [[Flood carrier form|carrier forms]] rather than [[Flood combat form|combat forms]]. However, they have been utilized as combat forms during at least one engagement, the [[Battle of the Etran Harborage]].<ref>''Halo Wars''</ref>

[[File:JackalCloseup.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A closeup of a Ruuhtian Kig-Yar's face. Notice the razor-sharp teeth and scaly skin.]]

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/Reuse|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/Reuse|waypointuniverse}}<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' (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 from Ruuht (known as '''Ruuhtians''') typically exhibit light brown, tan, or sallow skin tones, with green skin appearing less often;<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[Origins]]'' and ''Homecoming''</ref><ref name="Bulletin">[https://web.archive.org/web/20141012163751/https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/the-halo-bulletin-9-24-14 '''Halo Waypoint''': The Halo Bulletin: 9.24.14'']</ref> flexible quills on the head and forearms among males, with calloused plates among females; and elongated heads with bulbous eyes and beak-like snouts. The most common head morphology involves a downward-sloping snout,<ref>'''Halo 3''', '''Halo: Reach''', and related media</ref> though specimens with straight snouts are also common.<ref>'''Halo 2'''</ref><ref>''Halo: Uprising''</ref>{{Ref/Note|In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Jackals have squat heads, very bulbous eyes, baleen-like teeth, and dark green or reddish orange skin. This design has not been featured in any subsequent media and has seemingly been retconned from existence by ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''. ''Anniversary'' instead uses the ''Halo: Reach'' design, though it is scaled down to the original Jackals' smaller frame, giving the Jackals squat heads and much shorter necks.}}

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/Reuse|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 stronger, thicker beakless jaws with noticeable underbites.{{Ref/Reuse|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, yellow-tinted eyes, and more subdued sexual dimorphism, with both sexes possessing armored neck scales in addition to quills. 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/Reuse|waypointuniverse}}

Kig-Yar served primarily as light infantry, police forces, overseers, and marksmen. They were commonly used for interdiction, infiltration, and assassination operations. Kig-Yar privateers also commonly crew Covenant [[missionary ship]]s, such as the ''[[Minor Transgression]]''. Originally, they were intended to replace the Unggoy as the foot soldiers of the Covenant, but their temperament made this impractical. Instead, they were assigned roles that were better suited to their natural abilities, such as scouts and snipers.<ref name="HE155">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''pages 154-155'' (2011 edition)</ref>  

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/Reuse|HE157}} Clans often governed certain portions of cities on Kig-Yar worlds.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 167''</ref>  

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/Reuse|11th hour}} other Kig-Yar colonies include [[Dal'koth]], as well as [[T'vao]], home of the [[T'vaoan|Skirmishers]].{{Ref/Reuse|md73}}

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/Reuse|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/Reuse|EVG}}

The rank structure in [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] retains much of the structure of the Covenant hegemony: Kig-Yar are lower-ranking than Sangheili and [[Mgalekgolo]], but have more authority than the [[Unggoy]]. The lowest rank in the faction for a Kig-Yar is the [[Kig-Yar Storm|Storm unit]]. This unit is virtually the same as the Minor rank in the Covenant, albeit inferior weapons and armor. With experience, Storm Kig-Yar can be promoted to the rank of [[Kig-Yar Heavy|Heavy]]. They are typically deployed as scouts and trackers, as well as for [[boarding]] actions.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/Detail/character-enemy-renders/421563ab-3b18-4e29-8487-3dd79b627a70#imageNumber=17 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''New Halo 4 Renders'']</ref>  

Some Kig-Yar have gained the rank of [[Shipmaster|shipmistress]], and are able to lead their own ships. Because of the matriarchal nature of Kig-Yar society, most Kig-Yar ship commanders are female, hence their use of the feminine form of the Covenant title of shipmaster. While there are male Kig-Yar shipmasters, they are less common.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 381''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 166''</ref> They are often employed by the Covenant's [[Ministry of Tranquility]].<ref>[http://halosm.bungie.org/story/staten083106.html '''Bungie.org''': ''Joe Staten Interview'']</ref> These Kig-Yar are mostly given command of ships made by the Kig-Yar themselves, such as [[missionary ship|privateers]] and [[Kig-Yar raider|raiders]], rather than larger and more powerful vessels of mainline Covenant design.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 161''</ref> However, some still commanded [[Covenant frigate]]s.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 81''</ref>

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/Reuse|bestiarum}}

*"Kig-Yar" is an Anglicized form of the Welsh term for chicken meat, "cig iâr".<ref>[http://translate.google.com/#cy/en/cig%20i%C3%A2r '''Google Translate''' - ''cig iâr'']</ref>

*In all games prior to ''Halo: Reach'', all Jackals shoot left-handed and are the only Covenant species to do so. However, in ''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo 4'' Jackals shoot with their right hands and carry their shields with their left hands; this generally makes it harder to shoot through the gap in a Jackal's energy shield as all player characters are right-handed.

*The Ibie'shan Jackals introduced in ''Halo 4'' closely resemble [[Wikipedia:American Godzilla|Zilla]], the eponymous monster of the [[Wikipedia:Godzilla (1998 film)|1998 American ''Godzilla'' film]].

File:H2_DeltaHalo_JackalSniper.jpg|A Kig-Yar sniper from ''[[Halo 2]]'' with a [[Type-50 particle beam rifle]].

File:Covenant jackal.gif|Kig-Yar in ''Halo Wars''.

File:HaloReach - Jackal.png|Profile image of a Kig-Yar in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.

File:Kig-yar Major III.jpg|A Kig-Yar Major in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.

File:HR_JackalSniper_NeedleRifle.jpg|A Kig-Yar Sniper armed with a Type-31 needle rifle in ''Halo: Reach''.

File:Jackals Comparison.jpg|A comparison of in-game Jackals across the Halo series.

**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition|Limited Edition]]'' {{Mo}}

{{Covenant}}