Editing Kig-Yar

{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Species infobox
|name=Kig-Yar
|image=[[File:H5G-Render-Jackal.png|300px]]
|latin=''Perosus latrunculus''<ref name="waypointuniverse">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/kig-yar '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Kig-Yar'']</ref>
|sentience=[[Sentience|Sapient]]<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>
|classification=Reptilian<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>
|subspecies=*[[Ibie'shan]]<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>
*[[Ruuhtian]]<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>
*[[T'vaoan]]<ref name="waypointuniverse"/>
|diet=Omnivorous<ref name="md73">'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 73''</ref>
|height=190–210 cm (6 ft 2 in–6 ft 8 in)<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 100''</ref>
|weight=88–93 kilograms (195–206 lbs)<ref name="EVG"/>
|distinctions=Sinewy and slender; dinosauroid features, tridactyl clawed hands and feet
|lifespan=
|homeworld=[[Eayn]]
|techlevel=Native Tier 4/Adopted Tier 2<ref name="bestiarum"/>
|notable-group=*[[Covenant]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**Pirate factions
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
**[[Keepers of the One Freedom]]
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant]]
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]
**[[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]]
|notable-person=*[[Chur'R-Yar]]
*[[Chol Von]]
*[[Krith]]
*[[Nor Fel]]
*[[Reth]]
*[[Sav Fel]]
*[[Zhar (Kig-Yar)|Zhar]]
|othernames=*Buzzard
*Chicken
*Jackal
*Turkey
*Tree-Turkey
*Vulture<ref>'''[[Conversations from the Universe]]'''</ref>
|languages=[[Kig-Yar language]]
}}
{{Quote|Jackals may be superior marksmen and they're very sneaky, but that doesn't make them excellent snipers — they’re a little too bloodthirsty for that.|Anonymous UNSC Marine}}

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> [[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 dissolution in [[2552]]. Many went on to aid its [[Covenant remnants|remnants]] as mercenaries and privateers, though the majority stayed independent of any such factions. 

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"/>

==History==
===The Ark and reseeding===
The Kig-Yar were one of many species indexed by the [[Librarian]] as part of the [[Conservation Measure]] and preserved on [[Installation 00]] from the firing of the [[Halo Array]]. They were subsequently returned to their homeworld, where they began rebuilding their culture.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[Origins]]''</ref>

===Development of civilization===
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]]''', ''page 157''</ref> Eventually, the clans united, and the Kig-Yar species worked together in developing space-travel technology.<ref name="HE115">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 115''</ref> 

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 lead 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"/>

===The Covenant===
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> 

[[File:H2A Terminals - Vengeful Kig-Yar.jpg|thumb|250px|Kig-Yar poisoning the Unggoy infusion supply.]]
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>

===Human-Covenant War===
{{Main|Human-Covenant War}}
A Kig-Yar [[missionary ship]], the ''[[Minor Transgression]]'', was the first Covenant vessel to make contact with humanity.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 26''</ref> The ship raided a [[Horn of Plenty|commercial freighter]] leaving the planet [[Harvest]], and the events that followed would later lead to full-scale military action on the part of [[human]]ity and the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 134''</ref> The Kig-Yar serving with the Ministry of Tranquility would continue to patrol the space around humanity's known territory. The Kig-Yar were responsible for discovering numerous [[human colonies]], such as [[Madrigal]], and would report their findings to the rest of the [[Covenant fleet]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 155''</ref> 

Following the outbreak of the [[Human-Covenant War]], human encounters with Kig-Yar were brief and poorly documented. Rumors and fragmentary evidence pointed to incidents of Jackal piracy against human civilians.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070411213012/http://www.joyridestudios.com/halo2_8_jackal.asp '''Joyride Jackal description''']</ref>

In [[2535]], a group of Kig-Yar under [[Reth]] discovered [[the Rubble]], a community of [[Insurrectionist]]s and human survivors of the [[glassing]] of Madrigal, while attempting to mine the [[asteroid]]s in the [[23 Librae|23 Librae system]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 73-74''</ref> [[Peter Bonifacio]], a member of the [[Rubble Security Council]], made contact with the Kig-Yar and agreed to trade Covenant weaponry in exchange for human [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|slipspace drives]].<ref name="Halo page 222">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 222''</ref> Although the humans believed the Kig-Yar were rebels defying Covenant authority, they were in fact secretly proceeding with the blessing of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] to use the weapons to map [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] space and learn the location of [[Earth]] and other [[human colonies]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 236''</ref> Reth had created an Unggoy army on [[Metisette|a nearby moon]] with the intents to attack the Rubble with it and use it for Kig-Yar nesting grounds. However, the plan fell apart due to the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] sending [[Sangheili]] warriors to investigate the weapons, believing the Kig-Yar to be heretics.<ref name="Halo page 146">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 146''</ref>

During the [[Great Schism]], many Kig-Yar sided with the [[Jiralhanae]] troops loyal to the Hierarchs against the [[Sangheili]]. However, the [[Minister of Discovery]] predicted that the Kig-Yar would follow whichever side would lead them to profit.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[Wages of Sin]]", ''page 509''</ref> Some Kig-Yar protested against the Jiralhanae and San'Shyuum at the dawn of the Schism.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref>

===Post-war===
Following the collapse of the Covenant and the end of the Human-Covenant War, the majority of Kig-Yar returned to a lifestyle of [[piracy]] and trade. The overall population and social makeup of the Kig-Yar remained stable following the end of the war, with their homeworld and major colonies experiencing manageable growth.<ref name="11th hour">'''[[Eleventh Hour reports]]''', ''Report 2''</ref> Many Kig-Yar had dealings with humans, as well as the former Covenant species, in independent locations such as [[Venezia]]; some took advantage of the Covenant's collapse and began to loot valuable materials and technology from former Covenant installations.<ref name="mdic">'''Halo: Mortal Dictata'''</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"/>

==Biology==
===Anatomy and physiology===
[[File:Jackal_by_Halsey.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ruuhtian physiology and skeletal structure as drawn by [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]] in [[2536]].]]
[[File:H5G-Jackal Neural Network.png|thumb|left|250px|A diagram of an Ibie'shan's neural network.]]
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.<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 have sharp beaks are lined with razor-sharp teeth, and 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"/>

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>

===Genetic variety===
[[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 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>

====Ruuhtian====
{{Main|Ruuht}}
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 group="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.</ref>

====Ibie'shan====
{{Main|Ibie'sh}}
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'vaoan====
{{Main|T'vaoan}}
'''T'vaoans''', commonly known as '''Skirmishers''', originated from the Kig-Yar colony [[asteroid]] of T'vao.<ref>'''[[Archive:Letter - Re:Mortal Dictata Question]]'''</ref><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"/>

==Culture==
[[File:Ancient KigYar.png|thumb|250px|Pre-activation Kig-Yar on Eayn.]]
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>

===Social relations===
[[File:HtT - Kig-Yar Stew.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Kig-Yar food aboard a pirate ship.]]
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>

Kig-Yar have been known to coexist relatively peacefully with humans, as evidenced by the relationship between [[the Rubble]] and [[Reth]]'s forces on [[Metisette]], the cooperation of Kig-Yar miners on [[New Llanelli]] with [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] operatives,<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 113''</ref> and their relationship with [[Insurrectionist]]s on [[Venezia]].<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 319''</ref> When the Kig-Yar were finally ordered by the San'Shyuum to attack and destroy the humans of the Rubble, many of them even regretted the order. This is likely due to the pragmatic, mercantile culture of their race: As long as it benefits them economically, Kig-Yar will co-operate with nearly any group, even declared enemies of the Covenant.

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>

If any of their kin are killed, Kig-Yar may put out a bounty known as a [[mev-ut]] and go after the culprits. Due to their vicious nature, they particularly go after the heads and cervical vertebrae of their targets.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 218''</ref>

===Role within the Covenant===
[[File:H2A Beach - Elite and Jackal.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Kig-Yar Sniper]] standing alongside a [[Special Operations Sangheili]].]]
{{Quote|Yet some are effective snipers, and, once drawn into the Covenant they have proven loyal, though they are quarrelsome with the Unggoy and others at times.|From the [[Zo Resken|Prophet of Clarity]]'s ''[[Notes on the History of the Covenant]]'', referring to the Kig-Yar<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 186''</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"/>

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''', ''pages 154-155'' (2011 edition)</ref> 

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"/>

===Government===
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>

===Language===
{{Main|Kig-Yar language}}
To humans and other species, the Kig-Yar language is seemingly composed of hisses, growls, screeches, snarls, and squawks, though it is still intelligible to other members of the Covenant.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'''</ref> The Kig-Yar are able to speak the [[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili language]], which serves as the ''lingua franca'' to the Covenant. In addition, Kig-Yar are also capable of speaking the human [[English|English language]] in a rasped manner.<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 156-157''</ref> However, most Kig-Yar are unable to form a proper "f" sound in speech.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 394''</ref> After the war, some Kig-Yar often spoke amongst each other speaking an odd mix of English, Sangheili, and the Kig-Yar dialect.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 92''</ref>

===Naming conventions===
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"/>

The prefix "Chur'R-" is believed to indicate the title of Shipmistress, as both Chur'R-Yar and Chur'R-Mut were female Kig-Yar in command of a vessel. [[Chol Von]]'s name lacks this prefix, although it is possible that this is due to cultural differences between the common Kig-Yar and the T'vaoans, or that the use of the prefix indicated the Shipmistresses' service to the Covenant like the "-ee" suffix used by the [[Sangheili]]. Alternatively, Chur'R-Yar and Chur'R-Mut may simply have been related, with the prefix being a family name rather than carrying any significance in regard to their role.

==Homeworld and colonies==
{{Main|Eayn}}
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"/>

==Military structure==
===Ranks within the Covenant===
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.<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"/>

[[T'vaoan]]s featured their own [[T'vaoan#Rank structure|ranking system]] within the Covenant, with different roles and operational objectives.

===Ranks within Jul 'Mdama's Covenant===
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> 

Former ranks from the old Covenant, such as Sniper and Ranger, still continue to exist.<ref>'''Halo 4 Prima Official Game Guide''' (Collector's Edition), ''page 52''</ref>

===Other titles and roles===
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 name="bestiarum"/>

{{Kig-Yar Ranks}}

==Trivia==
{{Other languages
|fr={{Explain|''Les Jackals''|(Anglicism)}} in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.<br>
{{Explain|''Les Rapaces''|The Raptors (birds of prey)}} in all media since ''Halo 2''.
}}
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes}}
*A "[[Wikipedia:Jackal|jackal]]" is a wild scavenging dog (similar to the [[Wikipedia:Coyote|coyote]]) that lives primarily in northern Africa. The name is used in reference to the Kig-Yars' scavenging nature.
*"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>
*Although Jackals carry grenades in ''Halo 2'' , they are never seen using them. This is likely because they [[Dual-wielding|dual-wield]] their energy shield with whatever weapon they are carrying in the game's engine.
*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.
*"Wild Jackals" appear in early concept art for ''Halo Wars''. Their dress resembles that of the [[Wikipedia:Predator (alien)|eponymous aliens]] from the [[Wikipedia:Predator (franchise)|''Predator'' franchise]].
*The Jackal language was created by reverse-playing speech recordings of [[Martin O'Donnell]], the composer of ''Bungie'''s Halo games.<ref>[http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/h2dialogue.html?cat=jackals '''halo.bungie.org:''' ''Halo 2 Dialogue Snippets'']</ref> 
*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]].
*In ''Halo 5: Guardians'', the Kig-Yar speak English allowing the player to understand them for the first time in-game.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE - Very early Jackal.png|A very early concept for the Jackal in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:Behindyou.jpg|A Kig-Yar on [[Installation 04]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Jackals.jpg|Two Jackals in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:JackalWHelm2.jpg|The Jackal model for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' that was intended to appear in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Jackal Lakeside.jpg|A Kig-Yar sniper from ''[[Halo 2]]'' with a [[Type-50 particle beam rifle]].
File:Jackal.jpg|A Kig-Yar Minor with an overcharged plasma pistol in ''Halo 2''.
File:19317669-Full.jpg|A Kig-Yar Minor on patrol on [[Installation 00|The Ark]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Halo3 Jackal.jpg|A Kig-Yar sniper in ''Halo 3''.
File:1215645880 Jackal Blood.jpg|A Jackal's blood stain.
File:JackalMinor.png|A Kig-Yar Minor.
File:Jackal sculpt.jpeg|Prototype of McFarlane Toys' Jackal figure.
File:Cov jackalfinal.jpg|Concept art of the Kig-Yar for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:Jackal warrior.jpg|Concept art of a "Wild Jackal" for ''Halo Wars.''
File:Covenant jackal.gif|Kig-Yar in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Kig-Yar_Variants.jpg|A Kig-Yar sniper and a Kig-Yar infantryman seen in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:Kig-Yar_Phalanx_Halo_3-_ODST.jpg|A Kig-Yar lance armed with plasma pistols and point defense gauntlets in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:1771880-gallery.png|Concept art from ''Halo Legends: Homecoming''.
File:1775174-gallery.png|Renders from ''[[The Package]]''.
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:H4 Jackal Storm concept.jpg|Concepts of an Ibie'shan Kig-Yar for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4 Kig-Yar head concept art.jpg|Concept art of a Kig-Yar head in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 SpOps SniperAlley.jpg|A Kig-Yar Storm and a few Unggoy Imperials on Requiem in [[2558]]. 
File:HE17-Jackals.png|Ibie'shan and Ruuhtian Kig-Yar on [[Minab]] in [[2551]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:HE22 Thorne.jpg|Gabriel Thorne killing an Ibie'shan and Ruuhtian Kig-Yar during [[Operation: ATHENA]].
File:H2A - Kig-Yar model.jpg|A model for a Kig-Yar for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:HTFOR-KigYarStorm.png|A Kig-Yar in ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''.
File:H5G-KigYar.jpg|A Kig-Yar Heavy and Kig-Yar Storm aboard ''[[Argent Moon]]'' in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:Jackals Comparison.jpg|A comparison of in-game Jackals across the Halo series.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' 
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
**''[[Conversations from the Universe]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Graphic Novel]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
**''[[Bestiarum]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[The Package]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[Homecoming]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]'' 
**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
**''[[The Return]]''
**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Remember Reach]]''
**''[[Deliver Hope]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
**''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' 
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' 
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition|Limited Edition]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[What Remains]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Breaking Strain]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Into the Fire]]''
**''[[Rossbach's World (story)|Rossbach's World]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[On the Brink]]''
**''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
{{col-end}}

==Note==
<references group="note"/>

==Sources==
{{Reflist|3}} 

{{Covenant}}

[[Category:Kig-Yar| ]]
[[Category:Reptiles]]
[[Category:Sapient species]]
[[Category:Covenant species]]