Editing Kig-Yar

{{Status|Canon}}

{{Species infobox

|name=Kig-Yar

|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Ruuhtian|content1=[[File:HINF Kig-Yar Raider.png|250px]]|title2=Ibie'shan|content2=[[File:H5G-Render-Jackal.png|300px]]|title3=T'vaoan|content3=[[File:Halo Reach - Skirmisher.png|200px]]}}

{{Ref/Site|Id=waypointuniverse|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/kig-yar|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=''Kig-Yar''|D=05|M=11|Y=2021|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/kig-yar.html}}

|subspecies=*[[Ibie'shan]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypointuniverse}}

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

*[[T'vaoan]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypointuniverse}}

|height=190–210 cm {{C|6 ft 2 in–6 ft 8 due to hunched over anatomy they appear shorter about 5ft or 155 cm}}<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 100''</ref>

|weight=88–93 kilograms {{C|195–206 lbs}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}

|techlevel=Native Tier 4 {{C|Adopted Tier 2}}{{Ref/Reuse|bestiarum}}

|notable-person=*[[Barroth]]

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.

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/Reuse|HE155}}

==History==

The Kig-Yar are believed to have evolved from a saurian species on the continent of [[Ah'lomet]].{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=206}} 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> Excessive raiding and piracy on Eayn would ultimately culminate in the [[Czaalo Wars]] - a series of large-scale conflicts.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=207}} 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>  

Shortly afterward, they established colonies on many small [[asteroid]]s and planetoids around [[Chu'ot]]. The Kig-Yar on these asteroids were sustained by [[Wikipedia:grey market|gray market]] trade and developed free from the government that dominated Eayn. Some Kig-Yar continued their ancient ways of life and became [[piracy|pirates]] once more, preying upon merchant starships. The piracy and looting in the system led to the Kig-Yar government's militia recruiting selectively picked [[Skirmisher Commando|Commandos]] from sectarian societies from the asteroids that orbit Chu'ot. The Commandos fought off the pirates in an extremely ruthless and precise fashion.{{Ref/Reuse|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/Reuse|HE115}}

At first, the Covenant arrived in the [[Y'Deio system|Kig-Yar home system]] with small contingent fleets. These fleets were directly attacked by ruthless Kig-Yar pirates and mercenaries, leading to a long naval war in the system.{{Ref/Reuse|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: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 121'' (2011 edition)</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 [[Heki 'Gibadee|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>

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>

A small number of Kig-Yar were enlisted as mercenaries by conservative Sangheili states,{{Ref/Reuse|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/Reuse|mdic}}

 

Some Kig-Yar opted to join the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] after the war, though their ultimate motives are unknown.<ref>''[[Halo Waypoint Official Merchandise]]''</ref>

[[File:Jackal by Halsey.jpg|thumb|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 T'vaoans) 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 T'vaoans 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 Trove]].<ref>''Halo Wars''</ref>

 

[[File:JackalCloseup.jpg|thumb|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 natives 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, though some females may possess downy, hair-like plumes. Ruuhtians have 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. They also differ from their relatives in their possession of a prominent pygostyle, a vestigial tail made up of fused tail vertebrae. 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}}

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

Kig-Yar are often considered to be driven and motivated solely by personal desires and needs.{{Ref/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|HE155}} Members of other species—including [[San'Shyuum]], [[Sangheili]], and [[human]]s—are often distrustful of the Kig-Yar, believing every member of the race to be a pirate.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "[[The Return]]", ''page 509''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 266''</ref><ref name="md94">'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 94''</ref>

 

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

Within Covenant society, Kig-Yar have little status and are subservient to all but the [[Unggoy]]. Because of this, Kig-Yar frequently harass Unggoy to assert what little authority they have. Despite being rather lowly-ranked in the Covenant, Kig-Yar are not typically disrespected by other races like the Unggoy. Thus, they had no true desire to gain a higher rank in the Covenant. However, some Kig-Yar unsuccessfully protested their lowly position.{{Ref/Reuse|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>

[[File:H2A Beach - Elite and Jackal.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Kig-Yar Sniper]] standing alongside a [[Sangheili]].]]

The Kig-Yar are unique among the rest of the species of the [[The Covenant|Covenant]]: 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/Reuse|bestiarum}} most Kig-Yar saw their service in the Covenant as a business arrangement, rather than a true religious and spiritual journey.{{Ref/Reuse|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/Reuse|HE155}}{{Ref/Reuse|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/Reuse|Halo page 146}} Unlike some species in the Covenant,{{Ref/Reuse|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/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> Certain Kig-Yar were used as shock troops and specialized close-combat roles. These duties were fulfilled by the [[skirmisher]]s, a role the Covenant almost exclusively assigned T'vaoan Kig-Yar to.{{Ref/Reuse|CFLegendary}}

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/Reuse|Halo page 222}}

The Kig-Yar government on [[Eayn]] is a post-industrial [[Wikipedia: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>  

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/Reuse|md94}} In [[2553|April 2553]], [[Chol Von]] attempted to form a united Kig-Yar navy and have all Kig-Yar clans unite, but few agreed that it was necessary.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''pages 74-75''</ref> By [[2558]], pseudo-governments have administrative control of Eayn's two supercontinents, [[Ruuht]] and [[Ah'lomet]]. There is controversy among both continents about which one has control of the small islands between the two.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141013033938/https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm3003659_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post3003659 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 48'']</ref>

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

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

===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/Reuse|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: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''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 [[lance]] or even [[file (unit)|file]] consisting of low-ranking [[Unggoy]] and [[Yanme'e]] but are still subject to the command of the higher-ranking species.{{Ref/Reuse|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 [[Gadulo-pattern needle rifle|needle rifles]] and [[Sulok-pattern 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>

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 [[Naval boarding|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>  

 

===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 (Ship)|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>

 

Another rank among the Kig-Yar is that of [[Khordat]]. This, and its superior [[Arch Khordat]] designation, have an unclear meaning, although they seem to be associated with accomplished snipers.{{Ref/Game|Id=dossier|HINF|[[High Value Target]] dossier, Barroth}}{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFire|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-covering-fire|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Covering Fire|D=31|M=01|Y=2024}}

|fr={{Tooltip|''Les Jackals''|(Anglicism)}} in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.<br>

{{Tooltip|''Les Rapaces''|The Raptors (birds of prey)}} in all media since ''Halo 2''.<br>

{{Tooltip|''Los Jackals''|Anglicism}} in all media since ''Halo 2''.}}

*"Kig-Yar" is Cornish for chicken meat.<ref>[https://www.cornishdictionary.org.uk/#kig%20yar '''Cornish Dictionary''' - ''kig yar'']</ref>

*In all games prior to ''Halo: Reach'', all Jackals shoot left-handed. However, from ''Halo: Reach'' onwards, Jackals shoot with their right hand and carry their shields with their left; this generally makes it harder to shoot through the gap in their energy shield, as all player characters are right-handed.

*The Ibie'shan Jackals introduced in ''Halo 4'' closely resemble [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla Godzilla] as he appears in the [[Wikipedia:Godzilla (1998 film)|1998 American ''Godzilla'' film]].

*Starting with ''Halo 5: Guardians'', Kig-Yar speak in the language the game is set in, allowing players to understand them in-game for the first time.

File:HCE Jackal Concept.png|A very early concept for the Jackal in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.

File:HCE Jackal Concept 3.jpg|Later concept art for the Jackal in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.

File:H2_DeltaHalo_JackalSniper.jpg|A Kig-Yar sniper from ''[[Halo 2]]'' with a {{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}.

File:H3 Jackal Minor.jpg|A Kig-Yar Minor on patrol on [[Installation 00|The Ark]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.

File:H3 Jackal Blood.jpg|A Jackal's blood stain.

File:HW_Jackal_Sketch.jpg|Sketch of the Jackals for ''Halo Wars''.

File:HW_Jackal_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of the Kig-Yar for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.

File:HW_JackalCreep_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of a "Jackal Creep" for ''Halo Wars.''

File:HW_JackalCreep_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of a "Jackal Creep" for ''Halo Wars.''

File:HW_Jackal_Early_Design.jpg|An earlier iteration of the Jackal in ''Halo Wars'' - note the goggles and lack of a backpack.

File:HW JackalSniper Render.jpg|Kig-Yar in ''Halo Wars''.

File:Homecoming_JackalSniper_Concept.png|Concept art from ''Halo Legends: Homecoming''.

File:ThePackage_Jackal_Render.png|Renders from ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''.

File:Jackal Minor Reach.jpeg|A Kig-Yar Minor in ''Halo: Reach''

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

File:Skirmisher Ranks.jpg|Various T'vaon Skirmisher ranks in ''Halo: Reach''.

File:H4 Kig-Yar head concept art.jpg|Concept art of a Kig-Yar's head.

File:HTFOR-KigYarStorm.png|A Kig-Yar Storm in ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''.

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

File:HTV-Reach-BeefyJackals.jpg|Kig-Yar during the [[Fall of Reach/Silver|Fall of Reach]] in ''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''.

**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''

**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''

**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''

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

==Notes==

{{Ref/Notes}}

{{Ref/Sources|3}}