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| {{Status|Canon}} | | {{Era|HCW}} |
| {{Disambig header|the Kig-Yar subspecies|the military role|Skirmisher}} | | {{Covenant Rank Infobox |
| {{Species infobox
| | |name=Skirmisher |
| |name=T'vaoans | |
| |othernames=Skirmisher
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| |image=[[File:Halo_Reach_-_Skirmisher.png|300px]] | | |image=[[File:Halo_Reach_-_Skirmisher.png|300px]] |
| |homeworld=[[T'vao]] | | |species=[[Kig-Yar]] |
| |height={{Convert|6.2|ft|cm|sp=us}}–{{Convert|6.9|ft|cm|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 178''</ref> | | |weapons=[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|Plasma Pistol]]<BR>[[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher|Needler]]<BR>[[Type-31 Rifle|Needler Rifle]]<BR>[[Type-52 Special Applications Rifle|Focus Rifle]] |
| |weight={{Convert|195|lb|kg|sp=us}}–{{Convert|210|lb|kg|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} | | |equipment=[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]], [[Armor Abilities#Hologram|Holographic decoy]] |
| |distinctions=Larger, more heavily muscled; avian features, beaked head with teeth, clawed hands and feet. | | |vehicles= |
| |lifespan= | | |missions= |
| |techlevel= | | |role=Assault, close combat |
| |notable-group= | | |notable= |
| |notable-person= | | |affiliation=[[Covenant Empire]] |
| *[[Sav Fel]]
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| *[[Chol Von]]
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| *[[Tek]]
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| *[[Nor Fel]]
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| *[[Sig Raan]]
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| }} | | }} |
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| The '''T'vaoans''' are a subspecies of [[Kig-Yar]] hailing from [[asteroid]] colony of [[T'vao]], within the Kig-Yar's home system of [[Y'Deio system|Y'Deio]]. They served the [[Covenant]] as a specialized group in the [[Covenant military|military]].<ref name="bungie">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=enemies&cid=24609 '''Bungie''': ''Halo: Reach Enemy Intel'']</ref> While they are often simply referred to as "Skirmishers" by the [[human]]s who encounter them, [[skirmisher]] is a specific combat role that has its roots in the ancient history of all Kig-Yar, not just the T'vaoans that the Covenant favored for this role.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFLegendary|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-legendary-endings|SiteName=Halo Waypoint|PageName=Canon Fodder - Legendary Endings|D=18|M=12|Y=2021}} | | The '''Skirmishers''' are a specialized group of [[Kig-Yar]] in the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[Covenant military|military]].<ref name="bungie">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=enemies&cid=24609 '''Bungie''': Halo: Reach Enemy Intel]</ref> |
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| ==History==
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| ===Origins===
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| The T'vaoans originated on the [[Kig-Yar]] homeworld of [[Eayn]]. They eventually colonized other locations within the [[Y'Deio system]], primarily the asteroid [[T'vao]], from which they earn their name. The higher gravity, more dramatic atmospheric shifts, and other harsher environmental conditions on T'vao led to the T'vaoans evolving very differently to other Kig-Yar.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref name="md59">'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 59''</ref><ref name="waypointuniverse">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/kig-yar '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Kig-Yar'']</ref> When the Covenant made peace with the Kig-Yar after a prolonged battle in the system, T'vaoans were recruited into the Covenant's military.
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| ===The Covenant===
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| Many T'vaoans served in the [[Human-Covenant War]], often being led by [[Sangheili]] or [[Jiralhanae]]. In engagements prior to [[2530]], mixed units containing both Ruuhtian and T'vaoan Kig-Yar were more common; however, this changed as the war went on, with Covenant doctrine favoring units comprised solely of T'vaoan [[skirmisher]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}} Several skirmisher squads saw action during the [[Battle of Hat Yai]] and [[Battle of Actium]], among other engagements. During these engagements UNSC forces managed to capture the hologram technology used by the skirmishers.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 139''</ref> The T'vaoans also saw extensive action during the Covenant's [[Fall of Reach|invasion]] of [[Reach]] in [[2552]].{{Ref/Game|HR}}
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| ===Post-war===
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| In [[2553]], the T'vaoan Shipmistress [[Chol Von]] attempted to create a united [[Kig-Yar]] government to defend the [[Y'Deio system]] from threats, while others, such as [[Sav Fel]], returned to the Kig-Yar's ancient ways of [[piracy]].<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata'''</ref> At least [[Tek|one T'vaoan]] joined [[Vata 'Gajat]]'s [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenary group]], serving as 'Gajat's second-in-command.<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''Issue #2''</ref> The [[Banished]] have also recruited some T'vaoan skirmishers, with [[War Chief]] [[Escharum]]'s forces deploying them to [[Reach]] during [[Operation: WOLFE]] in late [[2559]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR16|SOR|Chapter=16}}
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| ==Description== | | ==Description== |
| ===Anatomy and physiology===
| | Skirmishers are of the same species as the more common, lightly built Jackals, but they are much faster and stronger than ordinary [[Kig-Yar]]. In addition, they sport manes of feathers rather than quills. A Skirmisher's voice is more raspy and guttural - this is because they have an expanding voice chamber on their throat. Due to their obvious physical differences from other Kig-Yar, Skirmishers may be regarded as a genetic subspecies. Skirmishers serve as Covenant shock troops, while the more lightly built Jackals see deployment as dedicated [[Kig-Yar Ranger|ranger]] or [[Kig-Yar Sniper|sniper units]]. In engagements prior to [[2530]], mixed units were more common; however, this changed toward the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="bungie">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=enemies&cid=24609 '''Bungie''': Halo: Reach Enemy Intel]</ref> |
| T'vaoans are a subset of the [[Kig-Yar]] species hailing from the isolated environment of [[T'vao]]. The morphological variation among the Kig-Yar represents divergent evolution in response to varied environments on prehistoric [[Eayn]].<ref name="enc">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' (2011), ''pages 156-157''</ref> [[Xenobiology|Xenobiologists]] believe that the [[asteroid]]'s higher gravity and atmospheric shifts led to the development of the T'voans' avian features.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointuniverse}} They are much faster and stronger than the more lightly-built common Kig-Yar, known to humans as Jackals (particularly the Ruuhtians and Ibie'shan). They have darker skin and stockier, squared heads with small yellow eyes with slitted pupils, as opposed to the bulbous and pale eyes of the Ruuhtians. They also have more beak-like mouths and bony facial coverings. T'vaoans have true feathers on their head, back, and arms, unlike the Jackals' quills. A T'vaoan's voice is more raspy and guttural—this is because they have an expanding voice chamber on their throat. T'vaoan skirmishers served as Covenant shock troops, while the more lightly built Jackals saw deployment as dedicated [[Kig-Yar Ranger|ranger]] or [[Kig-Yar Sniper|sniper units]]. Unlike other Kig-Yar, T'vaoans do not display color changes in their plumage when their moods shift.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 65''</ref>
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| Their head shape appears to be more avian than their cousins; their skin tone is noticeably darker and not yellowish. Like other Kig-Yar, T'vaoans have sharp talons on their hands and feet. 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> Young T'vaoan chicks are covered in a brown fledgling down which gradually moults and gives way to scales and plumage as they age.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 71''</ref>
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| While Kig-Yar are generally quite agile across all subsets, T'vaoans are capable of sprinting at great speeds; many are capable of reaching up to 72 kilometers (45 miles) per hour in open environments.{{Ref/Reuse|enc}} They are also especially capable jumpers, being able to leap considerably higher and for longer distances than other members of their species (as well as the other species that made up the Covenant).
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| The [[blood]] of a T'vaoan is thick and purple.<ref>[[:File:SkirmisherBleeding.jpg|This image]]</ref>
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| ==Culture==
| | The Covenant use Skirmishers as close-range combatants, attacking in packs and using lightning-fast flanking tactics, as opposed to Jackals, who are often used as defensive and [[Kig-Yar Sniper|long range combatants and assassins]]. Physically, they seem to be similar to regular Jackals, though in combat they do not wield large rounded energy shields like the Jackals. High-ranking Skirmishers do wear point defense gauntlets or wrist shields, medium sized ovular shields strapped on to their wrists, to help them deflect bullet and light plasma fire. Their head shape appears to be more avian than their cousins; their skin tone is noticeably darker and not yellowish. They also run much faster than Jackals and can jump incredible heights. Their eyes are also yellow with slitted pupils, as opposed to bulbous and pale.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63_LHQoVyxU&feature=player_embedded#! '''YouTube''': Halo: Reach - 5 Minute Firefight]</ref> |
| T'vaoans have a culture largely similar to most Kig-Yar, although most T'vaoans believe themselves to be superior over the rest of the Kig-Yar. Among T'vaoans, it is often considered "bad form" to treat a T'vaoan like an average Kig-Yar.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 272''</ref> Like other types of Kig-Yar, T'vaoan society is described as matriarchal.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 60''</ref> T'vaoans are attracted to shiny, glittery and glamorous objects. Males often squabble amongst each other and display their quills for females.{{Ref/Reuse|md59}}
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| === Role in the Covenant ===
| | They saw extensive action during the [[Fall of Reach]], and as a result of catastrophically high casualties, the Skirmisher ranks were utterly exhausted and the Skirmishers themselves nearly wiped out, though the sub-species on a whole did survive.<ref>[http://www.gamereactor.eu/articles/2600/First+Look%3A+Halo+Reach/ Game Reactor: First Look: ''Halo Reach'']</ref><ref name="OMX">[http://www.oxm.co.uk/article.php?id=18095 '''OXM''': ''Bungie reveals how Reach will fall, and the epic scope of its last Halo'']</ref><ref>[http://www.gamereactor.eu/articles/2600/First+Look%3A+Halo+Reach/ Game Reactor: First Look: ''Halo Reach'']</ref> |
| Despite the mantle and practice of skirmisher being common to all Kig-Yar subspecies, the Covenant almost exclusively selected T'vaoan Kig-Yar to fill this role.{{Ref/Reuse|CFLegendary}} The Covenant used T'vaoan skirmishers as close-range combatants, attacking in packs and using lightning-fast flanking tactics, as opposed to the mainline Kig-Yar troops, who were often used as defensive and [[Kig-Yar Sniper|long-range combatants and assassins]]. Anatomically, they possess a profile similar to regular Kig-Yar, though in combat they do not wield [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|large rounded energy shields]] like the Jackals. High-ranking skirmishers wore point defense gauntlets or wrist shields, medium sized ovular shields strapped on to their wrists, to help them deflect bullet and light plasma fire.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63_LHQoVyxU '''YouTube''': ''Halo: Reach - 5 Minute Firefight'']</ref>
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| Apart from combat roles, and like the common Kig-Yar, the T'vaoans could hold commanding roles such as the title of [[shipmaster]] in the [[Covenant military]].
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| While Covenant remnants such as [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] used Kig-Yar (mostly Ibie'shans, though Ruuhtians have also been seen) in much the same roles as they had in the original Covenant, it is unknown if any T'vaoans served these remnants in the same manner.
| | ==Tactics== |
| | Skirmishers play an intermediate role between the cannon fodder Grunts and the powerful Elites and Brutes. They most often play a harassing role in combat, supporting heavier units with fast attacks in multiple directions. Skirmishers are dangerous both in long range and short range combat. They tend to be very accurate shots. Their most distinguishing feature is their speed; they can outrun any other Covenant species, and even Spartans. They also make great use of their jumping abilities, which are comparable to those of [[the Flood]]. They can leap up into buildings to escape enemy fire or to assault their occupants, and rush to capture strategic locations on the battlefield. Their armor can withstand some small-arms fire, making head shots the most effective means of killing them. |
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| === Covenant rank structure ===
| | The Murmillo rank of Skirmishers uses elbow-mounted point-defense gauntlets for additional protection, and the Commando will use hologram equipment to misdirect their foes. Their tactics utilized include constantly strafing targets, and often alternating use of their two point-defence gauntlets to let the other recharge. These gauntlets, while not nearly as large as those that Jackals wield, are used very effectively by Skirmishers to protect themselves. |
| Fresh T'vaoans started as [[Skirmisher Minor]]s (marked with black feathers and grey armor) and were promoted to [[Skirmisher Major|Major]] (marked with red feathers and greyish-red armor) once they accumulated sufficient combat experience.
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| There were several specialist ranks for the skirmishers. These specialists were equipped with their own variation of combat armor and given equipments to fulfill their specific, respective roles. The [[Skirmisher Murmillo|Murmillones]], for example, in their orange armor, were equipped [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|point defense gauntlets]] on each arm. The [[Skirmisher Commando|Commandos]], on the other hand, would be seen in green armor and were equipped with a [[Type-27 hologram|holographic projector]].
| | Skirmishers do have their weaknesses. They are not issued with grenades and cannot board, making them relatively helpless against vehicles. They can only rely on their agility to avoid being splattered. A Skirmisher is also no match for a Spartan's strength in hand-to-hand combat, and in game they have no melee ability, making them just as vulnerable to being beaten down as their lesser Jackal cousins. |
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| Leading the skirmishers in combat was the [[Skirmisher Champion|Champion]], outfitted with heavier gold armor and sometimes employing holograms to confuse their enemies.
| | In addition, Skirmishers are the third and final [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] race in ''Halo: Reach'' that use armor abilities. Notable uses are [[Armor abilities#Hologram|Hologram]] and [[Armor abilities#Evade|Evade]]. |
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| {{Kig-Yar Ranks}} | | ==Rank structure== |
| | {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" |
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| | ! style="width:160px;" |Rank/Image |
| | ! Description |
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| | ! colspan="3"|'''[[Skirmisher]] Leaders''' |
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| | ![[Skirmisher Champion]][[File:Murmillo.png|75px]] |
| | | The Champion is the highest rank of the Skirmishers, a specialized group of shock troops comprising of more heavily built Kig-Yar, deployed on the ground for their viciousness and fierce tactics. Members of this rank have gold armor and helmets. Champions have the ability to use holograms. They appear to be the leading rank of Skirmishers, being neither infantry nor specialists. |
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| | ! colspan="3"|'''Skirmisher Specialists''' |
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| | ![[Skirmisher Commando]][[File:Skrimisher.png|100px]] |
| | | Members of this rank have bright green armor and a helmet, and will occasionally use holograms to deceive the enemy. |
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| | ![[Skirmisher Murmillo]][[File:HReach - Skirmisher.png|100px]] |
| | | Members of this rank have bright orange armor, a helmet, and arm shields. |
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| | ! colspan="3"|'''Skirmisher Infantry''' |
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| | ![[Skirmisher Major]][[File:Skirmisher_Major.png|100px]] |
| | | Members of this rank have red feathers and red-gray armor. They are stronger than Minors but lack the helmets and point-defense gauntlets of the higher ranks. |
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| | ![[Skirmisher Minor]][[File:Halo Reach - Skirmisher.png|100px]] |
| | | The lowest rank of Skirmisher; members of this rank have black feathers and gray armor. Overall, they are the weakest and least experienced. |
| | |} |
| | {{Kig-yar Ranks}} |
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| ==Production notes== | | ==Trivia== |
| {{Other languages
| | Skirmishers bear a notable physical resemblance to [[Wikipedia:Dromaeosauridae|dromaeosaurs]] such as [[Wikipedia:Deinonychus|deinonychus]] and the smaller, better-known [[Wikipedia:Velociraptor|velociraptor]]. Like the Skirmishers, the dromaeosaurs were reptiles with prominent avian features including feathers and lightweight bones. Dromaeosaurs are considered to be one of the main taxonomic links between dinosaurs and birds, perhaps suggesting a similar evolutionary progression among the Kig-Yar. |
| |fr={{Tooltip|''Les Écorcheurs''|The Skinners}} in all media.
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| }}
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| {{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of T'vaoans|gameplay=yes|gameplaypage=Skirmisher/Gameplay}}
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| *T'vaoans bear a notable physical resemblance to [[Wikipedia:Dromaeosauridae|dromaeosaurs]] such as [[Wikipedia:Deinonychus|''Deinonychus'']] and the smaller, better-known [[Wikipedia:Velociraptor|''Velociraptor'']]. Like the T'vaoans, the dromaeosaurs were reptiles with prominent avian features including feathers and lightweight bones. Dromaeosaurs are considered to be one of the main taxonomic links between dinosaurs and modern-day birds, perhaps suggesting a similar evolutionary progression among the Kig-Yar.
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| *[[:File:HR Skirmisher Concept.png|Early concept art for the species]] depicted T'vaoans having a more eagle-like design, possessing a hooked beak with no visible teeth, and a fan of tail feathers on the posterior. The texture of the skin on the rest of the body also differs from that of the final design, resembling exposed muscle fibers and tendons rather than the typical scaly skin of other Kig-Yar. The armor design, however, remained virtually unchanged.
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| {{clear}}
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| ==Gallery== | | ==Gallery== |
| <gallery> | | <gallery widths="150" captionalign="left"> |
| File:HR_Skirmisher_Concept.png|Concept art of a T'vaoan. | | File:ReachConcept Skirmisher.png|Concept art of a Skirmisher. |
| File:HR_SkirmisherVariant_Concept.jpg|A T'vaoan study. | | File:ReachConcept SkirmisherVariant.jpg|A Skirmisher study. |
| File:Skirmisher - Closeup.png|An alpha build render of a T'vaoan's face. | | File:Skirmisher - Closeup.png|An alpha build render of a Skirmisher's face. |
| File:HaloReach - Screenshot 03.jpg|An alpha build of ''Reach'', showcasing a lance of T'vaoan skirmishers in battle during the Fall of Reach. | | File:HaloReach - Screenshot 03.jpg|An alpha build of ''Reach'', showcasing a lance of Skirmishers in battle during the Fall of Reach. |
| File:Skirmisher_armor_pattern.png|In general pattern on the T'vaoan skirmisher armor in ''Halo Reach''.
| | File:Reach E310 Firefight Waterfront02.jpg|A Skirmisher Commando in Firefight. |
| File:Reach E310 Firefight Waterfront02.jpg|A T'vaoan Skirmisher Commando in Firefight. | | File:reach_4612386_Full.jpg|Skirmisher Murmillo armed with a focus rifle. |
| File:reach_4612386_Full.jpg|A T'vaoan Skirmisher Murmillo armed with a focus rifle. | | File:SkirmisherBleeding.jpg|A Skirmisher bleeding. |
| File:SkirmisherBleeding.jpg|A T'vaoan bleeding. | | File:Skirmisher Ranks.jpg|Several Skirmishers of differing rank. |
| File:Skirmisher Ranks.jpg|Several T'vaoan skirmishers of differing rank. | |
| File:Tekissue3.PNG|[[Tek]], a T'vaoan skirmisher operating within [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]].
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| </gallery> | | </gallery> |
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| ==List of appearances== | | ==List of appearances== |
| *''[[Remember Reach]]''
| | *''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{1st}} |
| **''[[Deliver Hope]]'' {{1st}}
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| *''[[Halo: Reach]]''
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| *''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
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| *''[[Halo Mythos]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
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| **''[[Into the Fire]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
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| *''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' | |
| *''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
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| *''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{c|Emblem only}}
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| ==Sources== | | ==Sources== |
| {{Ref/Sources}}
| | <references/> |
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| {{Navbox/Species}}
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| [[Category:Kig-Yar| ]] | | [[Category:Living Organisms]] |
| [[Category:Sapient species]]
| | {{Covenant}} |
| [[Category:Covenant species]]
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