Editing Unggoy

{{Status|Canon}}

{{Species infobox

|name=Unggoy

|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Kafv|content1=[[File:HINF-Unggoy Conscript.png|250px]]|title2=Ritrit|content2=[[File:H5G-Render-Grunt.png|275px]]|title3=Zimzib|content3=[[File:StormUnggoy.png|250px|right]]}}

|subspecies=[[Ritrit]], [[Kafv]], [[Zimzib]]

|height={{Convert|138.4|cm|ftin}}–{{Convert|167|cm|ftin}}<ref name="waypointarticle">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/unggoy '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Unggoy'']</ref>

|weight={{Convert|112.6|kg|lb}}–{{Convert|118|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}

|lifespan=121+ years<ref>[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]], p. 456</ref>

|techlevel=Native [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 6: Industrial|Tier 6]]/Adopted [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 2: Interstellar|Tier 2]]<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Halo 3]]''', ''[[Bestiarum]]''</ref>

|notable-person=*[[Bipbap]]

*[[Briglard]]

{{Quote|When in doubt, flee.|Unggoy philosophy<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 144''</ref>}}

'''Unggoy'''<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', page 191 - ''"Unggoy: the Elite name for the Grunt race."''</ref> ([[Latin]], ''Monachus frigus'', meaning "cold monk"), also known as '''Grunts''' by many individuals, are a [[sentience|sapient]] species of squat bipedal xeno-arthropodal vertebroid lifeforms{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}<ref name="THB 5.9.12">[http://halo.bungie.org/halobulletins/49 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Halo Bulletin - 5.9.12'']</ref> from the planet [[Balaho]]. In [[2142]], the Unggoy became the fourth species to be assimilated into the [[Covenant]]. During their tenure in the hegemony, Unggoy were always the lowest-ranking species in general terms, and were frequently mistreated by members of almost every other race, especially the [[Kig-Yar]], [[Jiralhanae]], and [[Sangheili]].

Unggoy were primarily used by the Covenant as laborers or—in combat situations—cannon fodder. They are commonly referred to as "Grunts", mainly because they are considered weak compared to other former Covenant species and because they performed the majority of the labor required by the empire.<ref name="ENC143">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 143''; ''pages 150-151'' (2011 edition)</ref>

Unggoy are believed to have evolved from smaller amphibious primates.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} Prior to the activation of the [[Halo Array]], the Unggoy had managed to achieve a [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 4: Space Age|Tier 4]] society on their homeworld, [[Balaho]]. However, the planet and the Unggoy civilization was devastated by the collapse of its biosphere due to massive global over-industrialization.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}

[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy join Covenant.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The Unggoy join the Covenant.]]

In [[2142]], the Unggoy and their defenseless homeworld were discovered by the [[Covenant]]. Most species of the Covenant became incorporated due to faith or mutual beneficence, however the Unggoy were forced into lowly positions within the Covenant through force and aggressive conversion.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 10]]''</ref> The Unggoy were quickly conquered with little resistance and were the fourth species to be inducted into the empire. The species was quick to become one of the most devoted followers of the [[Covenant religion]] and the Great Journey.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 187''</ref> It even became a popular notion among the Unggoy, thanks to the theologian, [[Ang'napnap the Enlightened]], that the Forerunners' pre-ascension forms were akin to their very own.<ref name="buzz">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-buzz-generating '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Buzz Generating'']</ref> By the time of their discovery by the Covenant, the Unggoy homeworld was still recovering from its ecological collapse over a hundred millennia earlier, and the Unggoy's [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 6: Industrial Age|Tier 6]] civilization had yet to return to its former state.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}

[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy Rebellion.jpg|thumb|250px|Unggoy rebel on High Charity.]]

Being the lowest-ranked species of the Covenant, they are bitter rivals with the [[Kig-Yar]], who are also low-ranked. The higher-ranking races of the Covenant have often ignored this rivalry. The growing Unggoy population on [[High Charity]] forced Kig-Yar to relocate their homes to accommodate the Unggoy. The move put stress on Kig-Yar females, which led to an increase in infant mortality, while Unggoy that were forced to share habitats with the Kig-Yar occasionally trampled their nests, inadvertently. The breaking point came when [[Prophet of Truth|a junior staffer]] in the [[Ministry of Concert]] discovered evidence of the Kig-Yar planning to poison [[Infusion|recreational narcotics]] the Unggoy enjoyed, which would have left them sterile. However, the [[Minister of Concert]] and the [[High Council]] refused to investigate the matter, as they were willing to accept several thousand sterile Unggoy rather than risk upsetting the Kig-Yar. The rising tensions with the Kig-Yar and the general disinterest from the other Covenant races led to the [[Unggoy Rebellion]] in [[2462]]. While the rebellion was ultimately put down thanks to [[Arbiter]] [[Heki 'Gibadee]] partially [[glassing]] Balaho, the Unggoy proved that they were not the cowards they had been long deemed, and could indeed be vicious fighters when provoked. After the uprising's conclusion, as was their tradition, the Sangheili forgave the surviving Unggoy and allowed them to enter the [[Covenant military]] as armed infantry units, rather than the unarmed cannon fodder as which they had previously served.<ref name="ch150">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''pages 150-151''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''pages 142, 153''</ref> The Unggoy rebelled several more times in Covenant history, including the [[Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience]], which was quickly ended by the [[Ministry of Preservation]]'s [[Ripa 'Moramee]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 10''</ref>

Despite the low place they have in the Covenant hierarchy, the true irony is that the Unggoy's entry into the Covenant has ensured their species' survival. Membership in the Covenant granted the Unggoy freedom from risk of extinction during Balaho's two winters, as they now have access to sufficient supplies of food. Infant mortality has decreased to below fifty percent, and [[Wikipedia:Senicide|geronticide]] is no longer a necessity for survival. The average life expectancy for non-combatant Unggoy has doubled.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 143''</ref> Their incorporation into the Covenant likely also alleviated the threat of the [[Blue Death]], which Unggoy typically fear.<ref name="goo237">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 237''</ref>

The Unggoy were one of the first races in the Covenant to encounter [[Human]]ity.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 95''</ref> During the [[First Battle of Harvest]], [[Jiralhanae]] forces had Unggoy secure [[Harvest]]'s orbital [[Tiara]] station. Most of the Unggoy present on the planet were killed in the battle; some were even killed by Jiralhanae and [[Yanme'e]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 374''</ref> In [[2535]], the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] allowed Kig-Yar [[Reth]] to amass an army of thousands of Unggoy on the [[moon]] of [[Metisette]] to use to invade the human [[Earth|homeworld]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 214''</ref> Reth's plans were foiled by the [[Insurrectionists]] of [[the Rubble]], {{UNSCShip|Midsummer Night}}, and a team of [[Sangheili Zealot]]s that believed the Unggoy and Kig-Yar to be heretics, unaware of Truth's orders. Most of the Unggoy on the moon were killed during the [[Battle of Metisette]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 328''</ref> The Unggoy's large numbers and fast breeding proved to be a pivotal asset to the Covenant during the Human-Covenant War, as they were able to overwhelm human forces with their sheer numbers, and were even known to have massacred an entire [[105th Drop Jet Platoon|platoon]].

{{Quote|It's so shiny! Me seem to member things looking preeeeeetty bleak there for a while, with me an' all the other Unggoy spendin' years just mostly running away from green [[demons]], or mean [[Sangheili|boss flappy-mouths]] who just wanted to make sure we got shotted at first. But now… well now the [[Cortana|blue lady]] helps us. I meen, it's weird and confusing and all because she used to help the [[John-117|green guy]] be mean to us, then she was mean to the green guy, then nice to us… I don't know, she's definitely the most confusing blue lady I've seen – I mean, she's really the ONLY one I've seen, but whatevers. Anyway, she must have feeled bad for us getting' kicked around all the time cause now she sends us stuff to eat and things to be builded…|[[Hamyap]] on the [[Created]] occupation of Balaho<ref name="Hog Wild">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/the-hog-wild-req-drop '''Halo Waypoint''' - Hog Wild REQ Drop'']</ref>}}

After the Human-Covenant War, at least some of the Unggoy continued working for the Sangheili as farmers on [[Sanghelios]], while others continued to work in the military under either their Sangheili or Jiralhanae commanders.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''' ''page 90''</ref> Many Unggoy returned to Balaho after the war.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} A number of Unggoy joined—or were drafted into—the various [[Covenant remnants|splinter groups]] that upheld the Covenant's religious beliefs after the war, most notably [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]]. [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] surveys record no off-planet transport from Balaho since "Solipsis"<!--Presumably this was an ONI operation. However, the report does not specify what Solipsis was.--> and seem to indicate that facilities on Balaho's primary [[Natural satellite|satellite]] [[Buwan]] has been abandoned, though both remain under observation. Moderate Unggoy populations have been observed in Sangheili systems at various intervals.<ref>'''[[Eleventh Hour reports]]''', ''#3''</ref> The Office of Naval Intelligence speculates that several independent vessels and colonial facilities are under the control of Unggoy factions, yet no significant populations of unaffiliated Unggoy are known to exist among the [[human colonies]].<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref> By [[2558]], some Unggoy had taken up residence in the city of [[Paxopolis]] on the [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]] of [[Trevelyan]].

Some Unggoy would find themselves in more respected positions in the post-war years. Within the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], they were treated as equals and two of them, [[Bibjam]] and [[Stolt]], were known to have even had command over Sangheili.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Guardians]] [[Mission Intel]]''</ref>

After [[2558#October|October 28, 2558]], the Unggoy on [[Balaho]] allied themselves with [[Cortana]] and the [[Created]], and they were granted with nearly limitless resources: ships loaded with advanced technology arrived, new agricultural support stations appeared in orbit, awaiting eager workers to feed the desperate masses below. This gave the chaotic conditions of Balaho a semblance of stability and order, as well as a new purpose. With their pressing requirements – food, shelter, medicine – met, Balaho's finest designers and crafters set out to work tirelessly to build their future.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201108134241/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-driving-force'''Halo Waypoint''': ''Driving Force'']</ref>

Unggoy are the only Covenant species to breathe [[methane]] rather than [[oxygen]]. Their [[Unggoy combat harness|combat armor/harness]] has an integrated methane re-breather system, as Unggoy are unable to survive for long periods of time without methane due to asphyxiation.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}} Unggoy could be afflicted by [[Wikipedia:Barnacle|barnacles]]; the removal of barnacles leads to deep, oozing pores in their chitinous skin.<ref name="ch307">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 307''</ref>

[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy.jpg|thumb|250px|A group of Unggoy.]]

Although other species generally regard the Unggoy as a dim-witted race, many have proven to be very intelligent, resourceful, and knowledgeable. Indeed, the general perception of the Unggoy being inherently unintelligent is almost certainly a result of their poor education and training within the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} Unggoy are one of the most gregarious and sociable of the Covenant races and possess a very strong pack mentality, often associating with each other in groups. This numerical superiority and pack mentality allows for their sense of cultural identity to remain, despite a number of hardships, including their extreme subservience to the other races of the Covenant, as well as [[the dark time]] following [[reintroduction]] after the activation of the [[Halo Array]].{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}

Unggoy develop sensory-motor integration relatively rapidly, and possess unburdened neural pathways which allow them to absorb knowledge more freely compared to the other Covenant species. As such, they were often tasked by the Covenant with monitoring space for traces of human communication. In addition, many Unggoy have developed a clear understanding of two or even three [[human]] languages. This advantage serves as a river of confidence in times of great stress for them.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} The Unggoy [[Deacon]] [[Dadab]] was also able to learn and communicate in [[Huragok]] sign language.

On the battlefield, Unggoy are generally not very creative, although they are quite capable of handling weaponry and operating vehicles and machinery such as [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghosts]] and [[Shade]]s.

[[File:GruntBlood.jpg|thumb|170px|left|An Unggoy's luminous blue blood.]]

The taxonomic classification of the Unggoy has been a source of some confusion for the [[United Nations Space Command]]. Because they possess exoskeletons, they have been identified as being analogous to Earth arthropods; despite this, the Unggoy are actually a vertebrate species. The UNSC misclassified the species as arthropodal due to their physiological similarities to terrestrial arthropods; among other differences, the Unggoy circulatory system is apparently closed as opposed to the open systems characteristic of many arthropods.{{Ref/Reuse|THB 5.9.12}} More accurately, the species should be considered xeno-arthropodal vertebrates which possess substantial—albeit hypothetical—genetic influences from primate-like amphibians that once dwelt in Balaho's [[Wikipedia:Aphotic zone|aphotic zones]]. This taxonomically incorrect nomenclature persists as late as [[2557]] as an ''ad hoc'' identifier, though the pressures of the Human-Covenant War and reconstruction have made such concerns trivial at best.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}}{{Ref/Reuse|THB 5.9.12}}

[[File:H2A Terminals - Sad Grunt.jpg|thumb|250px|The face of an Unggoy.]]

Unggoy share a number of features with different animal species on [[Earth]]. Like primates, they walk both bipedally and with the aid of their oversized forearms. However, their bodies are armored with a hard exoskeleton as with crabs and insects. Their mouths have a set of small, pointed teeth, much like reptiles.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} Unggoy are on average about four to five feet tall and are relatively weak compared to other [[sentient|sapient]] species. The Unggoy have flat, three-toed feet, with another toe on the back of their feet. Although they can easily walk upright on two legs, they may often use their arms to move in a quadrupedal fashion. While carrying armaments, they are forced to walk upright so that they may support their weapons with their hands, but while trying to flee, or while patrolling without a weapon drawn, they use their oversized arms as forelegs to add speed or stability to their gait. Their eyesight{{Ref/Reuse|THB 5.9.12}} and hearing are average, and seem to have a very well-developed sense of smell, sometimes sniffing the air to detect traces of foes or hidden enemies.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref> This is facilitated through the olfactory membranes installed in their masks. Unggoy have oversized forearms, while their upper arms and thighs are relatively small. This has allowed them to be quite excellent climbers over rocky terrain, although they are rather clumsy when walking upright. Their large arms help the Unggoy in hand-to-hand combat and scaling heights, but make movement around tight corridors or manipulation of small, delicate objects difficult. To protect themselves from the voracious predators of Balaho, the Unggoy have a rigid exoskeleton that is lined with sharp barbs that covers large portions of their backs, arms, and legs.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} They also have an astonishingly fast finger reflex speed, as they can fire a [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistol]] at almost the same rate a Sangheili can with a [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|plasma rifle]].

Unggoy also have thick, bioluminescent,<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', page 59: ''Phosphorescent blood pooled beneath their prone forms.''</ref> light-blue [[blood]],<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 27''</ref> possibly a result of methane-based proteins in the blood to facilitate methane-based respiration.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}} Like Earth's [[Wikipedia:Horseshoe crab|horseshoe crabs]], it is possible that their blood is blue due to high copper content. They also possess yellowish-green colored viscera, visible in an unused texture seen when an Unggoy is decapitated via glitches.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved'''</ref>

Some Unggoy, commonly seen among bands of [[Covenant remnants|Covenant remnant]] forces in the mid 2550s, have exoskeletons that cover only patches on their bodies, leaving most of their skin exposed; the paucity of chitin means that the elbow and knee spikes of these individuals are less pronounced.{{Ref/Reuse|THB 5.9.12}} Unlike other Unggoy, which have a chitinous protrusion that covers the groin and posterior, these Unggoy are unarmored in this area, exposing their primate-like buttocks.<ref>[http://mcfarlane.com/toys/media.aspx?product_id=4573&type=photo&file=halo4s1_stormgrunt_photo_03_dp.jpg '''McFarlane Toys''': ''Halo 4 Storm Grunt'']</ref> Their necks are also several times longer than normal (Unggoy typically have almost non-existent necks) and their heads are set farther forward; folds of loose skin hang down from their necks and chins, likely due to the relative lack of chitin.  Their eyes are reddish orange and feature black, cross-shaped pupils, unlike the solid red or yellow eyes of their kin. Their mouths are set farther inward and house larger, more pointed teeth. These specimens have much stouter legs and have longer and thinner fingernails than the rest of the species, and they possess claws meant for climbing and digging<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 39''</ref> on their feet instead of the more common hoof-like digits. What sets these Unggoy apart—morphologically speaking—is that they are sourced from specific breeding zones. This indicates either prolonged genetic drift in [[Wikipedia:Refugium (population biology)|refugia populations]] or induced selection.<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postst248247p37_Catalog-Interaction.aspx '''Halo Waypoint Forums''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 248247)]</ref> In any case, such morphological variation can be likened to the differences among Earth's dog breeds.{{Ref/Reuse|THB 5.9.12}}

Unggoy breed prodigiously, with large egg clutches and short childhood periods.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Unggoy spend their childhood in a larval stage.<ref>[[Halo Infinite]]</ref> Adulthood is reached between the ages of 5 and 8 years.{{Ref/Reuse|LoO}} This combined with the large number of young per clutch, which could range from 5 to 12 Unggoy,{{Ref/Reuse|LoO}} and rapid sensory-motor integration development was one of the primary reasons why the Covenant cleverly used the breeding habits of the Unggoy to their advantage in battle, deploying the Unggoy as cannon fodder—this would play a key-role in their war against humanity. Overpopulation is a serious problem and in non-war times, strict laws are placed on Unggoy breeding.{{Ref/Reuse|ch150}}

Unggoy do value their ties to their offspring, but are usually separated from their families at an early age by the requirements of military service to the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}} They resent this greatly, but because of their low social status in the Covenant, they are unable to muster any response.

 

 

[[File:Ancient Grunts.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Ancient Unggoy being reseeded on [[Balaho]] by [[Forerunner]] machinery.]]

Although the Unggoy culture has been largely wiped out as a result of constant indoctrination by the Covenant, they do retain a degree of their cultural identity as a result of their inherent tenacity. Of what is known, the Unggoy generally live in small, tribal societies which are typically defined as being matriarchal.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Unggoy family structure is polyamorous, with several male and female Unggoy living together.<ref name="LoO">'''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''', ''chapter ??''</ref> On Balaho, Unggoy had to constantly produce food to ensure that they had enough stocked during the planet's winter seasons. On a near-daily basis, the corpses of those that succumbed to Balaho's plagues had to be burned to further prevent infections. Both of these problems were solved when the Unggoy were discovered by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}} Unggoy universally agree that their species is embodied by three pillars: ruggedness, agility, and lethality.{{Ref/Reuse|buzz}} The wise [[Ang'napnap the Enlightened]], the charismatic [[Awlphhum Who Became Tolerable]], and the strategist [[Yayep the Archdeacon of Indolence]] are revered as historical heroes by the Unggoy.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/haze-of-glory '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Haze of Glory'']</ref>

Many Unggoy are interested in [[human]] culture. During their service with the Covenant, Unggoy enjoyed trading human communication files, such as [[Wikipedia:Soap opera|soap operas]] and [[Wikipedia:Sitcom|sitcoms]], through their own [[black market]].{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}} Unggoy often gamble with each other and often play games; one in particular, [[hunting rock]], involves two Unggoy competing to kill the most [[scrub grub]]s.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 89-90''</ref> Unggoy were also known to take recreational narcotics called [[infusion]]s by adding them to their portable methane tanks.{{Ref/Reuse|ch150}}<ref>'''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''', ''pages 186-187''</ref> The chemical [[Wikipedia:Benzene|benzene]], referred to as "Lovely lung gold" and a "sacred aromatic", is also considered a recreational drug by Unggoy.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 237''</ref>

Believed to be rather unintelligent by the [[San'Shyuum]], Unggoy were generally forced to serve in laboring positions or deployed into battle as cannon fodder. During engagements, they were often deployed as the first wave of attack in ground campaigns or Unggoy were deployed in high numbers to undertake various types of operations.{{Ref/Reuse|waypointarticle}} Most Unggoy that served aboard Covenant [[warship]]s were tasked with monitoring human communications, leading to most members of the species having a better grasp on [[English]] than other species.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}} The [[lower districts]] of [[High Charity]] housed a massive Unggoy population;<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 261''</ref> the Unggoy-inhabited portion of the districts was methane-rich so the Unggoy did not require [[methane tank]]s to breathe.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 149''</ref>

The Unggoy's lowly position within the Covenant was based on racial bias rather than the species' inherent abilities.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} The Unggoy were not represented on the Covenant [[High Council]] but were instead vetted by the [[Ministry of Concert]], albeit poorly.{{Ref/Reuse|ch150}} The Unggoy were mistreated by nearly every client species of the Covenant, except the [[Huragok]]. They were often treated as second-class citizens within Covenant society.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}} The Unggoy had a particularly tense relationship with the [[Kig-Yar]], a race only ranked slightly higher in the Covenant hierarchy. Despite both species holding similar standings, the Kig-Yar were granted more independence and often favored over the Unggoy by other individuals in the Covenant. Unggoy were expected to revere [[Sangheili]] as the near-divine protectors of the San'Shyuum, however many Unggoy despised the Sangheili for mistreating their race.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''pages 35-36'' (2010 edition)</ref> While they were essentially a [[Slavery|slave race]], the Unggoy have managed to largely retain their cultural identities, and have [[Unggoy Rebellion|rebelled in the past]] [[Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience|more than once]]. Before the Unggoy Rebellion of [[2462]], Unggoy were not given the right to use weapons in battle. When the rebellion proved to the Sangheili that Unggoy could be determined and competent fighters, they were given better training and weaponry, and integrated into formerly Sangheili-only units. Within the Unggoy community there is a general strong hatred of the other Covenant species, due to the fear they face. This causes many Unggoy to believe that someday a dynamic grunt will lead them to freedom on a methane-rich paradise world.<ref>[[Halo: Combat Evolved: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets]]</ref>

Unggoy generally followed a few short, simple guidelines given to them by the Sangheili; for example, "''When in doubt, shoot''" or "''Stay out of the way, live another day''".<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 162'' (2010 edition)</ref> Despite being held in low regard by the Covenant, many Unggoy were strong followers of the [[Covenant religion]] and the Great Journey. Their [[Deacon]]s would often hold sermons onboard ships to boost the morale and teach the Unggoy onboard about the Covenant. For instance, a Deacon named [[Dadab]] gave sermons and taught the Unggoy on board a [[Jiralhanae]] [[Rapid Conversion|cruiser]] about the Covenant and its religion. The Jiralhanae allowed Dadab these teachings because they believed that it would help the Unggoy become more competent and helpful.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 226''</ref>

Their native language is composed of dog-like barks, squeaks, and grunts. Though largely unintelligible to most humans, translation software is able to decipher the meanings of these.<ref>''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''</ref> The word "Unggoy" itself is not a word from their vocabulary, rather, it is the Sangheili name for their species.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 191''</ref> Unggoy are also fully capable of speaking a variety of human languages, a fact in which they take great pride.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}

The Sangheili did not permit the Unggoy to retain family names during their service in the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}} Instead, they formally identified themselves by the names and birthplaces of famous patriarchs within their family. This patriarch could be the Unggoy's uncle, grandfather, or even a mythical [[Wikipedia:Pater familias|paterfamilias]] that was revered by their ancestors. An example of this identification method would be "''Yayap, son of [[Pum]]. Of Balaho's blasted scablands.''"{{Ref/Reuse|ch307}} Following the end of the Human-Covenant war, individual Unggoy serving under the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]] have begun to use family names to identify themselves, such as [[Dimkee Hotay]].

==Homeworld and colonies==

[[File:H2A Terminals - Balaho.jpg|250px|thumb|Balaho, the Unggoy homeworld.]]

The Unggoy homeworld of [[Balaho]] is a temperate, swampy planet with a [[methane]] atmosphere and naturally occurring pillars of fire. The planet is orbited by two [[natural satellite]]s: [[Buwan]] and [[Padpad]]. A cold planet, temperatures on Balaho range from -33&nbsp;°C to 5&nbsp;°C (-27&nbsp;°F to 41&nbsp;°F).{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} The cold season of their planet makes them highly covet any source of warmth and light they can find, mainly due to the "[[Blue Death|blue death]]".{{Ref/Reuse|goo237}} The planet is still in process of recovery from a global ecological collapse before the activation of the Halo Array due to over-industrialization caused by the Unggoy at the time.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}

Since their natural environment has a methane atmosphere, Unggoy require [[methane tank]]s and breathing apparatus with them whenever they travel into areas without high levels of methane in the air. Since all the other races of the [[Covenant]] (as well as [[human]]ity) breathe [[oxygen]], the Unggoy find themselves wearing breathing masks more often than not.<ref name="Flood">'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page ???''</ref> They sometimes inhabit large [[Atmosphere pit|environment domes]] that have airlocks and methane filters for them to breathe while not in armor,<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 60''</ref> while those in military service often restock their methane reserves at [[methane recharge station|battlefield recharge station]]s.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 303''</ref> Unggoy have high-pitched and squeaky voices, possibly due to the different resonating properties of methane gas.

 

Unggoy populations also inhabit colonies of the former [[Covenant]]; a number of such worlds have fallen under the control of the [[Banished]]. On Balaho, the harsh environment of the planet typically weeds out psychologically aberrant individuals. On more hospitable worlds, however, Unggoy populations are able to grow without this natural culling process. The Banished take advantage of this, drawing psychotic and fanatical Unggoy specimens from these colonies to serve in their [[Suicide Unggoy|suicide squads]].<ref name="CFI96">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder Issue 96 - THE ART OF WAR(S)'']</ref>

|The Unggoy Imperial rank is a rank that is mostly comprised of veteran Unggoy that served in the Human-Covenant war. They often will lead groups of Unggoy Storms into battle, and are sometimes accompanied by Unggoy Heavies.

|[[File:Halo Reach - Unggoy.png|80px]]

[[File:Halo2AnniversaryUnggoyUltra.jpg|80px]]

| These Unggoy serve as field commanders to their comrades, and wear distinctive white-lilac armor (reminiscent of the [[Sangheili Ultra]]s). While they appear to have some authority over lesser-ranked Unggoy, they have no control whatsoever over the other Covenant races. They are stronger opponents than their subordinates, and are more accurate with firearms, throw [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenades]] often, and wear heavier armor and a helmet that is required to be shot off first before an enemy can headshot them.  

|[[File:HReach - SpecOps Unggoy.png|80px]]

[[File:Halo2AnniversarySpecialOperationUnggoyUltra.jpg|80px]]

|These Unggoy are experienced and specially-chosen, usually commanded by the [[Special Operations Sangheili|special operations Sangheili]], and are given distinctive jet-black armor. They are part of the [[Covenant Special Operations]] division of the [[Special Warfare Group]]. Just like the special operations Sangheili, they are able to use [[active camouflage]]. They are extremely skilled in warfare compared to their lower-ranked counterparts, and won't panic too often in combat situations, if they do at all. They usually can be seen wielding fuel rod guns, and throw plasma grenades with great accuracy. Though some of them chose to side with the [[Fleet of Retribution|Sangheili]] during the Great Schism many remained within the Jiralhanae-led units loyal to the Prophets, wearing white armor similar to the Unggoy Ultra. Though Special Operation Unggoy Minors and Majors have no armor distinction (both wearing a jet-black or dark purple Combat Harness) Special Operation Unggoy Ultras are distinguished from their Unggoy Ultra counterparts by how their combat harnesses feature the 2-pronged methane tank, while other Unggoy Ultras feature the standard white point-tank version.

|Heavies are specialized Unggoy that wear green colored armor and are often deployed for defensive actions.<ref>'''Halo 2''', level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref> Their primary purposes are to deploy plasma cannons and man them, although they are occasionally seen wielding fuel rod guns, plasma rifles, and even Spikers.

[[Deacon]]ship is the only position open to the Unggoy in the [[Ministry of Tranquility]]. Unlike many other roles available to the Unggoy, this rank does not often involve combat or hard manual labor, though they have been known to carry around [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistols]] and [[Type-33 Needler|Needler]]s.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 50''</ref>

Some Unggoy are also known to serve as merchants and are well-respected in the Covenant hierarchy. During the [[Ascension (ceremony)|ascension]] ceremony of the Covenant's last triumvirate of [[Hierarchs]], a [[Yanme'e]] [[Yanme'e Queen|queen]], Kig-Yar Shipmasters, and Unggoy traders were present. It was also said that their harnesses were adorned with large jewels.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 381''</ref>

While regular Unggoy infantry occasionally choose to employ [[suicide attack]]s out of desperation, the Covenant were also known to purposefully assign [[Suicide Unggoy|select fanatical Unggoy squads]] to use such attacks as their primary offensive tactic against the enemy.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 350''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Exodus]]''</ref> The [[Banished]] later adopted similar tactics.{{Ref/Reuse|CFI96}}

*In [[wikipedia:Tagalog|Tagalog]] and [[Wikipedia:Filipino language|Filipino]], ''Unggoy ''means "monkey". [https://translate.google.com/?source=dict-chrome-ex&q=unggoy&sl=tl&tl=en&text=unggoy&op=translate]

*The Unggoy were ranked #5 in Game Informer's "''Top 5 Video Game Punching Bags''" list.<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/blogs/members/b/8_bit_ike_blog1/archive/2010/03/03/top-five-video-game-punching-bags.aspx '''GameInformer''': ''Top five video game punching bags.'']</ref>

*In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', Unggoy voices were changed. Instead of their original high-pitched and squeaky voices, they sound more deep and mechanical, possibly because of their breathing apparatus. However, they are still being voiced by [[Joseph Staten]].<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=25654 Bungie.net : Bungie Weekly Update 4.16.10]</ref>

*The redesigned Unggoy that appear in ''Halo 4'' bear a great deal of resemblance to the [[gearsofwar:Wretch|wretches]] from the ''Gears of War'' series.

*In ''Halo 5: Guardians'' Unggoy can be seen carrying [[Type-57 Carbine]]s for the first time in the first cutscene of Mission 12 Battle of Sunaion.

File:HCE GruntFace_Concept.png|Concept art of an Unggoy's face for ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.

File:HCE Grunt_Concept_1.png|Concept art of Unggoy.

File:HCE Grunt_Concept_2.png|More concept art of Unggoy.

File:Halo-3-20061220042119414.jpg|A [[Brute Captain]] leads a pack of Unggoy in the Earth bunker [[Crow's Nest (location)|Crow's Nest]] in an early build of ''[[Halo 3]]''.

File:H3 A lone grunt.jpg|An Unggoy in ''Halo 3''.

File:H3 Unggoy maskless face.jpeg|The face of an Unggoy Minor.

File:H3_Scarab_GruntGunner.jpg|An Unggoy Minor firing a plasma turret on board a [[Deutoros-pattern Scarab|Scarab]].

File:HW_Blur_Grunt_Concept.jpg|Concept art of an Unggoy for the Blur cinematics in ''Halo Wars''.

File:COVENANT Grunt.jpg|Another look at the ''Halo Wars'' cinematic model.

File:HaloLegends-GruntswithPlasmaRifles.png|Unggoy single and dual-wielding plasma rifles in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''.

File:Grunt Storm face.jpg|Concept art of an Unggoy's face for ''[[Halo 4]]''.

File:H4 UnggoyAnatomy Concept.jpg|Final modelsheet concept art for the Unggoy in ''Halo 4''.

File:H2A-UnggoyMinors-Screen.jpg|Unggoy Minors in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.

File:H5G-Campfire.png|Swords of Sanghelios Unggoy Storm standing around a fire on [[Sanghelios]].

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

**''[[Wages of Sin]]'' {{Mo}}

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

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

{{Ref/Sources|2}}

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