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{{Era|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Species Infobox
{{Disambig header|the Kig-Yar subspecies|the military role|Skirmisher}}
{{Species infobox
|name=T'vaoans
|name=T'vaoans
|othernames=Skirmisher
|othernames=Skirmisher
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|homeworld=[[T'vao]]
|homeworld=[[T'vao]]
|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>
|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>
|weight={{Convert|195|lb|kg|sp=us}}–{{Convert|210|lb|kg|sp=us}}<ref name="EVG"/>
|weight={{Convert|195|lb|kg|sp=us}}–{{Convert|210|lb|kg|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|distinctions=Larger, more heavily muscled; avian features, beaked head with teeth, clawed hands and feet.  
|distinctions=Larger, more heavily muscled; avian features, beaked head with teeth, clawed hands and feet.  
|lifespan=
|lifespan=
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}}
}}


The '''T'vaoans''', referred to by [[human]]s as '''Skirmishers''', are a subspecies of the [[Kig-Yar]] hailing from [[asteroid]] colony of [[T'vao]]. 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>
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}}


==History==
==History==
===Origins===
===Origins===
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 Skirmishers evolving very differently to other Kig-Yar.<ref name="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 battle in the system, T'vaoans were recruited into the Covenant's military.
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.


===The Covenant===
===The Covenant===
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 Skirmishers.<ref name="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>
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}}
 
They saw extensive action during the [[Fall of Reach]], and as a result of catastrophically high casualties, the Skirmisher ranks were utterly exhausted, though the subspecies as 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>


===Post-war===
===Post-war===
Despite the amount of T'vaoans that died in the [[Human-Covenant War]], many still remain. 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>
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}}


==Description==
==Description==
===Anatomy and physiology===  
===Anatomy and physiology===  
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]]''' (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 name="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. Skirmishers have true feathers on their head, back, and arms, unlike the Jackals' quills. A Skirmisher's voice is more raspy and guttural—this is because they have an expanding voice chamber on their throat. 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, Skirmishers do not display color changes in their plumage when their moods shift.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 65''</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>   


Their head shape appears to be more avian than their cousins; their skin tone is noticeably darker and not yellowish. Like Jackals, Skirmishers 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>
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>


While Kig-Yar are generally quite agile across all subsets, Skirmishers are capable of sprinting at great speeds; many T'vaoans are capable of reaching up to 72 kilometers (45 miles) per hour in open environments.<ref name="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).
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).


The [[blood]] of a T'vaoan is thick and purple.<ref>[[:File:SkirmisherBleeding.jpg|This image]]</ref>
The [[blood]] of a T'vaoan is thick and purple.<ref>[[:File:SkirmisherBleeding.jpg|This image]]</ref>


==Culture==  
==Culture==  
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 name="md59"/>
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}}


=== Role in the Covenant ===
=== Role in the Covenant ===
The Covenant used 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 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.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63_LHQoVyxU '''YouTube''': ''Halo: Reach - 5 Minute Firefight'']</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>
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]].
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]].


While Covenant remnants such as [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] use 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 serve in the same manner. It is possible that the depletion of their numbers at [[Fall of Reach|Reach]] has deterred any more T'vaoans from participating in the military.
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.


=== Covenant rank structure ===
=== Covenant rank structure ===
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.
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.


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]].
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]].


Leading the Skirmishers in combat was the [[Skirmisher Champion|Champion]], outfitted with heavier gold armor and sometimes employing holograms to confuse their enemies.
Leading the skirmishers in combat was the [[Skirmisher Champion|Champion]], outfitted with heavier gold armor and sometimes employing holograms to confuse their enemies.


{{Kig-Yar Ranks}}
{{Kig-Yar Ranks}}


==Trivia==
==Production notes==
{{Other languages
{{Other languages
|fr={{Explain|''Les Écorcheurs''|The Skinners}} in all media.
|fr={{Tooltip|''Les Écorcheurs''|The Skinners}} in all media.
}}
}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Skirmishers|gameplay=yes|gameplaypage=Skirmisher/Gameplay}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of T'vaoans|gameplay=yes|gameplaypage=Skirmisher/Gameplay}}
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 modern-day  birds, perhaps suggesting a similar evolutionary progression among the Kig-Yar.
*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.
*[[: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.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HR_Skirmisher_Concept.png|Concept art of a Skirmisher.
File:HR_Skirmisher_Concept.png|Concept art of a T'vaoan.
File:HR_SkirmisherVariant_Concept.jpg|A Skirmisher study.
File:HR_SkirmisherVariant_Concept.jpg|A T'vaoan study.
File:Skirmisher - Closeup.png|An alpha build render of a Skirmisher's face.
File:Skirmisher - Closeup.png|An alpha build render of a T'vaoan's face.
File:HaloReach - Screenshot 03.jpg|An alpha build of ''Reach'', showcasing a lance of Skirmishers in battle during the Fall of Reach.
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:Skirmisher_armor_pattern.png|In general pattern on the Skirmisher armor in ''Halo 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 Skirmisher operating with [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]].  
File:Tekissue3.PNG|[[Tek]], a T'vaoan skirmisher operating within [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]].  
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{c|Emblem only}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Covenant}}
{{Navbox/Species}}


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

Latest revision as of 16:11, February 15, 2023

This article is about the Kig-Yar subspecies. For the military role, see Skirmisher.
T'vaoans
Halo Reach - Skirmisher.png
Physical information

Avg. height:

6.2 feet (190 cm)–6.9 feet (210 cm)[1]

Avg. weight:

195 pounds (88 kg)–210 pounds (95 kg)[1]

Distinctions:

Larger, more heavily muscled; avian features, beaked head with teeth, clawed hands and feet.

Sociocultural information

Homeworld:

T'vao

Notable individuals:

Also known as:

Skirmisher

 

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. They served the Covenant as a specialized group in the military.[2] While they are often simply referred to as "Skirmishers" by the humans 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.[3]

History[edit]

Origins[edit]

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.[1][4][5] 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.

The Covenant[edit]

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 skirmishers.[2] 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.[6] The T'vaoans also saw extensive action during the Covenant's invasion of Reach in 2552.[7]

Post-war[edit]

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.[8] At least one T'vaoan joined Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group, serving as 'Gajat's second-in-command.[9] 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.[10]

Description[edit]

Anatomy and physiology[edit]

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.[11] Xenobiologists believe that the asteroid's higher gravity and atmospheric shifts led to the development of the T'voans' avian features.[5] 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 ranger or sniper units. Unlike other Kig-Yar, T'vaoans do not display color changes in their plumage when their moods shift.[12]

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.[13] Young T'vaoan chicks are covered in a brown fledgling down which gradually moults and gives way to scales and plumage as they age.[14]

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.[11] 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).

The blood of a T'vaoan is thick and purple.[15]

Culture[edit]

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.[16] Like other types of Kig-Yar, T'vaoan society is described as matriarchal.[17] T'vaoans are attracted to shiny, glittery and glamorous objects. Males often squabble amongst each other and display their quills for females.[4]

Role in the Covenant[edit]

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.[3] 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 long-range combatants and assassins. Anatomically, they possess a profile similar to regular Kig-Yar, though in combat they do not wield 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.[18] 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.

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.

Covenant rank structure[edit]

Fresh T'vaoans started as Skirmisher Minors (marked with black feathers and grey armor) and were promoted to Major (marked with red feathers and greyish-red armor) once they accumulated sufficient combat experience.

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 Murmillones, for example, in their orange armor, were equipped point defense gauntlets on each arm. The Commandos, on the other hand, would be seen in green armor and were equipped with a holographic projector.

Leading the skirmishers in combat was the Champion, outfitted with heavier gold armor and sometimes employing holograms to confuse their enemies.

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Kig-Yar ranks

Production notes[edit]

Language Equivalent
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French 		Les Écorcheurs in all media.
Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to T'vaoan on its gameplay page.
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  • T'vaoans bear a notable physical resemblance to dromaeosaurs such as Deinonychus and the smaller, better-known 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.
  • 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.

Gallery[edit]

  • Concept art of a T'vaoan.

    Concept art of a T'vaoan.

  • A T'vaoan study.

    A T'vaoan study.

  • An alpha build render of a T'vaoan's face.

    An alpha build render of a T'vaoan's face.

  • An alpha build of Reach, showcasing a lance of T'vaoan skirmishers in battle during the Fall of Reach.

    An alpha build of Reach, showcasing a lance of T'vaoan skirmishers in battle during the Fall of Reach.

  • In general pattern on the T'vaoan skirmisher armor in Halo Reach.

    In general pattern on the T'vaoan skirmisher armor in Halo Reach.

  • A T'vaoan Skirmisher Commando in Firefight.

    A T'vaoan Skirmisher Commando in Firefight.

  • A T'vaoan Skirmisher Murmillo armed with a focus rifle.

    A T'vaoan Skirmisher Murmillo armed with a focus rifle.

  • A T'vaoan bleeding.

    A T'vaoan bleeding.

  • Several T'vaoan skirmishers of differing rank.

    Several T'vaoan skirmishers of differing rank.

  • Tek, a T'vaoan skirmisher operating within Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group.

    Tek, a T'vaoan skirmisher operating within Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 178
  2. ^ a b Bungie: Halo: Reach Enemy Intel
  3. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Legendary Endings (Retrieved on Dec 18, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ a b Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 59
  5. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Kig-Yar
  6. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 139
  7. ^ Halo: Reach
  8. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata
  9. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #2
  10. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 16
  11. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition) (2011), pages 156-157
  12. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 65
  13. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, Chapter 3
  14. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 71
  15. ^ This image
  16. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 272
  17. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 60
  18. ^ YouTube: Halo: Reach - 5 Minute Firefight

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Sapient species of the Milky Way
Humanity
Covenant species
Ancient species
Protogenic
Other
Unidentified species
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