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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H2|H3|FS|GOO|UP|HGN|CH}}
{{Center|This article is about the species. For the music track, see [[Brutes (music)]].}}
{{Covenant Species Infobox
{{Species infobox
|name=Jiralhanae (Brutes)(''Servus ferox'')
|name=Jiralhanae
|image=[[Image:BestiarumBrute.jpg|300px]]  
|image=[[File:H2A Jiralhanae.png|250px]]
|homeworld=[[Doisac]]
|latin=''Servus ferox''
|height=2.6 meters<ref name="beast">[[Bestiarum]]</ref> (8.11)
|classification=Pseudo-ursine mammal
|weight=510 kg<ref name="beast"/> (1,124 pounds)
|subspecies=
|skincolor=light gray, white, medium brown.
|diet=Omnivorous{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=210}}
|distinctions=Large ape-like body, thick hide, and variations in fur color
|height={{Convert|259|cm|ftin|sp=us}}—{{Convert|280|cm|ftin|sp=us}}<ref name="BES">'''[[Halo 3]]''', ''[[Bestiarum]]''</ref><ref name="wp jiralhanae">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/jiralhanae '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Jiralhanae'']</ref>
|equipment=
|weight={{Convert|1125|lb|kg}}–{{Convert|1500|lb|kg}}{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}}
*[[Active Camouflage]]
|distinctions=Simioid physiology; thick, shaggy fur; prominent fangs
*[[Power Armor (Jiralhanae)|Power Armour]]
|lifespan=
*[[Flare]]
|homeworld=[[Doisac]]
*[[Deployable Cover]]
|techlevel=Native [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 4: Space Age|Tier 4]]/Adopted [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 2: Interstellar|Tier 2]]{{Ref/Reuse|BES}}
*[[Bubble Shield]]
|notable-person=*[[Atriox]]
*[[Invincibility]]
*[[Avitus]]
|weapons
*[[Castor]]
*[[Brute Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Cethegus]]
*[[Brute Shot]]
*[[Decimus]]
*[[Carbine]]
*[[Escharum]]
*[[Shotgun]]
*[[Lydus]]
*[[Spiker]]
*[[Battle Rifle]]
*[[Incendiary Grenade]]
*[[Spike Grenade]]
*[[Plasma Grenade]]
*[[Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Plasma Cannon]]
*[[Gravity Hammer]]
*[[Mauler]]s
|vehicles
[[Spectre]]s
*[[Wraiths]]
*[[Ghost (vehicle)|Ghosts]]
*[[Banshees]]
*[[Phantoms]]
*[[Prowler]]
*[[Brute Chopper]]s
|types=
*[[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]]
*[[War Chieftain]]
*[[Alpha Brute]]/[[Brute Chieftain]]
*[[Brute Honor Guard]]
*[[Brute Captain Ultra]]
*[[Brute Captain Major]]
*[[Brute Captain]]
*[[Brute Bodyguard]]
*[[Jump Pack Brute]]
*[[Brute Stalker]]
*[[Brute Ultra]]
*[[Brute Major]]
*[[Brute Minor]]
 
|affiliation=[[Covenant]], later [[Covenant Loyalists]]
|notable=*[[Tartarus]]
*[[Maccabeus]]
*[[Maccabeus]]
*[[Lepidus]]
*[[Parabum]]
*[[Bracktanus]]
*[[Rukt]]
*[[Gargantum]]
*[[Tartarus]]
*[[Vorenus]]
*[[Ritul]]
*[[Strab]]
*[[Calid]]
*[[Druss]]
*[[Grattius]]
*[[Licinus]]
|othernames=*Hair Ball
*Fur Ball
*Ape
*Brute
*Baby Kong
*Bravo Kilo
*Bo-Bo
*Mongrels
|hideb=true
}}


{{Quote|Them? What about us? My belly aches, and his flesh is seared just the way I like it.| A Brute, to [[Tartarus]] while dragging the Arbiter to the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]] after he was branded with the [[Mark of Shame]].}}
|othernames=*Brutes
*Apes/Gorillas/Monkeys
*Baby Kongs/BKs {{c|[[Phonetic Alphabet|phonetic]]: Bravo Kilos}}
*Bobos<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''</ref>
*Jir'a'ul {{c|by Sangheili: a play on the word Jiralhanae and the Sangheili word for a lump of wood: '''a'ul'''}}
|languages=
}}
{{Quote|They are beasts, in essence and action.|The [[Minister of Discovery]] remarking on the savage nature of the Jiralhanae<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[Wages of Sin]]", ''page 297''</ref>}}


The '''Jiralhanae''' (Latin, ''Servus ferox''<ref name="beast"/>, meaning "wild slave"<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 HBO Forums]</ref>) are a race of ape-like creatures in the unified conglomerate races of the [[Covenant]]. The [[UNSC|Humans]] have termed such warriors '''Brutes''' because they are an extremely savage and brutal race in general.  
The '''Jiralhanae''' ('''Servus ferox''' in Latin taxonomy, translated to "wild slave"<ref>[http://forums.bungie.org/halo/archive29.pl?read=865756 '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Bestiarum Latin names translated'']</ref>), known by [[human]]s as '''Brutes''', are a mostly carnivorous [[Sentience|sapient]] species of pseudo-ursine mammals.{{Ref/Reuse|BES}}{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} Originating from the planet [[Doisac]], the Jiralhanae were the final addition to the [[Covenant]] hegemony. The Jiralhanae typically have a profound hatred of the [[Sangheili]],<ref name="ENC142">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 142'' (2011 edition)</ref><ref>[[Conversations from the Universe]]: [[Conversations from the Universe#Grunt Conversation|Grunt Conversation]] "And you have ears, you've heard the disrespect the Jiralhanae show the Sangheili. They hate each other. The Sangheili have lived too long under the shelter of the Covenant as the strongest of us. The Jiralhanae come stomping along and suddenly it's not so simple as it was."</ref> unmatched by any other feud within the Covenant.{{Ref/Novel|Id=GoO22|GoO|Chapter=22 "In the confusion caused by the departing Prophets, the Sangheili's ancient feud with the Jiralhanae had escalated into xenocide."}} This rivalry was fueled by the Jiralhanae's naturally aggressive and dominating demeanor clashing with the Sangheili's societal sense of superiority over them at the time of the Covenant.<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-wars-2-new-character-images-and-details-revea/1100-6442098/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0b '''Gamestop''': ''Halo Wars 2: New Character Images and Details Revealed''] - "Decimus still harbors some resentment against the Elites under Atriox's banner due to how Elites treated the Brutes during the time of the Covenant"</ref><ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-wars-2-new-character-images-and-details-revea/1100-6442098/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0b '''Gamestop''': ''Halo Wars 2: New Character Images and Details Revealed''] - "This arrangement was deeply unpleasant for the Shipmaster, especially since Elites were used to lording over the Brutes during the time of the Covenant..."</ref>


== Overview ==
Immensely strong (surpassing the strength of both Sangheili and [[Spartan-II]]s), Jiralhanae typically place a greater emphasis on brutality than wisdom; they are considered to be a savage species on the whole. Preferring this potential for blind obedience, the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] began plans to replace the Sangheili with Jiralhanae, slowly placing the latter in higher positions and giving them greater allowances than Sangheili troops would receive.{{Ref/Reuse|changeguard}} Finally, on Truth's orders, the Jiralhanae began a purge of [[Sangheili Councilor|Sangheili High Councilors]] and commanders throughout Covenant space, sparking a cataclysmic civil war known as the [[Great Schism]] that led to the [[Battle of the Citadel|dissolution of the Covenant]]. This conflict against the Sangheili would [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war|continue]] well after the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]] and like the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae would fight internally as well.{{Ref/Reuse|ret}}
The Brutes have been around since the time of the destruction of the planet [[Harvest]] <ref>''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]], Page 194''</ref>, but the [[Sangheili]] for good reason greatly feared the goals and ambitions of the Brutes and purposefully kept them in low-ranking positions for as long as possible. They seem to have high aspirations, and are extremely over-zealous in their belief of the [[Covenant|Covenant's]] [[Great Journey]], mainly due to their blind faith in the Covenant. The plot to have them put into power over the Elites started with their alliance with the [[Prophet of Truth]] during the [[Battle of Harvest]] and continued to gain headway until the eventual splitting of the Covenant between [[Covenant Loyalist]] Brutes and the Covenant Separatist Elites. They became the [[Honor Guards]] of the [[Prophets]] after the [[High Prophet of Regret]] was slain by the [[Master Chief]], resulting in the removal of the [[Elites]] from this traditional role. They protect the Prophets fiercely, mainly due to their blind faith in the Great Journey and the Prophets. They first appeared in the [[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon level]], but the only ones seen here are dead bodies. The first level they are encountered is [[Gravemind (Level)|Gravemind]].


Brutes are of Simian origin. They have thick, gray skin, and are covered with matted, black, tan, or brown fur-like hair. Their large, stocky appearance is most likely due to the gravity on their planet which is about twice the gravity of that on [[Earth]]. As they age, the hair will change to a grayish silver color which is a great sign of respect for all Brutes. They have very sharp teeth and sometimes use them as a weapon. Standing nine feet tall, they are immensely strong (to the point of overpowering a [[SPARTAN]] in [[MJOLNIR armor]] in hand to hand combat) and fight hand-to-hand if they ever lose their [[weapon]], to the point of overpowering Elites. One almost killed Master Chief as though his armor wasn't there, which shows how dangerous they can be. <ref>''[[Halo 2 Collector's Edition Game Manual]]''</ref> The Brutes, with the exception of [[Tartarus]] (who perhaps channeled it from [[Forerunner]] technology during activation), did not use energy shielding in Halo 2. In Halo 3, all of them are equipped with [[Power Armor]]. They speak in deep, gravelly voices when speaking our language, however they often speak with loud roars and grunts.
==History==
===The Ark and reseeding===
[[File:AncientDoisacBrutes.png|300px|thumb|left|Ancient Jiralhanae on Doisac.]]
The Jiralhanae were one of the many species of predators that originated on [[Doisac]], evolving from temperamental, tree-dwelling mammals due to Doisac's challenging and diversifying environment.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} The Jiralhanae were one of many [[sentience|sentient]] species indexed by the [[Librarian]] for preservation aboard [[Installation 00]]. After the [[Halo Array]] was fired, the Jiralhanae were returned to Doisac to begin rebuilding their culture.<ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Origins''</ref>


They seem to prefer using weapons from their native home-world rather than the [[Covenant]] standard-issue plasma-based firearms. Brute weapons are notable for being highly dangerous and almost always featuring a blade attachment such as the [[Spike Rifle]], [[Mauler]] and the [[Brute Shot]].
===The First Immolation===
While commonly regarded as a savage species, Jiralhanae proved intelligent enough to achieve [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Tier 4 status]]. However, their warlike nature inevitably led them into conflict, and eventually the various Jiralhanae [[master-pack]]s — belonging into either of the Jiralhanae's two main social divisions (the [[Rh'tol]] and [[Vheiloth]] skeins) fell into a massive war known as the [[First Immolation]].{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} This mechanized war of attrition lasted a decade and eventually led to the use of [[nuclear weapon]]s that devastated Doisac.<ref name="ch194">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 194''</ref> The First Immolation and the nuclear holocaust that followed nearly led to species self-extinction and caused the collapse of Jiralhanae society; by [[2492]] CE, the species had just rediscovered radio and rocketry.
Examples of Brute names are [[Tartarus]] and [[Bracktanus]]. In ''Contact Harvest'', it is revealed that the "us" at the end of their name is an honorific denoting maturity.  For example, Tartarus would have been known as Tartar. Oddly, however, in ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', there was Brute [[Shipmaster]] by the name of [[Gargantum]], which seems to contradict this rule, although this is never explained why. One reason could be a mistake by the author.
The Brutes have a hierarchical cultural structure, and are split into tribes called "packs", all led by a single "[[Chieftain]]". A Brute Chieftain carries a [[Gravity Hammer]], [[Fuel Rod Cannon]] or a [[Plasma Turret]]. A Brute Captain carries a [[Brute Shot]]. A regular Brute infantryman doesn't have armor that has quite as advanced shielding, and usually carries [[Spike Grenade|Spike Grenades]] and [[Type-25 Carbine|Spiker Rifles]]. A Brute becomes a pack Chieftain by challenging the current Chieftain to a mortal duel; the victor claims the title after executing the other.
In general, Brutes have a pronounced dislike of the [[Sangheili]]. They believe that they can protect the Prophets better than them, and the [[Prophet of Truth]] took advantage of this to ignite the [[Great Schism]] during the events of [[Halo 2]].  


In many military records, Brutes are referred to as 'Bravo Kilos', since [[UNSC]] [[Marines]] have nicknamed Brutes 'Baby Kongs', a reference to [[Wikipedia:King Kong|King Kong]] of 20th century fame.
===The Covenant===
When the Covenant encountered the Jiralhanae circa [[2492]] CE, they fought resulting in several battles. Although some Jiralhanae were quick to join the Covenant, such as those led by [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]] [[Maccabeus]],<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 260''</ref> others put up resistance against the invading alien hegemony.<ref name="bc187">'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 187''</ref> In their primitive state they were quickly defeated and absorbed into the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|ch194}} The Jiralhanae's search for theological meaning led to the species' swift incorporation into the Covenant as they adopted the [[Covenant religion|empire's religion]] and began worshiping the [[Forerunner]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|bc187}}


== Anatomy and Physiology==
The Jiralhanae would serve in the [[Covenant military]], deployed as heavy infantry and shock troops. Most of the Jiralhanae roles within the Covenant were only mere extensions of their own clan-based organizational structure, albeit more formalized under the Covenant's rule.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} The Covenant settled Jiralhanae on worlds rich in resources to guard them from anyone seeking to claim them for themselves. Meanwhile, the Jiralhanae lacked the capability to mine the resources themselves and were not provided the technologies necessary for the process, ensuring that the Prophets had secure control over the resources.<ref name="esc1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref>{{Ref/Site|Id=CFShocks|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-system-shocks|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - System Shocks|D=30|M=06|Y=2023}}{{Ref/Site|Id=S4Intel|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/infection-intel|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo Infinite - Infection Intel|D=16|M=08|Y=2023|LocalArchive=Halo Infinite Story & Intel}} Upon the Jiralhanae's inclusion into the Covenant, a group of [[Sangheili]] commanders went before the Covenant [[High Council]] and claimed that the Jiralhanae's pack mentality would inevitably bring conflict between the two species. Citing the Jiralhanae's natural instincts to fight to the top of any hierarchy, the Sangheili commanders proposed that any peaceful "urges" that the Jiralhanae exhibited should be "aggressively encouraged". The High Council believed that the argument was fair, and began to impose restrictions on the technology the Jiralhanae could access. Although this ruling was meant to curb the enmity between the Sangheili and Jiralhanae, a feud between the two species would continue.<ref name="ch199">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 199''</ref>
[[Brutes]] are a physically imposing enemy to face in combat. Standing at approximately 9 feet tall, they tower not only over their human opponents, but are taller than [[Elites]] and are taller than the majority of their [[Covenant]] allies. They have thick, gray skin that is resistant to damage.


They are covered in thick, shaggy fur that may offer further protection. It covers most of the body except for the head and the shoulder blades. Brutes exhibit two colorations: brown and grey. This is perhaps an indication of age, since lower ranking Brutes are brown and Honor Guard Brutes and Tartarus himself are gray. In Halo 3, they are seen with shaved faces, which increases the fearful effect they have on opponents.
===Human-Covenant War===
[[Image:Brute Bare.jpg|thumb|left|150px|A [[Brute]] stripped of most [[Power Armor]]. Note that [[Brutes]] in Halo 3 have shaved faces and a carefully groomed beard.]]
{{Quote|The Great Journey has begun, and the Brutes, not the Elites, shall be the Prophets' escort!|[[Tartarus]], to the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]]{{Ref/Reuse|journey}}}}
Brutes have mixed red-and-blue blood (on first glance they look completely red, but on closer inspection one would see blue spots in pools of Brute blood). At a casual glance, it appears purple. Brutes resemble a cross between a Neanderthal human and a bear, being taller and more thickset in the torso and limbs than a human.  
[[File:H2A Terminals - Murder of the Councilors.jpg|thumb|300px|The massacre of the Sangheili High Councilors initiated the Great Schism.]]
Jiralhanae troops fought in many battles throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]], including the [[First Battle of Harvest|first conflict]] on [[Harvest]] and the [[Fall of Reach|invasion]] of [[Reach]].<ref name="contact">'''Halo: Contact Harvest'''</ref><ref name="reach">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[New Alexandria]]''</ref> While effective combatants, they remained subordinate to the Sangheili, who continued to regard the Jiralhanae with near-universal disdain. Receiving differing opinions and suggestions on how to deal with the threat of [[human]]ity by both [[San'Shyuum]] and Sangheili, the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] began pursuing numerous schemes as he sought to replace the Sangheili with the Jiralhanae; Truth considered the latter to be easier to control and more dogmatic. [[Tartarus]], a Jiralhanae who participated in the first contact on Harvest, caught the eye of the [[Hierarch]], who was impressed that the Jiralhanae managed to take control of the entire [[Rh'tol]] skein at a young age. In the final years of the Human-Covenant War Truth had prepared Tartarus for an ascension to military authority.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}}


Heavily muscled and possessed of an animalistic brutality and power, Brutes can rely on close combat to defeat their enemies, even more so than their Elite counterparts. Featuring characteristics Simian, Ursine and alien, their appearance matches their human given name.
By the final months of the war the High Prophet of Truth had gathered the personal allegiance of many of the [[San'Shyuum High Councilor|San'Shyuum members]] on the High Council.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 196''</ref> Recognizing the Jiralhanae's ferocity and unquestioning obedience, the San'Shyuum had decided to promote the Jiralhanae to the top of the Covenant military hierarchy — a position occupied by the Sangheili since the Covenant's inception. The Sangheili were scapegoated for failing to prevent the recent assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] (secretly arranged by Truth), and their previous failure to safeguard [[Installation 04]]; these events were used to justify the decision.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 209''</ref> The Jiralhanae became the Hierarchs' chosen protectors, [[Changing of the Guard|replacing]] the [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] and taking command of the [[Covenant fleet|fleet]]. This event led to some Sangheili Councilors to threaten resignation from the High Council.<ref name="changeguard">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon]]''</ref> On [[2552#November|November 3, 2552]], Tartarus and the High Prophet of Truth enacted their plans after several decades of preparation. After Tartarus seemingly killed [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadamee]],<ref name="QZ">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref> the Chieftain's second-in-command, [[Melchus]], led a massacre on the Sangheili High Councilors and several of the former Honor Guardsmen on [[Installation 05]].<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 219-222''</ref> These acts began the [[Great Schism]], a civil war that forced the Sangheili out of the Covenant proper, resulting in the fracturing of the Covenant empire. Tartarus attempted to initiate the Great Journey by activating Installation 05 but he was slain by the Arbiter and the [[Fleet of Retribution]],{{Ref/Marketing|Id=LongRoad|Halo Waypoint|The Long Road Home}} who had formed a tentative alliance with the UNSC.<ref name="journey">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>{{clear}}


[[Brutes]] have four digits on each hand including an opposable thumb. As such this allows them to make use of a variety of weapons both of Covenant and human design. Their feet have only two digits on each side. When it comes to ranged conflict Brutes show a tendency to use large, rapid firing, often powerful weapons. This may be indicative of their mentality and an extension of their brutal nature. The many spikes and serrated edges that adorn their race's weapons, vehicles and armor further exhibit this. It is interesting to note that in Halo 2 Jiralhanae can be seen using human [[M90]] shotguns. The Brutes also created a hand gun version of the shotgun, the [[Mauler]].
===Post-war===
{{Quote|Vengeance is petty. Vengeance has no reward.|[[Atriox]] responding to [[Resa 'Azavayl|Resa 'Azavayl's]] animosity towards his species.{{Ref/Comic|[[Halo: Tales From Slipspace]] [[Hunting Party]]|Quote= So, you've simply traded one leash for another. Vengeance is petty. Vengeance has no reward.}}}}
After the Covenant's [[Battle of Installation 00|disastrous defeat]] at [[Installation 00|the Ark]], Jiralhanae society began to splinter.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} Many Jiralhanae refused to cease their campaigning against the [[Sangheili]] and the two species remained locked in an [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war|irregular conflict]] for [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|years to come]]. Some Jiralhanae served [[Tem'Bhetek's faction|Tem'Bhetek and Boru'a'Neem]] in a [[Attack on Rahnelo|genocidal]] [[Ambush at Duraan|plot]] against the Sangheili that was [[Battle of the Prototype Halo installation|ultimately foiled]]. When the [[San'Shyuum flotilla|remaining]] [[San'Shyuum]] retreated into hiding, the Jiralhanae returned to their primitive, savage nature, allowing the Sangheili to gain the upper hand in battle. Some Jiralhanae factions had separated from those loyal to the former Covenant and were waging an internecine war against each other and thus the Brutes, like their Elite counterparts, were fighting in a two-front war.<ref name="ret">'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', ''[[The Return]]''</ref> This lack of solidarity made the Jiralhanae easier prey for some of the Sangheili commanders who were genocidally hunting them.<ref name="The Return">''[[The Return#Motion Comic|The Return (Motion comic)]]'' ''"This lack of solidarity made them much easier prey. Some of my fellow commanders continue that fight even now."''</ref><ref>''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]'' ''[[Hunting Party]] "Now we have but one aim… the slaughter of beasts"''</ref>


Brutes are by no means as mentally slow as they may appear, and are often cunning tacticians. As such they can pilot vehicles, ships and command both land based and fleet encounters with strategic competence, if lacking in artistic flair.
[[File:HTRmc Dead Brutes.png|300px|thumb|left|The Jiralhanae continued to be massacred by Sangheili commanders.]]
On [[Doisac]], conditions worsened as the Jiralhanae [[master-pack]]s and [[Alpha Tribe|tribes]] fought among themselves while the organization imposed on their species by the Covenant fell apart. Additionally, due to the Jiralhanae's lack of advanced technology, they were unable to attain resources or even food for themselves, instead resorting to raids on Sangheili settlements which resulted in the deaths of several Sangheili civilians.{{Ref/Comic|Halo: Escalation}} Notably the [[Rh'tol|Rh’tol Jiralhanae]] glorified these raids as power over their oppressors.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Envoy1|Halo: Envoy|Chapter=3 "The Rh’tol skein now gloried in the piracy against the former Covenant. It let them show their true strength to the very face of the Sangheili species that had so poorly treated them. The Vheiloth skein saw such looting and destruction as an unfortunate necessity."}} This, in turn, only served to provoke further violence between the two species.{{Ref/Reuse|esc1}} As the Sangheili-Jiralhanae conflict continued to escalate, one master-pack sought peace. On [[2558#March|March 5, 2558]], the Jiralhanae Chieftain [[Lydus]] and his master-pack the [[Children of Oth Sonin]] were willing to begin peace talks with the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] under the mediation of the [[United Nations Space Command]].{{Ref/Reuse|esc1}} Lydus, along with several of his [[Jiralhanae Bodyguard|bodyguards]] met with the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] and [[Lord Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]] on [[Ealen IV]], however these initial peace talks were foiled by a [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenary group]] attack hired by the [[Insurrectionist]]s known as the [[New Colonial Alliance]].<ref name="esc3">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue #3]]''</ref>


Brutes are known to descend into a highly aggressive berserk killing-rage when all their packmates have been killed. Their incredible physical strength coupled with a dogged self determination to kill their target makes a berserk Brute a force to be reckoned with, powerful enough to occasionally kill [[Hunters]]. Also, when berserking, they will not hesitate to attack an enemy, even if the target is in a vehicle, such as a Ghost. If the target is in a Spectre or Wraith, they will board it and attempt to kill (in a Wraith) or force the enemy out (such as in a Warthog or Spectre). Interestingly, they will not attack, nor hijack a low flying vehicle (such as a Banshee).
[[File:Enc22 Doisackening.jpg|200px|thumb|Doisac is destroyed by Guardians.]]
Due to animosity stoked by the [[Great Schism]], the Jiralhanae and Sangheili typically did not work together after the war, at least not as equals.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Envoy3|Halo: Envoy|Chapter=1 "The Covenant had failed, obliterated under the weight of
many lies; as a result, the Sangheili did not make common cause with Jiralhanae anymore, at least not as equals. No, this was strange. "}} A small minority of Jiralhanae had chosen to work under some Sangheili as slave laborers or lesser infantry for reasons unknown. A few Jiralhanae, such as [[Manus]] and the crew of ''[[Piety]]'', remained loyal to their Sangheili superiors during the [[Great Schism|split]] of the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}}<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 225''</ref> A few others served the Sangheili as security guards and servants on [[Sanghelios]]. However, this did not come without conflict. In [[2553#March|March 2553]], Jiralhanae servants in the state of [[Ontom]] launched [[terrorism|insurgent attacks]], which resulted in the death of dozens of Sangheili. Their revolt was quickly quelled by the city militia.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''', ''pages 22-23''</ref> Some Jiralhanae created or joined Jiralhanae-led [[Covenant remnants|remnant factions]] such as the [[Keepers of the One Freedom]]. In [[2558#September|September 2558]], a Jiralhanae faction led by [[Hekabe]] known as the [[Voice of Maardoth]] formed a brief uneasy alliance with a Sangheili faction led by [[Thars 'Sarov]] during the [[Carrow Conflict]]. However, the Jiralhanae quickly betrayed and attacked them as Hekabe's true intention was to access a [[Sharquoi hive]] and use the creatures to seize ultimate power for himself, these plans were thwarted by the local human militia, [[Gray Team]] and [[Rojka 'Kasaan]].{{Ref/Novel|Env}} The [[Banished]], a mercenary organization that had rebelled against the Covenant in the 2540s, was led by and predominantly composed of Jiralhanae. They began to amass a considerable degree of power in the war's aftermath, invading [[the Ark]] in 2559 and occupying [[Installation 07]] in [[2560]].<ref>'''Halo Wars 2''', campaign level ''[[A New Enemy]]''</ref><ref>[[Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere]]</ref> Jiralhanae clans hidden in corners throughout the [[Orion Arm]] continued to gather strength, intent on resuming the work of the dissolved Covenant.<ref name="Covenant">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Covenant'']</ref>


Interestingly, Brutes in ''Halo 2'' are almost completely armor less, have small heads, blackish-purplish blood, have suction cups on their feet and are covered with fur, but in ''Halo 3'' they are completely protected by power armor, they are clean shaven, they have a bigger head relative to their body, they have crimson blood and they have no suction cups. One theory is that during the time of ''Halo 2'', the Brutes encountered were apart of [[Tartarus]]'s pack, wearing more traditional armor of the Brute race opposed to the power armor.
While the Sangheili and Jiralhanae continued their genocidal battles through [[2559]],{{Ref/Reuse|The Return}} Doisac had been [[Razing of Oth Sonin|subdued]] by the [[Created]] [[The Reclamation|uprising]]. Several of [[Cortana]]'s [[Guardian]]s were sent to the Jiralhanae homeworld to enforce martial law as she did with all major worlds across the Orion Arm.{{Ref/Game|H5}} [[Atriox]], leader of the Banished, was called to answer to Cortana's rule, to which he defied. This defiance led Cortana to unleash her wrath upon his kind for disobedience and her Created Guardians fired several beams that destroyed the planet. The world of Doisac was no more.{{Ref/Game|Id=Hi|Hi}}


== Culture==
The Jiralhanae continued to survive, scattered across the galaxy.{{Ref/Reuse|Covenant}} Lydus and his people fled to an abandoned human colony with some allegedly still lurking in the shadows of their home system,{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p533|Enc22|Page=247}} the Banished sought to make [[Installation 07]] their faction's new home,{{Ref/Reuse|Hi}} and others relocated to the worlds of [[Gathved]], [[Ordun Dal]], and [[Savadok]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p447|Enc22|Page=447}}
[[Image:ChieftainPrecher.jpg|180px|thumb|A Brute Chieftain performing a sermon in front of his pack.]]
Despite their savagery, Brutes have proven intelligent enough to achieve spaceflight and space-faring status, though their warlike nature meant they were quickly collapsed into civil war, forced to climb their way back to their former status and learned nothing from the experience. The Brutes had recently concluded a mechanized war of attrition in which the many master packs fought and pummeled each other back to a pre-industrial state. When the Covenant discovered them, they had just started re-discovering radio and rocketry.<ref>''[[Halo:Contact Harvest]]''</ref> Their warrior culture makes them formidable opponents, even for Elites, and they were incorporated into the Covenant. Their warrior culture is apparently patriarchally oriented, with rank measured by success, and success measured in terms of battlefield and sexual prowess.<ref>''[[Bestiarum]]''</ref> No (noticeable) female Brutes have been seen serving in the Covenant military. Brute names are composed of two parts: the main part, e.g. "Tartar", with "us" added to signify that the individual has been in combat, giving the whole name "Tartarus."<ref>''[[Halo:Contact Harvest]]''</ref>


They have a fierce pack culture, which has led to war between the Brute packs before the Ninth Age of Reclamation, which was how space flight was lost to the Brutes in the first place. The pack culture is a close knit affair, with Brutes in a pack being very protective of each other, berserking and mourning over their former pack members if they are killed.  
==Biology==
===Anatomy and physiology===
[[File:H2A - Tartarus with Rukt.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus, Chieftain of the Jiralhanae, gained more power with the outbreak of the Great Schism.]]
Jiralhanae are a carnivorous, [[Sentience|sapient]] species of mammals{{Ref/Reuse|BES}} who share physical characteristics with [[Earth]]'s gorillas, rhinoceros, and bears; due to their bear-like features, they are designated pseudo-ursines.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} They have thick skin that ranges in color from dark grey to dark and light brown and makes them highly resistant to harm,{{Ref/Reuse|ENC142}} and their bodies are covered with matted tan,{{Ref/Reuse|journey}} grey,{{Ref/Reuse|changeguard}} white, brown,<ref name="Heretic">'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref> rust-red<ref name="SOI1">''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'', page 1</ref> or black fur.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} Some Jiralhanae, such as those of the [[Vheiloth|Vheiloth skein]], shave their fur,<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "[[Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss]]"</ref> with higher-ranking individuals sporting beards or mohawks.{{Ref/Reuse|Heretic}} Pale fur and skin are considered extremely rare.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 198''</ref>


Brutes are obviously carnivores, given their fearsome fanged jaws and propensity for violence. It has been stated that they feed on the flesh of their enemies, such as the Elites they face in battle, and have been seen eating the meat of a "Thorn Beast," apparently considered a delicacy among Brutes.<ref>''[[Halo:Contact Harvest]]''</ref> They have once stated they would gladly have devoured the Arbiter, had they been allowed ([[The Heretic]], [[Halo 2]]-"Them? What about us? My belly aches, and his flesh is seared just the way I like it.").
Their large, stocky appearance is most likely due to the gravity on their planet, which is about twice that of Earth. Jiralhanae are immensely strong, hence the "Brute" moniker, and are capable of delivering crushing blows in hand-to-hand combat; in addition to having an extraordinary physical endurance. Their teeth are very sharp, and are frequently used as natural weapons. They are prone to fits of berserk rage in battle; Brutes often rush at and pummel any targets within reach with terrifying aggression. Jiralhanae have three digits on each hand plus opposable thumbs. As such they can make use of a variety of weapons both of Covenant and human design. Their feet have only two digits, each with thick, hardened claws.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} Jiralhanae blood is purplish-red.
[[Image:Brute Pack.jpg|190px|left|thumb|A Pack of Brutes, consisting of many ranks.]]
As part of the Covenant, Brutes were required as a prerequisite to convert to the Prophets' religion of worshiping the Forerunners. Previously, their culture revolved around the worship of totems and idols<ref>Bestiarum</ref>, but they made swift converts. As it is, the Brutes are now the most fanatical adherents to the Prophet's faith, evidenced by their continued belief in the Great Journey. <ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', [[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]</ref>


Even at a glance, the Brutes are the most primitive members of the [[Covenant]], at least technologically. Though they employ [[Power Armor]], and use a selection of the Covenant's weapons such as the plasma rifle, their native technology is crude, propelling spike-like projectiles, often fitted with vicious metal blades for melee combat. In [[Halo: Contact Harvest]] it states the Brutes had only discovered radio and rocketry when they joined the [[Covenant]]. The Prowler incorporates some anti-gravity mechanisms, but the Chopper uses two projectile cannons and an actual "wheel" in its systems.
Jiralhanae are consummate carnivores and have evolved as predators, as evidenced by their fearsome fanged jaws and propensity for violence. They are known to eat the flesh of their enemies, such as [[human]]s. They consider [[thorn beast]] a delicacy.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 195''</ref> Prior to the latter's appointment as [[Arbiter]], a Jiralhanae prison guard stated he would have gladly devoured [[Thel 'Vadamee]] had he been allowed.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]'' (Brute: ''"Them? What about us? My belly aches, and his flesh is seared just the way I like it."'')</ref> Jiralhanae have highly sensitive [[Wikipedia:olfactory glands|olfactory glands]] that allow them to quickly track down and hunt prey, even in unfamiliar territories.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}}


==Homeworld==
Jiralhanae often descend into a highly aggressive berserker rage when all their pack mates have been killed. Their incredible physical strength coupled with a dogged determination to kill their target makes a berserk Jiralhanae a force to be reckoned with, some being powerful enough to even kill a [[Mgalekgolo]].<ref name="gravemind">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref> Before Jiralhanae reach full maturity, they naturally release pheromones. Others can smell these pheromones and some can tell how the Jiralhanae is feeling by the scent. When they do reach maturity, they learn to control the releases of their pheromones and most ideally stop them altogether.{{Ref/Reuse|SOI1}}<ref name="ch203">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 203''</ref>{{clear}}
{{Main|Doisac}}
[[Doisac]] is the name of the Brute homeworld. It possesses three satellites: [[Warial]], [[Solrapt]] and [[Teash]], and is the fourth planet of the Oth Sonin system. The gravity on the planet is approximately 2.1G <ref>Beastarium collector's edition</ref> while the atmosphere is 1.3 atm. Surface temperature is between -15C to 52C. The estimated population of the planet is approximately 12.5 billion. Its habitat is described as being dominated by magma and magnetism. <ref>''[[Halo 3]]'', Essentials Disk 1</ref>


==Battlefield Tactics==
==Culture==
[[File:H2A-WeightOfYourHeresy.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Two Jiralhanae attempting to show dominance.]]
Unlike [[Elites]], who are masterfully skilled tacticians, the Brute combat mentality relies on overwhelming force and firepower to kill its opposition. Most Brute packs encountered in Halo 3 will often consist of 4-6 individuals; the number of each type of individual varies with the difficulty being played. Often these packs will consist of 1 [[Brute Captain]], 1-2 [[Brute Major]]s and 2-3 [[Brute Minor]]s. It can be twice that many if there is a chieftain in command near by.
The Jiralhanae are rated a native Tier 4 species by the [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Forerunner Technological Achievement Tier scale]], although a Tier 2 rank was adopted from the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|BES}} The Jiralhanae within the Covenant were zealous beings, known for their willingness to cling to ancient, bloody traditions and many among the Jiralhanae, notably [[Tartarus]], held an unwavering belief in the words of the [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]] and in the promise of the [[Covenant religion#Great Journey|Great Journey]], however not all Jiralhanae were fanatical adherents to the Covenant religion and many Jiralhanae had soon abandoned the Covenant religion upon the collapse of the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} Their homeworld of [[Doisac]] is war-torn, and Jiralhanae are known for their particular joy in vicious activities, complimented by regimented discipline. As part of the Covenant, Jiralhanae were required as a prerequisite to convert to the Prophets' religion of worshipping the [[Forerunner]]s. Previously, their culture revolved around the worship of totems and idols{{Ref/Reuse|BES}} and their religion was based on the lunar cycles of Doisac's three [[moon]]s,{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} but they made swift converts due to their search for theological meaning.{{Ref/Reuse|bc187}} The Jiralhanae within the Covenant were one of the most fanatical adherents to the Prophets' faith, although they seemed to hold little concept of sanctity, evidenced by [[Tartarus]]' improper handling of the "Oracle" [[343 Guilty Spark]].{{Ref/Reuse|journey}}<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref> Following the dissolution of the Covenant most Jiralhanae abandoned their belief in the Great Journey.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}}
[[Image:Trouble.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]] faces an enraged Brute.]]
Whilst patrolling, Brutes exhibit a sense of calm and confidence, some have been found testing captured human weaponry whilst in this relaxed state. Once engaged in combat the Brutes hunch into a more ape-like stance and begin firing upon their target(s). Often the target is subjected to a barrage of fire and explosives in excess of what [[Elite]]s and [[Grunt]]s can muster.  


Brutes rely primarily on their own technology. They are initially found wielding [[Brute Plasma Rifle]]s to deadly effect. These faster firing variants on the standard [[Plasma Rifle]] suit the Brute mentality well. Higher ranking members of the pack (often Captains) are found of using the [[Brute Shot]] allowing a Brute pack to lay down a withering hail of explosive fire on an enemy position. In the later months of the Covenant Civil War, they become much better equipped, with many weapons of their own make such as [[Spiker]]s and [[Incendiary Grenade]]s.
The Jiralhanae fighting style is forceful, utilitarian, and pragmatic.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC142}} They prefer using weapons from their homeworld rather than the Covenant's standard [[plasma]]-based firearms. Jiralhanae weapons are notable for being extremely dangerous, somewhat primitive and brutal, always featuring a blade attachment, and manufactured by a varieties of war-forges and workshops such as the [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker]], [[Grenflekt Workshop Scrap Cannon]], [[Type-52 Mauler|Ukala Workshop Mauler]], [[Type-25 Brute Shot|Jovokada Workshop Brute Shot]], [[Mangler|Ukala Workshop Mangler]], [[Flaktura Workshop Skewer]], [[Disruptor|Sicatt Workshop Disruptor]], [[Sicatt Workshop shock rifle|Sicatt Workshop Shock Rifle]], [[Veporokk Workshop Ravager]] and the [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity Hammer]]. These weapons show their barbaric nature, for example, the fact that all of the weapons are named after ways of injury or causing bodily harm to another being. The many spikes and serrated edges that adorn their race's weapons, vehicles such as the [[Barukaza Workshop Chopper]], [[Barug'qel Workshop Trespasser]], etc., and armor further support this. However, they do have their own variamt of the Plasma Rifle know to them as the "[[Kewu R'shi'k-pattern plasma rifle|Blood Hand]]". The Sangheili abhorred the Jiralhanae weapons due to their primitive nature, but allowed them to be serviced in low numbers.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 190''</ref> Unlike the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae have no qualms about using human weaponry. Some were seen using human [[M90 shotgun|shotguns]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="H2up">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref>


Like the [[Elites]], the Brutes can pilot most vehicles including [[Ghost]]s, [[Spectre]]s, [[Banshee]]s and [[Wraith]]s. Brutes also have the ability to [[Boarding|Board]] vehicles. If given the opportunity, they will attempt to jump onto your vehicle and melee you off it. In ''[[Halo 3]]'' Brutes use two new vehicles, the [[Chopper]] and the [[Prowler]].
The Jiralhanae are disdainful of every other species except the San'Shyuum.{{Ref/Reuse|bc187}} In general, Jiralhanae have a pronounced dislike of the [[Sangheili]] because the former believe they are better protectors of the Prophets than the Sangheili, as well as the Sangheili's mistreatment of the species during the Covenant's reign.<ref name="gamestop">[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-wars-2-new-character-images-and-details-revea/1100-6442098/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0b '''Gamestop''': ''Halo Wars 2: New Character Images and Details Revealed'']</ref> The [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] took advantage of this rivalry to ignite the [[Great Schism]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]].{{Ref/Reuse|H2up}} However, a few Jiralhanae have surrendered and are willing to labor under the Sangheili after the end of the war.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 256''</ref>


With the advent of the [[Covenant Civil War]], Brute weaponry is more commonplace. The [[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade]], more commonly known as the [[Spike Grenade]], is a creation of the Brutes themselves. It is suspected that with their newly found dominance amongst the [[Covenant Loyalists]], the Brute Plasma Rifle has been replaced with the [[Type-25 Carbine]] or Spiker. The blades that adorn this weapon are testament to their barbaric nature and their affinity for close-quarters combat.
Jiralhanae interpret direct eye contact as a challenge. They have been known to brutally beat to death humans who have boldly dared to stare at them.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', ''page 59''</ref>


Brutes are also fond of explosives and will often use all types of [[Grenade]]s in combat (particularly Spike and Incendiary grenades). They have also been known to use [[Fuel Rod Cannons]], [[Rocket Launchers]], and even [[Frag]] Grenades. For some reason, Brutes seem particularly fascinated with human [[Shotguns]], perhaps attributable to the advent of the [[Mauler]] into the Covenant ranks. Their skill with the [[Covenant Carbine]], makes them dangerous at mid to long ranges. On higher difficulties in [[High Charity]], Brutes will use [[Battle Rifles]], but this is quite rare, since they regard most human weapons as worthless (despite how effective some of these are against them, an example would be the [[Shotgun]] or the [[Battle Rifle]]).  
===Society===
[[File:HW Thrallslayer 1.jpg|thumb|250px|"[[Thrallslayer]]," Avitus in [[2531]], an example of the Jiralhanae's strong physique.]]
Jiralhanae society is dominated by a fierce pack culture and a focus on lineage. Familial bonds tie each member to the other, forcing them into states of berserker rage and desperate mourning for their fallen pack mates should one die in battle. Jiralhanae society is an authoritarian [[Wikipedia:Dictatorship|dictatorship]] controlled by the strongest male;{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} dominance is established by the social, martial, and sexual success of the patriarch. Patricide is a common side effect of the patriarchy due to the ambition seeded within many Jiralhanae to rise to the top of a hierarchy.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 347''</ref> Female Jiralhanae generally serve as mothers and caretakers.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} No females have been observed in military roles.<ref name="ENC143">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 143'' (2011 edition)</ref> A Jiralhanae's blood relation to another Jiralhanae did not offer subordinates immunity from discipline.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 198''</ref>


The last surviving Brute of a pack will go berserk, charging at its enemies in a blind rage. This may be due to the strong bonds with the members of their pack. A Brute, after calming down from its rage, will sulk and mourn the loss of its comrades, even caress the bodies of the fallen. However, upon seeing its enemy, the Brute will abandon its sulking mood and once again become enraged. This mourning is a rare occurrence, almost never seen in combat, and only when there is a brief lull in the fighting.
Each pack is led by a prominent [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] who wields a ceremonial [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]], passed from one leader to another upon his death, to denote his status. A Jiralhanae becomes a pack chieftain by challenging the current chieftain to a mortal duel; the victor claims the title after executing the other. The chieftain rules his pack like his own empire. An individual's rank is measured by success on and off the battlefield, unlike the more martial Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|BES}} Interactions among the Jiralhanae are dominated by personal status, which they display through decoration and ornate armor.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}}


Brutes are extremely resilient, and can take enormous amounts of damage. Before Halo 3, they lacked any form of equivalent to the [[Elite Personal Energy Shield]] but worryingly they don't seem to need to. As of Halo 3, regular adoption of [[Power Armor]] has been cycled into Brute ranks. However, the Power Armor can fall apart, and if you manage to do so, the Brute will charge and try to fight you hand to hand.
Jiralhanae exhibit a variety of grooming styles to denote their status and pack affiliation. Jiralhanae typically are either clean shaven or sport mohawks, goatees or beards. However, some Jiralhanae packs do away with shaving altogether. Some Jiralhanae packs also adorn themselves with [[tattoo]]s over their entire bodies.<ref>'''Halo: Reach'''</ref>


==Combating Brutes==
Due to their combative and aggressive nature, the Jiralhanae lack a single cohesive government. Instead, Jiralhanae society can be viewed as an extension of their pack structure, but with a number of different levels:
When engaging Brutes one should note their incredible endurance. On [[Legendary]] mode, even the weakest of them can take massive amounts of damage, similar to a fully shielded [[Elite]] or [[Spartan]].


[[Image:BruteCaptain02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Two [[Brute Captain]]s guarding the [[Scarab]] on [[Installation 05]].]]
*'''Skeins''' are the largest social division of Jiralhanae, "meta-clans" formed out of multiple packs sharing a similar philosophy and interests. A given skein is dominated by the most powerful clan within. During the [[First Immolation]], most Jiralhanae fell into one of two dominant skeins: the [[Rh'tol]] and the [[Vheiloth]]. The two skeins display stark cultural and political differences: the Rh'tol are considered more primitive and aggressive, while the Vheiloth are generally more sophisticated and open to new ideas.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}}
*'''[[Alpha Tribe]]s'''<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 242''</ref> and '''[[master-pack]]s''' are seemingly dominant clans or groupings consisting of multiple packs. Prior to contact with the Covenant, rival master-packs reduced Jiralhanae society to a pre-industrial level through warfare.{{Ref/Reuse|ch194}}
*'''[[Pack]]s''' range in size and importance, with less important packs made up largely of [[Unggoy]] or [[Kig-Yar]] forces and led by a low-ranked Jiralhanae, and more important packs led by [[War Chieftain]]s and comprised of more experienced veteran Jiralhanae bodyguards.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'''</ref>


*[[M6C Magnum]]/[[M6G Magnum]] - Can be effective at close to medium range once you have removed the helmet to get a quick head shot. It is also very effective when dual-wielded with the plasma pistol. One overcharged shot followed by a headshot is lethal. Note: This does not work on Brute Chieftains or in [[Halo 2]].
===Role within the Covenant===
[[File:H2A - Brute Guardsmen.jpg|thumb|left|300px|A newly-titled Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman.]]
{{Quote|With my blessing, the Jiralhanae now lead our fleets! They ask for your allegiance, and you shall give it!|The [[Prophet of Truth]] at the onset of the Great Schism{{Ref/Reuse|gravemind}}<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 223''</ref>}}
Whereas the Sangheili used to command the Covenant's military and serve as the personal protectors of the San'Shyuum, the Jiralhanae primarily served as the Covenant's shock troops and secret police. This changed with the outbreak of the Great Schism, when the Jiralhanae supplanted the Sangheili in all areas of the Covenant military.{{Ref/Reuse|changeguard}}{{Ref/Reuse|gravemind}} The Jiralhanae treated all the species under their command as expendable cannon fodder. If a subordinate failed to complete their task in any aspect, the leading Jiralhanae would enact a swift punishment, generally [[capital punishment|execution]].{{Ref/Reuse|ENC143}} Eager to prove themselves superior over the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae often acted with no respect for the lives of civilians or other races.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC142}}


*[[Shotgun]]s are very effective against Brutes at point blank. It should take two hits or one hit and a melee attack to kill one, though higher ranking Brutes may take up to three or four with [[Power Armor]].
Sangheili and Jiralhanae fleets were largely segregated, but this was not always the case.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''</ref> Believing that the Jiralhanae posed a threat to both the Sangheili and the Covenant, a union of Sangheili commanders convinced the Covenant [[High Council]] to impose restrictions on the technology used by the Jiralhanae. The number of Jiralhanae [[shipmaster]]s was limited and the weaponry on Jiralhanae ships was mostly disabled.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC142}}{{Ref/Reuse|ch199}} Jiralhanae units are typically deployed in packs led by one or more chieftains or captains. Apart from their role as shock troopers, they often fill a similar combat role to the Sangheili, as both typically command groups of lesser infantry. However, Jiralhanae generally were not equipped with energy shields (except for captains and chieftains) until the outbreak of the Great Schism, when [[Jiralhanae power armor|power armor]] saw widespread use among Jiralhanae forces. According to Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, [[Unggoy]] serving under the Jiralhanae during the Great Schism exhibited newfound courage due to fear of their masters.<ref>''Halo 3'', campaign level "[[Sierra 117]]"</ref>


*[[Needler]] - One of the most effective weapons against the Brutes. Filling a Brute with needles until it explodes is a certain way to kill one quickly.  
===Language===
{{Listen|title=Example of Jiralhanae speech
|filename=Brute imnt deadally 456.ogg}}
The native Jiralhanae language is animalistic, incorporating a wide range of sounds from growls and barks to howls and roars,<ref>'''Halo 3'''</ref> though Jiralhanae also express emotions through scents and musks. Young Jiralhanae have difficulty controlling the release of these scents, but learn how to moderate them as they grow older.{{Ref/Reuse|ch203}} A communal howl is often made by the [[pack]] [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] as a sign of celebration, and failure to participate in the howl is a serious sign of disrespect to the Chieftain's authority.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 236''</ref> 


*[[Brute Shot]] - Effective against most Brutes especially if they are mostly alone. Throw grenades while walking forward to stun it, and once you're close enough you can kill it with a melee attack. Even if you cannot get close enough to melee it you can destroy most of its armor this way allowing for a head shot from a battle rifle or Covenant carbine. Blanketing groups of Brutes with Brute Shot grenades is an effective way to de-armor them before picking them off with a rifle.
====Naming conventions====
Most known Jiralhanae have [[Latin]]-sounding names, such as [[Tartarus]] and [[Bracktanus]]. The "-us" at the end of their name is an honorific denoting maturity or experience in battle, similar to the "-ee" suffix on Sangheili names.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 258''</ref> The "-um" suffix (exhibited by individuals like [[Pavium]] and [[Parabum]]) is associated with the Rh'tol skein.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/possible-catalog-jiralhanae--us-suffix-question/c7324d4c-3aab-4a41-bfb5-208df1163974/posts?page=1|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=(Possible Catalog) Jiralhanae -us suffix question|Quote=Detailed information on Jiralhanae personal naming practices is currently held in inaccessible cores. However, the suffix "-um" is only recorded for those personnel affiliated with the Rh'tol skein.|LocalArchive=Catalog/Archive/2014#(Possible Catalog) Jiralhanae -us suffix question|D=19|M=05|Y=2021}} Not all Jiralhanae names follow these two conventions; examples of Jiralhanae with nonstandard names include [[Atriox]] and [[Castor]].
*[[Melee]] - Melee fights with Brutes is incredibly risky, even for skilled players, though strikes from behind are instant kills. There is, in fact, an Achievement in the PC edition of ''Halo 2'' for killing a berserking Brute with a melee attack. In Halo 3, melee attacking Brutes is less risky. If you have taken some of it's armor off then a low ranking Brute should die in one hit. However it should not be attempted on high ranking Brutes such as Chieftains. Taking a Brute's armor down completely will make them have a small fit of rage, at close range, while they are doing this, it is possible to go behind them and assassinate them before they can turn around.


*[[Plasma Pistol]] - An overcharged plasma pistol can remove all of a Brutes armor in one hit. A Chieftain's armor (Halo 3) will not fall off completely, but he will still lose his shields and sometimes knocking off his helmet. Plasma Pistols are virtually useless in Halo 2. It is, however, very effective when dual-wielded with the M6G Magnum (Halo 3 only). One overcharged shot followed by a headshot is lethal, or an overcharged shot followed by an immediate melee This does not work on Brute Chieftains.
==Homeworld and colonies==
{{Main|Doisac}}
*[[Battle Rifle]]/[[Covenant Carbine|Carbine]] - Another effective tactic against Brutes in Halo 3 is to stay out of range and pummel it with a Battle Rifle or Covenant Carbine. The object here is to first shoot off it's helmet/armor and then make a head shot. Since Battle Rifle ammo can sometimes be scarce, it is a good idea to use weaker weapons like the assault rifle and the plasma pistol to deactivate their shields and save the Battle Rifle ammo for headshots. Groups of Brutes will try to outflank you if you try and stay out of range. It is a good idea to keep moving between cover to stop them from overrunning you.  
[[Doisac]] is the name of the Jiralhanae homeworld. It possesses three [[natural satellite]]s: [[Warial]], [[Soirapt]], and [[Teash]], and is the third planet of the [[Oth Sonin system]]. The gravity on the planet is approximately 2.1 G while the atmosphere is 1.3 atm. Surface temperature is between -15&nbsp;°C to 52&nbsp;°C (5&nbsp;°F to 125.6&nbsp;°F). The estimated population of the planet is approximately 12.5 billion. Its habitat is described as being dominated by magma and magnetism.{{Ref/Reuse|BES}} The Jiralhanae also maintained colonies on [[Warial]] and [[Teash]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', ''"[[Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss]]", pages 68 and 75''</ref>
[[Image:2074988-Full.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Invincible Brute [[Chieftain]] with [[Gravity Hammer]] and a [[Regenerator]]]]
*[[MA5C Assault Rifle]] - The Assault rifle is quite effective against brutes, taking half a clip to kill a Brute Minor. It should take a maximum of 1 full clip to kill any Brute (besides a Chieftain). Use this weapon at Medium ranges, and fire in bursts to simulate Battle Rifle fire and then once the shields are down switch to a headshot weapon. At close ranges try to melee the brute, do to the balanced of the fire/melee nature of the Assault Rifle.


*[[Machine Gun Turret]]/[[Plasma Cannon]] - If available, the hail of damage will rip right through their armor and you can fire indefinitely to keep them in cover while your Marines or co-op players kill the other enemies such as Grunts or Jackals before moving in for the kill on the Brutes. With excessive amounts of Brutes you may need to detach the turret and take it to a more defensible position. Take note that it no longer has unlimited ammunition so suppressing fire is no longer as viable an option.
The [[Covenant]] settled Jiralhanae on a number of worlds rich in resources, to guard them from anyone seeking to claim them for themselves. They were not provided the technologies necessary for the process by the Prophets and were unable to develop them on their own, thus ensuring the [[San'Shyuum]] had full control over the Covenant's resources. The Jiralhanae continued to inhabit these colonies after the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Their inability to acquire food and resources for themselves, combined with their savage nature, led them to pillaging the colonies of other species, mainly those of [[Sangheili]] and [[Kig-Yar]].{{Ref/Reuse|esc1}}{{Ref/Note|Id=warial|While Escalation claims the Jiralhanae have numerous colonies outside of the Oth Sonin system, Warial was described as "the furthest-flung of our colonies" by [[Ceretus]] in 2552. It is possible that he was referring to indigenously founded colonies, excluding those established by the Covenant, since he was proposing to hide from the Covenant at the time.}} Known colony worlds of the Jirilhanae include [[Gathved]], [[Ordun Dal]], and [[Savadok]]. Following the Razing of Oth Sonin, the three Colonies became the new home of survivors from the moon Teash.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p447|Enc22|Page=447}}


*[[Sniper Rifle]]/[[Beam Rifle]] - Very effective weapon against brutes, with headshots, it is even better. Always aim for the head. Unlike an Elite, sniping Brutes on their body is not that effective, except to remove armor as they can take 2 or 3 shots before dying. Don't try it when they are berserking, for the majority of the shots will be wasted. To fully extend the use of the sniper it is not recommended to use on Brute minors any any other low cleassed Brute, due to the fact that sniper ammunition (or a replacement rifle) is scarce.
==Command structure==
[[File:HGN-Concept-Tartarus-Crop.jpg|thumb|225px|Tartarus, Chieftain of the Jiralhanae.]]
The Jiralhanae species is arranged in a [[pack]] society, based on a hierarchy determined by viciousness, physical abilities, and number of kills in combat.<ref name="enc144">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 144''</ref> A "pack master" leads Jiralhanae packs. A [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] will frequently be addressed as such while issuing orders during combat. When the Jiralhanae were first incorporated into the [[Covenant military]], a number of pre-existing roles that already existed in Jiralhanae society were adopted by the [[Covenant]]. These include the ranks of chieftain, [[Jiralhanae Captain|captain]], [[Jiralhanae Stalker|Stalker]], [[Jiralhanae Major|major]], and [[Jiralhanae Minor|minor]]. The ranks became more formalized under the Covenant's rule and they were splintered into numerous varieties based on their skein of origin, and its functional and organizational placement. Over time, many Jiralhanae ranks evolved or developed. After the [[Human-Covenant War]] and the Covenant's demise, most of the ranks and organization established by the Covenant ceased to exist with many Jiralhanae returning to [[Doisac]] and others serving in various [[Covenant remnant]] groups.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}}


==Post-Covenant==
===Cultural and political titles===
Though the Jiralhanae retained their pack and tribalistic culture, their constant internal fueds began to take a back seat as enmity with the Sangheili built up, caused by the similarity in roles between the two species. Though the Jiralhanae retained the majority of their pre-Covenant technology, they also began to incorporate aspects of Covenant technology into their own designs, including adding anti-gravity generators to their [[Chopper]]s and mounting a plasma cannon onto their [[Brute Prowler|Prowler]], two vehicles with a strong Jiralhanae aesthetic but with Covenant technology. The Jiralhanae have little need to learn the languages of other species, instead relying on translation devices<ref>[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]</ref>. Their exact fate, after the disastrous defeat at [[Installation 00|the Ark]], is unknown, though it is extremely unlikely that they would surrender or retreat, or that the Sangheili would allow them to.
;[[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]]
:The Chieftain of the Jiralhanae was the leader of the entire Jiralhanae race. After killing [[Maccabeus|his uncle]] at [[Harvest]] and taking control of the [[Rh'tol]] skein, [[Tartarus]] ascended to this title with the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth's]] proclamation.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}}{{Ref/Reuse|QZ}}


==Appearances==
;[[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War chieftain]]
Chronologically, the first appearance in canon that the Brutes make is in [[Halo: Contact Harvest]], where the Prophets send a Brute-operated vessel, rather than an [[Elite]] ship, to capture the "relics" on [[Harvest]]: actually the human occupants. The resulting hostilities led to the [[Human-Covenant War]].
:Jiralhanae war chieftains are in charge of the larger Jiralhanae [[pack]]s. Superior to the standard chieftain title, war chieftains often used heavy weapons in battle to establish their strength and physical prowess.{{Ref/Reuse|enc144}} War chieftains were often given command of small outposts or served as [[Scarab]] commanders during their service in the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref>


After the events at Harvest, the Brutes played an even more reduced role, absent from almost every battle or event in the war. This is possibly explained by their failure to eradicate all the humans on [[Harvest]]. They soon began petitioning the [[High Council]] for more participation within the Covenant military. They were next seen in [[Halo: First Strike]] acting as Temple Guards on the [[Unyeilding Hierophant]]. In Halo 2, they began to replace the Elites within the military, eventually replacing them completely after they withdrew from the Covenant, and in Halo 3 they make up the dominant caste among the Covenant armed forces. In [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]], Brutes are shown loading human nuclear missiles aboard a destroyer for analysis, but play a relatively minor part. But Brutes never appeared in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]].
;[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]
:The title of chieftain had existed long before the Jiralhanae were incorporated into the Covenant military. Often commanding small packs or [[clan]]s, chieftains led Jiralhanae and several lower caste species alike into battle.{{Ref/Reuse|enc144}} Chieftains picked what pack members he went into battle with, based on strength. However, some chieftains choose their pack members based on their beliefs and virtues. Chieftains occasionally led religious sermons and rituals.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 196''</ref>


'''Published Order'''
===Military===
*[[Halo: First Strike]]
The Jiralhanae received a more standardized military structure after the species joined the Covenant, although the organization of their ranks and roles drew heavily from their native pack hierarchy.{{Ref/Reuse|wp jiralhanae}} Inexperienced Jiralhanae who had just joined the military were given the rank of [[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]], identified by their blue power armor similar to the minor rank in other species' military structures.<ref name="stats">'''[[Bungie.net]]''', ''service record''</ref> Minors were given little armor for protection. After gaining experience, a Jiralhanae was promoted to the rank of [[Jiralhanae Major|Major]]. The equipment used by Majors was basic but significantly better than that of the Minors. Majors often commanded Jiralhanae Minors and [[Unggoy]]. [[Jiralhanae Ultra|Ultra]] was the highest rank obtainable by standard Jiralhanae infantry personnel. Ultras often led lower-ranked troops or served under chieftains.<ref name="enc145">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 145''</ref> Ultras operated a wide range of weaponry and vehicles. Three Jiralhanae specialist ranks existed within the Covenant military. Replacing the [[stealth Sangheili]] at the dawn of the [[Great Schism]], [[Jiralhanae Stalker|Stalkers]] served in reconnaissance and infiltration roles. Equipped with [[active camouflage]], Stalkers often operated as bodyguards, spies, and assassins for Chieftains. [[Jiralhanae Jumper|Jumpers]] served as an aerial support unit that was equipped with [[jump pack]]s. Their jump packs give them enhanced mobility on the battlefield. [[Jiralhanae Bodyguard|Bodyguards]] were responsible for the protection of chieftains and other political figures within the Covenant,{{Ref/Reuse|stats}} often enforcing tribal and military laws.{{Ref/Reuse|enc145}}
*[[Halo 2]]
*[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]
*[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]
*[[Halo 3]]
*[[Halo: Uprising]]
*[[Halo: Last One Standing]]


==Brute hierarchy==
[[File:1223827034 Brute group.jpg|thumb|left|300px|A chieftain performing a sermon in front of his pack.]]
The Brute species is arranged in a pack society based on a hierarchy determined by viciousness and number of war kills. In ''Halo 2'', Brute ranks were mostly determined by red flags on their backs, the amount of armor they wore and the color of thier fur. Ranks in ''Halo 3'' are differentiated physically by armor, equipment and weaponry:
Three officer ranks also existed within the Jiralhanae hierarchy. [[Jiralhanae Captain|Captains]] were the lowest of the three ranks and often commanded groups of infantry into battle. [[Jiralhanae Captain Major|Captains Major]] led packs of Jiralhanae, Unggoy, and low-ranking [[Kig-Yar]] during engagements. It was believed among Captains Major that fear worked best to instil inspiration within their troops.{{Ref/Reuse|enc144}}{{Ref/Reuse|stats}} [[Jiralhanae Captain Ultra|Captain Ultra]] was the highest rank available for Jiralhanae officers. They commanded larger packs and [[lance]]s, and were known for their ability and strength.{{Ref/Reuse|enc144}}


{{clear}}
After the death of the [[Prophet of Regret]], the remaining [[Hierarchs]] initiated the [[Changing of the Guard]]. All [[Sangheili]] members of the [[Covenant Honor Guard]] were replaced by [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen]].{{Ref/Reuse|changeguard}} The new Honor Guardsmen were given the duties of their predecessors. The role of the Honor Guard was largely ceremonial, unless the [[San'Shyuum]] they were protecting became threatened.{{Ref/Reuse|enc145}}{{clear}}
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" width: 100%; border: 1px solid #999; margin: 0; ont-size: 95%; background-color: #000; ext-align: center; order-collapse: collapse;
|-
| '''Rank''' || '''Image''' || '''Description'''
|-
| colspan=3 | '''Brute Heroes'''
|-
|-
| '''[[Brute Chieftain]]''' - Armor || [[Image:H3_Brute_Chieftain_Armor.gif]] || These Brute Chieftains rely upon powerful weapons like [[Portable Plasma Cannon]]s and [[Fuel Rod Cannon]]s and even [[Spikers]] to crush their foes, while often throwing or possessing [[Power Drainer]]s. Their [[Power Armor|armor]] cannot be stuck by [[Plasma Grenades|Plasma]] or [[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade|Spike]] Grenades and [[Needler]] needles. Identification:
Golden armor and larger size.
|-
| '''[[Brute Chieftain]]''' - Weapon || [[Image:H3_Brute_Chieftain_Weapon.gif]] || These  Brute Chieftains are clad in crimson/black armor and wield close-ranged Melee weapons such as [[Gravity Hammer]]s and [[Energy Sword]]s. They use [[Invincibility (Equipment)|Invincibility]] and their [[Power Armor]] cannot be stuck by [[Plasma Grenade|Plasma]] or [[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade|Spike]] grenades and [[Needler]] needles. Identification: Black and red armor and larger size.
|-
| colspan=3 | '''Brute Leaders'''
|-
| '''[[Brute Captain Ultra]]''' || [[Image:H3_Brute_Captain_Ultra.gif]] || The Brute Captain Ultras are the highest captain rank and use heavier weapons, such as [[Brute Shot]]s. Identification: cyan armor.
|-
| '''[[Brute Captain Major]]''' || [[Image:H3_Brute_Captain_Major.gif]] || The Brute Captain Majors are even more experienced than their younger comrades and lead larger packs into battle. Identification: light yellow armor.
|-
| '''[[Brute Captain]]''' || [[Image:H3_Brute_Captain_Minor.gif]] || The Brute Captains are experienced Brutes who now lead their comrades and the lesser races into battle. Identification: purple/red armor.
|-
| colspan=3 | '''Brute Specialists'''
|-
| '''[[Brute Bodyguard]]''' || [[Image:H3_Bodyguard.gif]] || Brute Bodyguards are some of the Chieftain's most reliable warriors and not only protect their chieftain but enforce his tribal law. They seem to be the Brute counterparts of the '''[[Honor Guard Elite]]''' Unit. Identification: light blue armor.
|-
| '''[[Jump Pack Brute|Brute Jumppack]]''' || [[Image:H3_Brute_Jumppack.gif]] || These veteran Brutes utilize jumppacks to launch aerial attacks from afar, and use their enhanced mobility for guerrilla battle tactics. They seem to be the Brute counterparts of the '''[[Ranger Elite]]''' Unit. Identification: Jumppack
|-
| '''[[Brute Stalker]]''' || [[Image:H3_Brute_Stalker.gif]] || Brute Stalkers are the secret police of the Brutes, and specialize in stealth techniques with their [[Active Camouflage]] generators. They seem to be the Brute counterparts of the '''[[Stealth Elite]]''' unit.
|-
| colspan=3 | '''Brute Infantry'''
|-
| '''[[Brute Ultra]]''' || [[Image:H3_Brute_Ultra.gif]] || Brute Ultras are now armed with violet armor, they are comprised of the best of the regular infantrymen, showing tact, cunning skill, and strength. Identification: purple-blue armor.
|-
| '''[[Brute Major]]''' || [[Image:H3_Brute_Major.gif]] || Brute Majors are clad in dark blue armor and are promoted in a similar fashion to the Elites. They are promoted on the casualties they inflict. Identification: blue armor.
|-
| '''[[Brute Minor]]''' || [[Image:H3_Brute_Minor.gif]] || Brute Minors are the lowest rank of the Brute race, clad in turquoise armor and typically armed with the [[Type-25 Carbine]]. Not only do they compete for their posting but also for their equipment. Identification: teal armor, unarmored in Halo 2.
|}


==List of Jiralhanae Quotes==
====Titles====
{{Main|Jiralhanae/Quotes}}
;[[Shipmaster]]
:The title of shipmaster was simply used only to describe a Jiralhanae that commanded a ship, as most Jiralhanae shipmasters additionally held the title of Chieftain. Jiralhanae did not rise to the position of shipmaster as commonly as Sangheili or Kig-Yar did. When given the role of shipmaster, the Sangheili usually disabled much of the ship's weaponry and only crewed the vessel with Unggoy and [[Yanme'e]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 226''</ref> Prior to the beginning of the Great Schism, many Sangheili shipmasters were replaced with Jiralhanae.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline]]''</ref>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[Image:Halo3 Brutes.png|thumb|right|[[Starry Night]] depicts [[Halo 3]]'s Brute variants.<ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=765343</ref>]]
===General===
*Even though the Brutes were encountered before the war, they are not actually engaged in the war until september 2552 at OPERATION:FIRST STRIKE.
{{Other languages
*The word "Jiralhanae" (지랄하네) is a Korean swear word meaning something in the league of a "stupid aggressive lunatic".<ref>http://www.geocities.com/k9inkorea/09d.htm</ref><ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Covenant_%28Halo%29&diff=next&oldid=45665662</ref>
|fr={{Tooltip|''Les Brutes''|The Brutes}} in all media.
 
}}
*Brutes were the first Covenant creatures encountered by humanity on peaceful terms; however this did not last long.  They are, with the Grunts, the second races encountered, after the Jackals.
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes|quote=yes}}
[[Image:1207645687 1166618976.jpg|thumb|right|A Brute Chieftain wielding an [[Energy Sword]].]]
*[[John DiMaggio]] provided the voice of the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]s in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''. He also voiced [[Atriox]] in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2 credits]]'''</ref>
*The word "Jiral" is a Korean curse word that roughly means "stupid, aggressive", which describes the Brutes' temperament.
*Despite having been absorbed into the [[Covenant]] in [[2492]], ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' describes the feud between the Jiralhanae and the [[Sangheili]] as "ancient".<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 193''</ref>
*In ''Halo 3: ODST'' the power armor of the Brutes completely lights up, similarly to Elite and Spartan energy shields, instead of small sparks marking where gunfire hits their armor as seen in ''Halo 3''.
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'', Jiralhanae [[blood]] is a dark shade of blue, while it is red with blue splotches in ''Halo 3'', and is red in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
*In the level [[Anders' Signal]] in ''[[Halo Wars]]'', [[Serina]] identifies the Jiralhanae using the actual name of the species, as well as calling them Brutes. This is the first time a Covenant species' actual name is spoken in scripted dialogue.


*The ViDoc, [[Et Tu Brute]], shows Brutes wielding energy swords, however they are never seen doing so in the finished game. [[Et Tu Brute]] also shows a [[Brute Minor]] with a [[Brute Shot]] using the corpse of another Brute as cover from which to fire from, which has never been seen in Halo 3.
===Production notes===
*In the ViDoc, ''[[Et Tu Brute]]'', Chris Butcher describes the Brutes in ''Halo 2'' as "damage sponges", referring to how they were not very interesting to fight against, acting mainly like less agile Elites who dropped their guns and ran straight toward the player when they got angry.{{Ref/Reuse|ettu}} The ViDoc shows Brutes wielding energy swords; however they are never seen doing so in-game. ''Et Tu Brute'' also shows a Brute Minor with a Brute Shot using the corpse of another Brute as cover from which to fire from, and another tearing the arms off a captured Marine. Additionally, a Brute Chieftain wielding a [[Shepsu-pattern plasma cannon|plasma cannon]] wields the version from ''Halo 2''. This is because Bungie was using it as a placeholder until they developed the [[Pek-pattern plasma cannon|''Halo 3'' model]]. Moreover, it was revealed that the Brutes' original concept was inspired by the barbarians that plagued ancient Rome and eventually became assimilated into it.{{Ref/Reuse|ettu}} [[Wikipedia:Marcus Junius Brutus#Conspiracy to kill Caesar|Marcus Brutus]] betrayed and killed Julius Caesar and was later hunted down by Rome. This is similar to how the Brutes betrayed the Elites and were eventually defeated.
*During concept stages for ''Halo 3'', the Brutes were planned to use deployable metal shields, rather than the energy shields used by Elites.<ref name="shieldisawesome">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Animation_BillOBrien '''Bungie.net''': ''A Certain Sense of Movement'']</ref> This idea was eventually cut from the final game, although it would inspire the Brutes ducking animation.
*Before ''Halo 3'' was released, Brutes had lime green blood instead of the dark red blood they have in the final game.<ref name="ettu">'''[[Halo 3]]''', ''[[ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?]]''</ref>


*''Servus'' is Latin for slave. ''Ferox'' means "headstrong, spirited, courageous, warlike/wild, arrogant, unbridled". In a translation, their name means "headstrong (or other word) slave".
=== Glitches ===
{{Main|Glitches}}
*In ''Halo 3'', if any Brute becomes infected by the Flood it will turn into a [[Flood combat form#Jiralhanae (Brute) Form|Flood-infected Brute Minor]] due to graphical restraints, and to time constraints. However, if the player triggers a loading point that removes the Flood from the level while a Pod infector has begun the infection process, the Pod infector will be deleted, the infection process will be stopped yet the transformation will simultaneously complete. This will result in infected Brutes who are allied with the Flood while retaining berserking, appearance, and hijacking abilities. The only noticeable Flood features are signs of Flood infection growing on their back.<ref>[http://youtu.be/rP6UNeUG6Ws '''YouTube:''' ''Halo 3 Glitch - Half Infected Brutes'']</ref>
*In ''Halo 3'', if a Brute Chieftain with a plasma cannon goes berserk, the weapon disappears. When a Brute Chieftain is killed, the plasma cannon reappears by its body. This is because the weapon has no "putting away" animation. However, this was fixed in ''Halo 3: ODST'': if a Chieftain goes berserk, the plasma cannon will hang across his back just like a normal two-handed weapon.
*In ''Halo 3: ODST'', if one looks closely, a Brute with a {{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}} will appear to reload the weapon after using it for a while, by reaching toward his left calf and seems to be doing the reload animation for a [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker]]. This is an oversight as the plasma rifle is run by a plasma battery.


*In the Halo 3 level, The Ark you can see a [[Brute Captain]] urinating on a wall before he sees you.
==Gallery==
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:H2_Brute_Concept.jpg|Early concept art for ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H3 BrutesConcept.jpg|Concept art of various unused Jiralhanae variants in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3 HornedBruteConcept.jpg|Another unused concept of a Jiralhanae in ''Halo 3''.
File:Brute Animated.gif|An early Jiralhanae model during the production of ''Halo 3''.
File:COVENANT Brute.jpg|Concept art of a Jiralhanae model in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:ThePackage_Brute_Render.png|Renders from ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''.
File:HR_Brute_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art for ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR_Brute_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art for ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_Brute_Concept_3.jpg|Concept art for Jiralhanae variations in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR BruteMinorConcept.jpg|A close-up of the top right Jiralhanae variation.
File:H4_BruteChieftain_Concept.jpg|Cut concept for a large Jiralhanae in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H2A Brutes Concept 1.jpg|Concept art of the Brutes for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A Brutes Concept 2.jpg|Concept art of the Brutes for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:HW2 BanishedBrute Concept.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 1.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 2.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 3.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 4.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 5.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 6.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 7.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 8.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 9.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 10.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Banished Brutes Concept 11.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Covenant Brutes Concept 1.jpg|Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Covenant Brutes Concept 2.jpg|Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Covenant Brutes Concept 3.jpg|Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Covenant Brutes Concept 4.jpg|Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.
File:HW2 Covenant Brutes Concept 5.jpg|Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.
File:HW2_CovenantBrute_BlurRender.jpg|A render of one of the Jiralhanae who joined Atriox's rebellion.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration1.jpg|Early concept art exploration of Jiralhanae anatomy for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration5.jpg|More anatomy concept art exploration.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration6.jpg|More anatomy concept art exploration.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration7.png|More anatomy concept art exploration.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration11.jpg|More anatomy concept art exploration.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration8.jpg|More anatomy concept art exploration.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration4.jpg|Early concept art exploration for ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration3.png|More concept art exploration.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration2.jpg|More concept art exploration.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration13.png|A compilation of various Jiralhanae concepts.
File:HINF Concept Brutes1.jpg|Concept art of Jiralhanae for ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Concept Brutes2.jpg|More concept art of Jiralhanae.
File:HINF Concept BruteFaces1.jpg|Concept art of Jiralhanae faces for ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Concept BruteFaces2.jpg|A closer look at the top left face concept.
File:HINF Concept BruteFaces3.jpg|More concept art of Jiralhanae faces.
File:HINF Concept BruteEyes.jpg|Concept art of a Jiralhanae's eyes for ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Concept BruteArmor.jpg|Concept art of Jiralhanae in armor.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration9.png|Concept art for ''Halo Infinite'' focusing on Jiralhanae armor.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration10.jpg|More armor concept art.
File:HINF-Concept-BruteExploration12.jpg|More armor concept art.
File:HINF Concept BruteArmors.jpg|More armor concept art.
File:HINF Concept BruteArmor2.jpg|More armor concept art.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture1.jpg|Early concept art for ''Halo Infinite'' exploring Jiralhanae architecture.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture2.jpg|More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture3.jpg|More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture4.jpg|More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture5.jpg|More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture6.jpg|More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture7.jpg|More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture8.jpg|More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture9.jpg|More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.
File:HINF Concept WaterfrontProperty.jpg|More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.
File:HINF Concept BruteArchitecture10.jpg|Early concept exploration of particularly primitive Jiralhanae architecture and technology for ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Concept BruteVehicles1.jpg|Early concept exploration for ''Halo Infinite'' of a Jiralhanae vehicle making use of hull armor from  a Covenant vessel.
File:HINF Concept BruteVehicles2.jpg|More early Jiralhanae vehicle concepts.
File:HINF Concept BruteVehicles3.jpg|More early Jiralhanae vehicle concepts.
File:HINF Concept Brutes and Orb.jpg|Concept art of Jiralhanae inside of a Forerunner structure.
File:HINF BruteHuntConcept.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae seemingly using [[Wikipedia:Boar|boar]]-like [[List of animals|animals]] to hunt.
File:HINF BanishedRelaxationConcept.jpg|Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae relaxing on Installation 07.
File:HINF_Hyperius Concept.jpg|''Halo Infinite'' concept art of a Jiralhanae named Hyperius.
File:HINF_Tovarus Concept.jpg|''Halo Infinite'' concept art of a Jiralhanae named Tovarus.
</gallery>


*Brutes prefer their own 'crude' weapons, crafted from their home world, rather than the standard plasma weaponry of the other Covenant races.
===Illustrations===
<gallery>
File:Trouble.jpg|A Jiralhanae facing an [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]] in the ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''.
File:HM-Jiralhanae.png|Jiralhanae on Harvest in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
File:HW2-BlitzBruteRider.jpg|[[Blitz]] card of Grunt Riders in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HRoa 1 barrage.png|Jiralhanae fighting UNSC Marines in ''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''.
File:HLC Flood Warning.png|[[Pavium]] fighting Flood in ''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''.
</gallery>
===Screenshots and renders===
<gallery>
File:H2-BruteMinor-Unarmed.png|A Jiralhanae Major in ''Halo 2''.
File:BruteCaptain02.jpg|Two [[Jiralhanae Captain]]s standing guard at the [[Control Room]] of [[Installation 05]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:Brute Pack.jpg|A [[pack]] of Jiralhanae, consisting of many ranks, in ''Halo 3''.
File:Brute Bare.jpg|A Jiralhanae stripped of most of his [[Jiralhanae power armor|power armor]]. Note that Jiralhanae in ''[[Halo 3]]'' have shaved faces and a carefully groomed beard.
File:H3-Skull-Brute.png|The [[skull]] of a Jiralhanae in the ''Halo 3'' campaign level [[Cortana (level)|Cortana]].
File:BestiarumBrute.jpg|A Jiralhanae in the [[Bestiarum]].
File:HW_Thrallslayer_2.jpg|A render of [[Avitus]] in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Covenant brute.gif|A closeup of a Jiralhanae unit in ''Halo Wars''.
File:BRuTeS.jpg|A pack of Jiralhanae patrolling the main streets of African mega-city [[New Mombasa]] in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:BruteH3HReach.jpg|A side by side comparison of the Jiralhanae from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Reach - Chieftain.png|A Jiralhanae Chieftain in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Brute_Forerunner_tatoo.png|A [[Forerunner symbols|Forerunner mural]] tattooed on Jiralhanae in ''Halo Reach''.
File:Halo Reach Brute Pack.png|A pack of Jiralhanae on [[Caracalla Park]] in [[New Alexandria (location)|New Alexandria]] in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H4 SPARTAN-II against Jiralhanae.jpg|A Brute Chieftain against a Spartan-II.
File:JiralhanaeChieftain SpartanAssault.png|A Jiralhanae Chieftain fighting against [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan]] [[Edward Davis|Davis]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:H2A BruteCU.png|A Jiralhanae Major in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:Jiralhanae Warlord - Combat.jpg|A Jiralhanae Warlord killing UNSC Marines in ''[[Know Your Enemy]]''.
File:HW2-Banished.png|Banished Jiralhanae on Installation 00 in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2-ScaredBrute.png|A scared Banished Jiralhanae drops his Spiker upon discovering the Flood on Installation 00.
File:HI Screenshot Gameplay-Mangler1.png|Banished Jiralhanae in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HTV-Reckoning Brute-Face.png|[[Atriox/Silver|Atriox]] in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
</gallery>


*In Halo 3, meleeing a [[Brute Chieftain]] will stop him from meleeing you for a few seconds as he reels from the blow. If you can continue to melee him, it will kill him. This is an effective strategy if you don't have any Chieftain-killing weapons on you. However, you must be able to get close to him, which is not easy, to say the least.
== List of appearances ==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Starry Night]]''
*''[[Believe]]''
**''[[Diorama]]'' {{C|Diorama only}}
**''[[Enemy Weapon]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Combat]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
**''[[Bestiarum]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[The Life]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST Pre-mission Evaluation]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
**''[[Sadie's Story]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss]]''
**''[[Dirt]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[The Return]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}}
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]'' {{C|[[Prologue]] only}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' {{C|Corpses only}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[What Remains]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Breaking Strain]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Rossbach's World (story)|Rossbach's World]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[On the Brink]]''
**''[[Hunting Party]]''
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
**''[[Awakening the Nightmare]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Meridian Divide]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
**''[[Sacrifice]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Become]]''
**''[[Carry On]]''
**''[[Forever We Fight]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
**''[[Transcendence]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''
*''[[Halo: Trial of Reckoning]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Aleria (TV Series)|Aleria]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireside]]''
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''
*''[[Halo: The Third Life]]''
*''[[Halo: Age of Retribution]]''
{{Col-end}}


*In Halo 2,you may occasionally find them wielding [[shotgun|shotguns]].This is probably because the shotgun's power at close range appeals to the Brute's in-your-face nature.The Brutes use their own primitive technology for the [[Mauler]], their version of the shotgun in Halo 3.
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


*Brutes were the first ones to set foot on a human planet of Harvest, and make semi-peaceful contact with the humans.
==References==
{{Reflist}}


*Brutes can be seen worshiping on [[The Ark (Level)|The Ark]], or receiving orders from the [[Prophet of Truth]].


*In [[Halo: Contact Harvest]] the Brutes were seen to be extremely religious and blessed food before they ate it.


*In Halo 2, [[shotgun|shotguns]] are very ineffective on Brutes, while in Halo 3, they are one of the best weapons to use in combat against them.
== Sources ==
{{Ref/Sources|3}}


*Though [[Brute]] is the UNSC name for them, Elites can be seen calling them this. This might be because of the UNSC-Elite alliance, or the Elite's extreme enmity and arrogance towards the Brutes.
{{Navbox/Species}}


[[Category:Brutes]]
[[Category:Jiralhanae| ]]
[[Category:Host Species]]
[[Category:Sapient species]]
[[Category:Living Organisms]]
[[Category:Covenant species]]
[[Category:Covenant Species]]
[[Category:Host species]]

Latest revision as of 11:59, November 8, 2024

This article is about the species. For the music track, see Brutes (music).
Jiralhanae
H2A Jiralhanae.png
Biological overview

Latin name:

Servus ferox

Classification:

Pseudo-ursine mammal

Diet:

Omnivorous[1]

Physical information

Avg. height:

259 centimeters (8 ft 6 in)—280 centimeters (9 ft 2 in)[2][3]

Avg. weight:

1,125 pounds (510 kg)–1,500 pounds (680 kg)[3]

Distinctions:

Simioid physiology; thick, shaggy fur; prominent fangs

Sociocultural information

Homeworld:

Doisac

Technology level:

Native Tier 4/Adopted Tier 2[2]

Notable individuals:

Also known as:

  • Brutes
  • Apes/Gorillas/Monkeys
  • Baby Kongs/BKs (phonetic: Bravo Kilos)
  • Bobos[4]
  • Jir'a'ul (by Sangheili: a play on the word Jiralhanae and the Sangheili word for a lump of wood: a'ul)
 

"They are beasts, in essence and action."
— The Minister of Discovery remarking on the savage nature of the Jiralhanae[5]

The Jiralhanae (Servus ferox in Latin taxonomy, translated to "wild slave"[6]), known by humans as Brutes, are a mostly carnivorous sapient species of pseudo-ursine mammals.[2][3] Originating from the planet Doisac, the Jiralhanae were the final addition to the Covenant hegemony. The Jiralhanae typically have a profound hatred of the Sangheili,[7][8] unmatched by any other feud within the Covenant.[9] This rivalry was fueled by the Jiralhanae's naturally aggressive and dominating demeanor clashing with the Sangheili's societal sense of superiority over them at the time of the Covenant.[10][11]

Immensely strong (surpassing the strength of both Sangheili and Spartan-IIs), Jiralhanae typically place a greater emphasis on brutality than wisdom; they are considered to be a savage species on the whole. Preferring this potential for blind obedience, the High Prophet of Truth began plans to replace the Sangheili with Jiralhanae, slowly placing the latter in higher positions and giving them greater allowances than Sangheili troops would receive.[12] Finally, on Truth's orders, the Jiralhanae began a purge of Sangheili High Councilors and commanders throughout Covenant space, sparking a cataclysmic civil war known as the Great Schism that led to the dissolution of the Covenant. This conflict against the Sangheili would continue well after the end of the Human-Covenant War and like the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae would fight internally as well.[13]

History[edit]

The Ark and reseeding[edit]

Ancient Jiralhanae on Doisac.

The Jiralhanae were one of the many species of predators that originated on Doisac, evolving from temperamental, tree-dwelling mammals due to Doisac's challenging and diversifying environment.[3] The Jiralhanae were one of many sentient species indexed by the Librarian for preservation aboard Installation 00. After the Halo Array was fired, the Jiralhanae were returned to Doisac to begin rebuilding their culture.[14]

The First Immolation[edit]

While commonly regarded as a savage species, Jiralhanae proved intelligent enough to achieve Tier 4 status. However, their warlike nature inevitably led them into conflict, and eventually the various Jiralhanae master-packs — belonging into either of the Jiralhanae's two main social divisions (the Rh'tol and Vheiloth skeins) fell into a massive war known as the First Immolation.[3] This mechanized war of attrition lasted a decade and eventually led to the use of nuclear weapons that devastated Doisac.[15] The First Immolation and the nuclear holocaust that followed nearly led to species self-extinction and caused the collapse of Jiralhanae society; by 2492 CE, the species had just rediscovered radio and rocketry.

The Covenant[edit]

When the Covenant encountered the Jiralhanae circa 2492 CE, they fought resulting in several battles. Although some Jiralhanae were quick to join the Covenant, such as those led by Chieftain Maccabeus,[16] others put up resistance against the invading alien hegemony.[17] In their primitive state they were quickly defeated and absorbed into the Covenant.[15] The Jiralhanae's search for theological meaning led to the species' swift incorporation into the Covenant as they adopted the empire's religion and began worshiping the Forerunners.[17]

The Jiralhanae would serve in the Covenant military, deployed as heavy infantry and shock troops. Most of the Jiralhanae roles within the Covenant were only mere extensions of their own clan-based organizational structure, albeit more formalized under the Covenant's rule.[3] The Covenant settled Jiralhanae on worlds rich in resources to guard them from anyone seeking to claim them for themselves. Meanwhile, the Jiralhanae lacked the capability to mine the resources themselves and were not provided the technologies necessary for the process, ensuring that the Prophets had secure control over the resources.[18][19][20] Upon the Jiralhanae's inclusion into the Covenant, a group of Sangheili commanders went before the Covenant High Council and claimed that the Jiralhanae's pack mentality would inevitably bring conflict between the two species. Citing the Jiralhanae's natural instincts to fight to the top of any hierarchy, the Sangheili commanders proposed that any peaceful "urges" that the Jiralhanae exhibited should be "aggressively encouraged". The High Council believed that the argument was fair, and began to impose restrictions on the technology the Jiralhanae could access. Although this ruling was meant to curb the enmity between the Sangheili and Jiralhanae, a feud between the two species would continue.[21]

Human-Covenant War[edit]

"The Great Journey has begun, and the Brutes, not the Elites, shall be the Prophets' escort!"
— Tartarus, to the Arbiter[22]
The massacre of the Sangheili High Councilors initiated the Great Schism.

Jiralhanae troops fought in many battles throughout the Human-Covenant War, including the first conflict on Harvest and the invasion of Reach.[23][24] While effective combatants, they remained subordinate to the Sangheili, who continued to regard the Jiralhanae with near-universal disdain. Receiving differing opinions and suggestions on how to deal with the threat of humanity by both San'Shyuum and Sangheili, the High Prophet of Truth began pursuing numerous schemes as he sought to replace the Sangheili with the Jiralhanae; Truth considered the latter to be easier to control and more dogmatic. Tartarus, a Jiralhanae who participated in the first contact on Harvest, caught the eye of the Hierarch, who was impressed that the Jiralhanae managed to take control of the entire Rh'tol skein at a young age. In the final years of the Human-Covenant War Truth had prepared Tartarus for an ascension to military authority.[3]

By the final months of the war the High Prophet of Truth had gathered the personal allegiance of many of the San'Shyuum members on the High Council.[25] Recognizing the Jiralhanae's ferocity and unquestioning obedience, the San'Shyuum had decided to promote the Jiralhanae to the top of the Covenant military hierarchy — a position occupied by the Sangheili since the Covenant's inception. The Sangheili were scapegoated for failing to prevent the recent assassination of the High Prophet of Regret (secretly arranged by Truth), and their previous failure to safeguard Installation 04; these events were used to justify the decision.[26] The Jiralhanae became the Hierarchs' chosen protectors, replacing the Sangheili Honor Guardsmen and taking command of the fleet. This event led to some Sangheili Councilors to threaten resignation from the High Council.[12] On November 3, 2552, Tartarus and the High Prophet of Truth enacted their plans after several decades of preparation. After Tartarus seemingly killed Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee,[27] the Chieftain's second-in-command, Melchus, led a massacre on the Sangheili High Councilors and several of the former Honor Guardsmen on Installation 05.[28] These acts began the Great Schism, a civil war that forced the Sangheili out of the Covenant proper, resulting in the fracturing of the Covenant empire. Tartarus attempted to initiate the Great Journey by activating Installation 05 but he was slain by the Arbiter and the Fleet of Retribution,[29] who had formed a tentative alliance with the UNSC.[22]

Post-war[edit]

"Vengeance is petty. Vengeance has no reward."
— Atriox responding to Resa 'Azavayl's animosity towards his species.[30]

After the Covenant's disastrous defeat at the Ark, Jiralhanae society began to splinter.[3] Many Jiralhanae refused to cease their campaigning against the Sangheili and the two species remained locked in an irregular conflict for years to come. Some Jiralhanae served Tem'Bhetek and Boru'a'Neem in a genocidal plot against the Sangheili that was ultimately foiled. When the remaining San'Shyuum retreated into hiding, the Jiralhanae returned to their primitive, savage nature, allowing the Sangheili to gain the upper hand in battle. Some Jiralhanae factions had separated from those loyal to the former Covenant and were waging an internecine war against each other and thus the Brutes, like their Elite counterparts, were fighting in a two-front war.[13] This lack of solidarity made the Jiralhanae easier prey for some of the Sangheili commanders who were genocidally hunting them.[31][32]

The Jiralhanae continued to be massacred by Sangheili commanders.

On Doisac, conditions worsened as the Jiralhanae master-packs and tribes fought among themselves while the organization imposed on their species by the Covenant fell apart. Additionally, due to the Jiralhanae's lack of advanced technology, they were unable to attain resources or even food for themselves, instead resorting to raids on Sangheili settlements which resulted in the deaths of several Sangheili civilians.[33] Notably the Rh’tol Jiralhanae glorified these raids as power over their oppressors.[34] This, in turn, only served to provoke further violence between the two species.[18] As the Sangheili-Jiralhanae conflict continued to escalate, one master-pack sought peace. On March 5, 2558, the Jiralhanae Chieftain Lydus and his master-pack the Children of Oth Sonin were willing to begin peace talks with the Swords of Sanghelios under the mediation of the United Nations Space Command.[18] Lydus, along with several of his bodyguards met with the Arbiter and Lord Hood on Ealen IV, however these initial peace talks were foiled by a mercenary group attack hired by the Insurrectionists known as the New Colonial Alliance.[35]

goodnight sweet prins (rip).
Doisac is destroyed by Guardians.

Due to animosity stoked by the Great Schism, the Jiralhanae and Sangheili typically did not work together after the war, at least not as equals.[36] A small minority of Jiralhanae had chosen to work under some Sangheili as slave laborers or lesser infantry for reasons unknown. A few Jiralhanae, such as Manus and the crew of Piety, remained loyal to their Sangheili superiors during the split of the Covenant.[3][37] A few others served the Sangheili as security guards and servants on Sanghelios. However, this did not come without conflict. In March 2553, Jiralhanae servants in the state of Ontom launched insurgent attacks, which resulted in the death of dozens of Sangheili. Their revolt was quickly quelled by the city militia.[38] Some Jiralhanae created or joined Jiralhanae-led remnant factions such as the Keepers of the One Freedom. In September 2558, a Jiralhanae faction led by Hekabe known as the Voice of Maardoth formed a brief uneasy alliance with a Sangheili faction led by Thars 'Sarov during the Carrow Conflict. However, the Jiralhanae quickly betrayed and attacked them as Hekabe's true intention was to access a Sharquoi hive and use the creatures to seize ultimate power for himself, these plans were thwarted by the local human militia, Gray Team and Rojka 'Kasaan.[39] The Banished, a mercenary organization that had rebelled against the Covenant in the 2540s, was led by and predominantly composed of Jiralhanae. They began to amass a considerable degree of power in the war's aftermath, invading the Ark in 2559 and occupying Installation 07 in 2560.[40][41] Jiralhanae clans hidden in corners throughout the Orion Arm continued to gather strength, intent on resuming the work of the dissolved Covenant.[42]

While the Sangheili and Jiralhanae continued their genocidal battles through 2559,[31] Doisac had been subdued by the Created uprising. Several of Cortana's Guardians were sent to the Jiralhanae homeworld to enforce martial law as she did with all major worlds across the Orion Arm.[43] Atriox, leader of the Banished, was called to answer to Cortana's rule, to which he defied. This defiance led Cortana to unleash her wrath upon his kind for disobedience and her Created Guardians fired several beams that destroyed the planet. The world of Doisac was no more.[44]

The Jiralhanae continued to survive, scattered across the galaxy.[42] Lydus and his people fled to an abandoned human colony with some allegedly still lurking in the shadows of their home system,[45] the Banished sought to make Installation 07 their faction's new home,[44] and others relocated to the worlds of Gathved, Ordun Dal, and Savadok.[46]

Biology[edit]

Anatomy and physiology[edit]

Tartarus, Chieftain of the Jiralhanae, gained more power with the outbreak of the Great Schism.

Jiralhanae are a carnivorous, sapient species of mammals[2] who share physical characteristics with Earth's gorillas, rhinoceros, and bears; due to their bear-like features, they are designated pseudo-ursines.[3] They have thick skin that ranges in color from dark grey to dark and light brown and makes them highly resistant to harm,[7] and their bodies are covered with matted tan,[22] grey,[12] white, brown,[47] rust-red[48] or black fur.[3] Some Jiralhanae, such as those of the Vheiloth skein, shave their fur,[49] with higher-ranking individuals sporting beards or mohawks.[47] Pale fur and skin are considered extremely rare.[50]

Their large, stocky appearance is most likely due to the gravity on their planet, which is about twice that of Earth. Jiralhanae are immensely strong, hence the "Brute" moniker, and are capable of delivering crushing blows in hand-to-hand combat; in addition to having an extraordinary physical endurance. Their teeth are very sharp, and are frequently used as natural weapons. They are prone to fits of berserk rage in battle; Brutes often rush at and pummel any targets within reach with terrifying aggression. Jiralhanae have three digits on each hand plus opposable thumbs. As such they can make use of a variety of weapons both of Covenant and human design. Their feet have only two digits, each with thick, hardened claws.[3] Jiralhanae blood is purplish-red.

Jiralhanae are consummate carnivores and have evolved as predators, as evidenced by their fearsome fanged jaws and propensity for violence. They are known to eat the flesh of their enemies, such as humans. They consider thorn beast a delicacy.[51] Prior to the latter's appointment as Arbiter, a Jiralhanae prison guard stated he would have gladly devoured Thel 'Vadamee had he been allowed.[52] Jiralhanae have highly sensitive olfactory glands that allow them to quickly track down and hunt prey, even in unfamiliar territories.[3]

Jiralhanae often descend into a highly aggressive berserker rage when all their pack mates have been killed. Their incredible physical strength coupled with a dogged determination to kill their target makes a berserk Jiralhanae a force to be reckoned with, some being powerful enough to even kill a Mgalekgolo.[53] Before Jiralhanae reach full maturity, they naturally release pheromones. Others can smell these pheromones and some can tell how the Jiralhanae is feeling by the scent. When they do reach maturity, they learn to control the releases of their pheromones and most ideally stop them altogether.[48][54]

Culture[edit]

Two Jiralhanae attempting to show dominance.

The Jiralhanae are rated a native Tier 4 species by the Forerunner Technological Achievement Tier scale, although a Tier 2 rank was adopted from the Covenant.[2] The Jiralhanae within the Covenant were zealous beings, known for their willingness to cling to ancient, bloody traditions and many among the Jiralhanae, notably Tartarus, held an unwavering belief in the words of the Prophets and in the promise of the Great Journey, however not all Jiralhanae were fanatical adherents to the Covenant religion and many Jiralhanae had soon abandoned the Covenant religion upon the collapse of the Covenant.[3] Their homeworld of Doisac is war-torn, and Jiralhanae are known for their particular joy in vicious activities, complimented by regimented discipline. As part of the Covenant, Jiralhanae were required as a prerequisite to convert to the Prophets' religion of worshipping the Forerunners. Previously, their culture revolved around the worship of totems and idols[2] and their religion was based on the lunar cycles of Doisac's three moons,[3] but they made swift converts due to their search for theological meaning.[17] The Jiralhanae within the Covenant were one of the most fanatical adherents to the Prophets' faith, although they seemed to hold little concept of sanctity, evidenced by Tartarus' improper handling of the "Oracle" 343 Guilty Spark.[22][55] Following the dissolution of the Covenant most Jiralhanae abandoned their belief in the Great Journey.[3]

The Jiralhanae fighting style is forceful, utilitarian, and pragmatic.[7] They prefer using weapons from their homeworld rather than the Covenant's standard plasma-based firearms. Jiralhanae weapons are notable for being extremely dangerous, somewhat primitive and brutal, always featuring a blade attachment, and manufactured by a varieties of war-forges and workshops such as the Paegaas Workshop Spiker, Grenflekt Workshop Scrap Cannon, Ukala Workshop Mauler, Jovokada Workshop Brute Shot, Ukala Workshop Mangler, Flaktura Workshop Skewer, Sicatt Workshop Disruptor, Sicatt Workshop Shock Rifle, Veporokk Workshop Ravager and the Gravity Hammer. These weapons show their barbaric nature, for example, the fact that all of the weapons are named after ways of injury or causing bodily harm to another being. The many spikes and serrated edges that adorn their race's weapons, vehicles such as the Barukaza Workshop Chopper, Barug'qel Workshop Trespasser, etc., and armor further support this. However, they do have their own variamt of the Plasma Rifle know to them as the "Blood Hand". The Sangheili abhorred the Jiralhanae weapons due to their primitive nature, but allowed them to be serviced in low numbers.[56] Unlike the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae have no qualms about using human weaponry. Some were seen using human shotguns during the Human-Covenant War.[57]

The Jiralhanae are disdainful of every other species except the San'Shyuum.[17] In general, Jiralhanae have a pronounced dislike of the Sangheili because the former believe they are better protectors of the Prophets than the Sangheili, as well as the Sangheili's mistreatment of the species during the Covenant's reign.[58] The High Prophet of Truth took advantage of this rivalry to ignite the Great Schism during the Battle of Installation 05.[57] However, a few Jiralhanae have surrendered and are willing to labor under the Sangheili after the end of the war.[59]

Jiralhanae interpret direct eye contact as a challenge. They have been known to brutally beat to death humans who have boldly dared to stare at them.[60]

Society[edit]

Keyart for the Jiralhanae Chieftain, Avitus.
"Thrallslayer," Avitus in 2531, an example of the Jiralhanae's strong physique.

Jiralhanae society is dominated by a fierce pack culture and a focus on lineage. Familial bonds tie each member to the other, forcing them into states of berserker rage and desperate mourning for their fallen pack mates should one die in battle. Jiralhanae society is an authoritarian dictatorship controlled by the strongest male;[3] dominance is established by the social, martial, and sexual success of the patriarch. Patricide is a common side effect of the patriarchy due to the ambition seeded within many Jiralhanae to rise to the top of a hierarchy.[61] Female Jiralhanae generally serve as mothers and caretakers.[3] No females have been observed in military roles.[62] A Jiralhanae's blood relation to another Jiralhanae did not offer subordinates immunity from discipline.[63]

Each pack is led by a prominent chieftain who wields a ceremonial gravity hammer, passed from one leader to another upon his death, to denote his status. A Jiralhanae becomes a pack chieftain by challenging the current chieftain to a mortal duel; the victor claims the title after executing the other. The chieftain rules his pack like his own empire. An individual's rank is measured by success on and off the battlefield, unlike the more martial Sangheili.[2] Interactions among the Jiralhanae are dominated by personal status, which they display through decoration and ornate armor.[62]

Jiralhanae exhibit a variety of grooming styles to denote their status and pack affiliation. Jiralhanae typically are either clean shaven or sport mohawks, goatees or beards. However, some Jiralhanae packs do away with shaving altogether. Some Jiralhanae packs also adorn themselves with tattoos over their entire bodies.[64]

Due to their combative and aggressive nature, the Jiralhanae lack a single cohesive government. Instead, Jiralhanae society can be viewed as an extension of their pack structure, but with a number of different levels:

  • Skeins are the largest social division of Jiralhanae, "meta-clans" formed out of multiple packs sharing a similar philosophy and interests. A given skein is dominated by the most powerful clan within. During the First Immolation, most Jiralhanae fell into one of two dominant skeins: the Rh'tol and the Vheiloth. The two skeins display stark cultural and political differences: the Rh'tol are considered more primitive and aggressive, while the Vheiloth are generally more sophisticated and open to new ideas.[3]
  • Alpha Tribes[65] and master-packs are seemingly dominant clans or groupings consisting of multiple packs. Prior to contact with the Covenant, rival master-packs reduced Jiralhanae society to a pre-industrial level through warfare.[15]
  • Packs range in size and importance, with less important packs made up largely of Unggoy or Kig-Yar forces and led by a low-ranked Jiralhanae, and more important packs led by War Chieftains and comprised of more experienced veteran Jiralhanae bodyguards.[66]

Role within the Covenant[edit]

A newly-titled Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman.

"With my blessing, the Jiralhanae now lead our fleets! They ask for your allegiance, and you shall give it!"
— The Prophet of Truth at the onset of the Great Schism[53][67]

Whereas the Sangheili used to command the Covenant's military and serve as the personal protectors of the San'Shyuum, the Jiralhanae primarily served as the Covenant's shock troops and secret police. This changed with the outbreak of the Great Schism, when the Jiralhanae supplanted the Sangheili in all areas of the Covenant military.[12][53] The Jiralhanae treated all the species under their command as expendable cannon fodder. If a subordinate failed to complete their task in any aspect, the leading Jiralhanae would enact a swift punishment, generally execution.[62] Eager to prove themselves superior over the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae often acted with no respect for the lives of civilians or other races.[7]

Sangheili and Jiralhanae fleets were largely segregated, but this was not always the case.[68] Believing that the Jiralhanae posed a threat to both the Sangheili and the Covenant, a union of Sangheili commanders convinced the Covenant High Council to impose restrictions on the technology used by the Jiralhanae. The number of Jiralhanae shipmasters was limited and the weaponry on Jiralhanae ships was mostly disabled.[7][21] Jiralhanae units are typically deployed in packs led by one or more chieftains or captains. Apart from their role as shock troopers, they often fill a similar combat role to the Sangheili, as both typically command groups of lesser infantry. However, Jiralhanae generally were not equipped with energy shields (except for captains and chieftains) until the outbreak of the Great Schism, when power armor saw widespread use among Jiralhanae forces. According to Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, Unggoy serving under the Jiralhanae during the Great Schism exhibited newfound courage due to fear of their masters.[69]

Language[edit]

Example of Jiralhanae speech
SoundQuote.png Trouble with the audio sample?

The native Jiralhanae language is animalistic, incorporating a wide range of sounds from growls and barks to howls and roars,[70] though Jiralhanae also express emotions through scents and musks. Young Jiralhanae have difficulty controlling the release of these scents, but learn how to moderate them as they grow older.[54] A communal howl is often made by the pack chieftain as a sign of celebration, and failure to participate in the howl is a serious sign of disrespect to the Chieftain's authority.[71]

Naming conventions[edit]

Most known Jiralhanae have Latin-sounding names, such as Tartarus and Bracktanus. The "-us" at the end of their name is an honorific denoting maturity or experience in battle, similar to the "-ee" suffix on Sangheili names.[72] The "-um" suffix (exhibited by individuals like Pavium and Parabum) is associated with the Rh'tol skein.[73] Not all Jiralhanae names follow these two conventions; examples of Jiralhanae with nonstandard names include Atriox and Castor.

Homeworld and colonies[edit]

Main article: Doisac

Doisac is the name of the Jiralhanae homeworld. It possesses three natural satellites: Warial, Soirapt, and Teash, and is the third planet of the Oth Sonin system. The gravity on the planet is approximately 2.1 G while the atmosphere is 1.3 atm. Surface temperature is between -15 °C to 52 °C (5 °F to 125.6 °F). The estimated population of the planet is approximately 12.5 billion. Its habitat is described as being dominated by magma and magnetism.[2] The Jiralhanae also maintained colonies on Warial and Teash.[74]

The Covenant settled Jiralhanae on a number of worlds rich in resources, to guard them from anyone seeking to claim them for themselves. They were not provided the technologies necessary for the process by the Prophets and were unable to develop them on their own, thus ensuring the San'Shyuum had full control over the Covenant's resources. The Jiralhanae continued to inhabit these colonies after the Human-Covenant War. Their inability to acquire food and resources for themselves, combined with their savage nature, led them to pillaging the colonies of other species, mainly those of Sangheili and Kig-Yar.[18][Note 1] Known colony worlds of the Jirilhanae include Gathved, Ordun Dal, and Savadok. Following the Razing of Oth Sonin, the three Colonies became the new home of survivors from the moon Teash.[46]

Command structure[edit]

Tartarus, Chieftain of the Jiralhanae.

The Jiralhanae species is arranged in a pack society, based on a hierarchy determined by viciousness, physical abilities, and number of kills in combat.[75] A "pack master" leads Jiralhanae packs. A chieftain will frequently be addressed as such while issuing orders during combat. When the Jiralhanae were first incorporated into the Covenant military, a number of pre-existing roles that already existed in Jiralhanae society were adopted by the Covenant. These include the ranks of chieftain, captain, Stalker, major, and minor. The ranks became more formalized under the Covenant's rule and they were splintered into numerous varieties based on their skein of origin, and its functional and organizational placement. Over time, many Jiralhanae ranks evolved or developed. After the Human-Covenant War and the Covenant's demise, most of the ranks and organization established by the Covenant ceased to exist with many Jiralhanae returning to Doisac and others serving in various Covenant remnant groups.[3]

Cultural and political titles[edit]

Chieftain of the Jiralhanae
The Chieftain of the Jiralhanae was the leader of the entire Jiralhanae race. After killing his uncle at Harvest and taking control of the Rh'tol skein, Tartarus ascended to this title with the High Prophet of Truth's proclamation.[3][27]
War chieftain
Jiralhanae war chieftains are in charge of the larger Jiralhanae packs. Superior to the standard chieftain title, war chieftains often used heavy weapons in battle to establish their strength and physical prowess.[75] War chieftains were often given command of small outposts or served as Scarab commanders during their service in the Covenant.[76]
Chieftain
The title of chieftain had existed long before the Jiralhanae were incorporated into the Covenant military. Often commanding small packs or clans, chieftains led Jiralhanae and several lower caste species alike into battle.[75] Chieftains picked what pack members he went into battle with, based on strength. However, some chieftains choose their pack members based on their beliefs and virtues. Chieftains occasionally led religious sermons and rituals.[77]

Military[edit]

The Jiralhanae received a more standardized military structure after the species joined the Covenant, although the organization of their ranks and roles drew heavily from their native pack hierarchy.[3] Inexperienced Jiralhanae who had just joined the military were given the rank of Minor, identified by their blue power armor similar to the minor rank in other species' military structures.[78] Minors were given little armor for protection. After gaining experience, a Jiralhanae was promoted to the rank of Major. The equipment used by Majors was basic but significantly better than that of the Minors. Majors often commanded Jiralhanae Minors and Unggoy. Ultra was the highest rank obtainable by standard Jiralhanae infantry personnel. Ultras often led lower-ranked troops or served under chieftains.[79] Ultras operated a wide range of weaponry and vehicles. Three Jiralhanae specialist ranks existed within the Covenant military. Replacing the stealth Sangheili at the dawn of the Great Schism, Stalkers served in reconnaissance and infiltration roles. Equipped with active camouflage, Stalkers often operated as bodyguards, spies, and assassins for Chieftains. Jumpers served as an aerial support unit that was equipped with jump packs. Their jump packs give them enhanced mobility on the battlefield. Bodyguards were responsible for the protection of chieftains and other political figures within the Covenant,[78] often enforcing tribal and military laws.[79]

A chieftain performing a sermon in front of his pack.

Three officer ranks also existed within the Jiralhanae hierarchy. Captains were the lowest of the three ranks and often commanded groups of infantry into battle. Captains Major led packs of Jiralhanae, Unggoy, and low-ranking Kig-Yar during engagements. It was believed among Captains Major that fear worked best to instil inspiration within their troops.[75][78] Captain Ultra was the highest rank available for Jiralhanae officers. They commanded larger packs and lances, and were known for their ability and strength.[75]

After the death of the Prophet of Regret, the remaining Hierarchs initiated the Changing of the Guard. All Sangheili members of the Covenant Honor Guard were replaced by Jiralhanae Honor Guardsmen.[12] The new Honor Guardsmen were given the duties of their predecessors. The role of the Honor Guard was largely ceremonial, unless the San'Shyuum they were protecting became threatened.[79]

Titles[edit]

Shipmaster
The title of shipmaster was simply used only to describe a Jiralhanae that commanded a ship, as most Jiralhanae shipmasters additionally held the title of Chieftain. Jiralhanae did not rise to the position of shipmaster as commonly as Sangheili or Kig-Yar did. When given the role of shipmaster, the Sangheili usually disabled much of the ship's weaponry and only crewed the vessel with Unggoy and Yanme'e.[80] Prior to the beginning of the Great Schism, many Sangheili shipmasters were replaced with Jiralhanae.[81]

Trivia[edit]

General[edit]

Language Equivalent
Flag of France.png
French 		Les Brutes in all media.
Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Jiralhanae on its gameplay page.
Graphic Halo.png Check out our collection of quotes related to Jiralhanae on its quotes page.
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  • John DiMaggio provided the voice of the Jiralhanae Chieftains in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST. He also voiced Atriox in Halo Wars 2.[82]
  • The word "Jiral" is a Korean curse word that roughly means "stupid, aggressive", which describes the Brutes' temperament.
  • Despite having been absorbed into the Covenant in 2492, Halo: Ghosts of Onyx describes the feud between the Jiralhanae and the Sangheili as "ancient".[83]
  • In Halo 3: ODST the power armor of the Brutes completely lights up, similarly to Elite and Spartan energy shields, instead of small sparks marking where gunfire hits their armor as seen in Halo 3.
  • In Halo 2, Jiralhanae blood is a dark shade of blue, while it is red with blue splotches in Halo 3, and is red in Halo: Reach.
  • In the level Anders' Signal in Halo Wars, Serina identifies the Jiralhanae using the actual name of the species, as well as calling them Brutes. This is the first time a Covenant species' actual name is spoken in scripted dialogue.

Production notes[edit]

  • In the ViDoc, Et Tu Brute, Chris Butcher describes the Brutes in Halo 2 as "damage sponges", referring to how they were not very interesting to fight against, acting mainly like less agile Elites who dropped their guns and ran straight toward the player when they got angry.[84] The ViDoc shows Brutes wielding energy swords; however they are never seen doing so in-game. Et Tu Brute also shows a Brute Minor with a Brute Shot using the corpse of another Brute as cover from which to fire from, and another tearing the arms off a captured Marine. Additionally, a Brute Chieftain wielding a plasma cannon wields the version from Halo 2. This is because Bungie was using it as a placeholder until they developed the Halo 3 model. Moreover, it was revealed that the Brutes' original concept was inspired by the barbarians that plagued ancient Rome and eventually became assimilated into it.[84] Marcus Brutus betrayed and killed Julius Caesar and was later hunted down by Rome. This is similar to how the Brutes betrayed the Elites and were eventually defeated.
  • During concept stages for Halo 3, the Brutes were planned to use deployable metal shields, rather than the energy shields used by Elites.[85] This idea was eventually cut from the final game, although it would inspire the Brutes ducking animation.
  • Before Halo 3 was released, Brutes had lime green blood instead of the dark red blood they have in the final game.[84]

Glitches[edit]

Main article: Glitches
  • In Halo 3, if any Brute becomes infected by the Flood it will turn into a Flood-infected Brute Minor due to graphical restraints, and to time constraints. However, if the player triggers a loading point that removes the Flood from the level while a Pod infector has begun the infection process, the Pod infector will be deleted, the infection process will be stopped yet the transformation will simultaneously complete. This will result in infected Brutes who are allied with the Flood while retaining berserking, appearance, and hijacking abilities. The only noticeable Flood features are signs of Flood infection growing on their back.[86]
  • In Halo 3, if a Brute Chieftain with a plasma cannon goes berserk, the weapon disappears. When a Brute Chieftain is killed, the plasma cannon reappears by its body. This is because the weapon has no "putting away" animation. However, this was fixed in Halo 3: ODST: if a Chieftain goes berserk, the plasma cannon will hang across his back just like a normal two-handed weapon.
  • In Halo 3: ODST, if one looks closely, a Brute with a Kewu R'shi'k-pattern plasma rifle will appear to reload the weapon after using it for a while, by reaching toward his left calf and seems to be doing the reload animation for a Paegaas Workshop Spiker. This is an oversight as the plasma rifle is run by a plasma battery.

Gallery[edit]

Development images[edit]

  • Early concept art for Halo 2.

    Early concept art for Halo 2.

  • Concept art of various unused Jiralhanae variants in Halo 3.

    Concept art of various unused Jiralhanae variants in Halo 3.

  • Another unused concept of a Jiralhanae in Halo 3.

    Another unused concept of a Jiralhanae in Halo 3.

  • An early Jiralhanae model during the production of Halo 3.

    An early Jiralhanae model during the production of Halo 3.

  • Concept art of a Jiralhanae model in Halo Wars.

    Concept art of a Jiralhanae model in Halo Wars.

  • Renders from The Package.

    Renders from The Package.

  • Concept art for Halo: Reach.

    Concept art for Halo: Reach.

  • Concept art for Halo: Reach.

    Concept art for Halo: Reach.

  • Concept art for Jiralhanae variations in Halo: Reach.

    Concept art for Jiralhanae variations in Halo: Reach.

  • A close-up of the top right Jiralhanae variation.

    A close-up of the top right Jiralhanae variation.

  • Cut concept for a large Jiralhanae in Halo 4.

    Cut concept for a large Jiralhanae in Halo 4.

  • Concept art of the Brutes for Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Concept art of the Brutes for Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Concept art of the Brutes for Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Concept art of the Brutes for Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae for Halo Wars 2.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae for Halo Wars 2.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

    Concept art of Covenant-era Jiralhanae.

  • A render of one of the Jiralhanae who joined Atriox's rebellion.

    A render of one of the Jiralhanae who joined Atriox's rebellion.

  • Early concept art exploration of Jiralhanae anatomy for Halo Infinite.

    Early concept art exploration of Jiralhanae anatomy for Halo Infinite.

  • More anatomy concept art exploration.

    More anatomy concept art exploration.

  • More anatomy concept art exploration.

    More anatomy concept art exploration.

  • More anatomy concept art exploration.

    More anatomy concept art exploration.

  • More anatomy concept art exploration.

    More anatomy concept art exploration.

  • More anatomy concept art exploration.

    More anatomy concept art exploration.

  • Early concept art exploration for Halo Infinite.

    Early concept art exploration for Halo Infinite.

  • More concept art exploration.

    More concept art exploration.

  • More concept art exploration.

    More concept art exploration.

  • A compilation of various Jiralhanae concepts.

    A compilation of various Jiralhanae concepts.

  • Concept art of Jiralhanae for Halo Infinite.

    Concept art of Jiralhanae for Halo Infinite.

  • More concept art of Jiralhanae.

    More concept art of Jiralhanae.

  • Concept art of Jiralhanae faces for Halo Infinite.

    Concept art of Jiralhanae faces for Halo Infinite.

  • A closer look at the top left face concept.

    A closer look at the top left face concept.

  • More concept art of Jiralhanae faces.

    More concept art of Jiralhanae faces.

  • Concept art of a Jiralhanae's eyes for Halo Infinite.

    Concept art of a Jiralhanae's eyes for Halo Infinite.

  • Concept art of Jiralhanae in armor.

    Concept art of Jiralhanae in armor.

  • Concept art for Halo Infinite focusing on Jiralhanae armor.

    Concept art for Halo Infinite focusing on Jiralhanae armor.

  • More armor concept art.

    More armor concept art.

  • More armor concept art.

    More armor concept art.

  • More armor concept art.

    More armor concept art.

  • More armor concept art.

    More armor concept art.

  • Early concept art for Halo Infinite exploring Jiralhanae architecture.

    Early concept art for Halo Infinite exploring Jiralhanae architecture.

  • More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

  • More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

  • More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

  • More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

  • More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

  • More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

  • More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

  • More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

  • More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae architecture concepts.

  • Early concept exploration of particularly primitive Jiralhanae architecture and technology for Halo Infinite.

    Early concept exploration of particularly primitive Jiralhanae architecture and technology for Halo Infinite.

  • Early concept exploration for Halo Infinite of a Jiralhanae vehicle making use of hull armor from a Covenant vessel.

    Early concept exploration for Halo Infinite of a Jiralhanae vehicle making use of hull armor from a Covenant vessel.

  • More early Jiralhanae vehicle concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae vehicle concepts.

  • More early Jiralhanae vehicle concepts.

    More early Jiralhanae vehicle concepts.

  • Concept art of Jiralhanae inside of a Forerunner structure.

    Concept art of Jiralhanae inside of a Forerunner structure.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae seemingly using boar-like animals to hunt.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae seemingly using boar-like animals to hunt.

  • Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae relaxing on Installation 07.

    Concept art of Banished Jiralhanae relaxing on Installation 07.

  • Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae named Hyperius.

    Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae named Hyperius.

  • Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae named Tovarus.

    Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae named Tovarus.

Illustrations[edit]

Screenshots and renders[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ While Escalation claims the Jiralhanae have numerous colonies outside of the Oth Sonin system, Warial was described as "the furthest-flung of our colonies" by Ceretus in 2552. It is possible that he was referring to indigenously founded colonies, excluding those established by the Covenant, since he was proposing to hide from the Covenant at the time.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 210
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo 3, Bestiarum
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Halo Waypoint: Jiralhanae
  4. ^ Halo 2, Conversations from the Universe
  5. ^ Halo: Evolutions, "Wages of Sin", page 297
  6. ^ halo.bungie.org: Bestiarum Latin names translated
  7. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 142 (2011 edition)
  8. ^ Conversations from the Universe: Grunt Conversation "And you have ears, you've heard the disrespect the Jiralhanae show the Sangheili. They hate each other. The Sangheili have lived too long under the shelter of the Covenant as the strongest of us. The Jiralhanae come stomping along and suddenly it's not so simple as it was."
  9. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, 22 "In the confusion caused by the departing Prophets, the Sangheili's ancient feud with the Jiralhanae had escalated into xenocide."
  10. ^ Gamestop: Halo Wars 2: New Character Images and Details Revealed - "Decimus still harbors some resentment against the Elites under Atriox's banner due to how Elites treated the Brutes during the time of the Covenant"
  11. ^ Gamestop: Halo Wars 2: New Character Images and Details Revealed - "This arrangement was deeply unpleasant for the Shipmaster, especially since Elites were used to lording over the Brutes during the time of the Covenant..."
  12. ^ a b c d e Halo 2, campaign level Sacred Icon
  13. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions, The Return
  14. ^ Halo Legends, Origins
  15. ^ a b c Halo: Contact Harvest, page 194
  16. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 260
  17. ^ a b c d Halo: Broken Circle, page 187
  18. ^ a b c d Halo: Escalation, Issue #1
  19. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - System Shocks (Retrieved on Jun 30, 2023) [archive]
  20. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo Infinite - Infection Intel (Retrieved on Aug 16, 2023) [local archive] [external archive]
  21. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, page 199
  22. ^ a b c d Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
  23. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest
  24. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level New Alexandria
  25. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 196
  26. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 209
  27. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
  28. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, pages 219-222
  29. ^ Halo Waypoint marketing, The Long Road Home
  30. ^ Halo: Tales From Slipspace Hunting Party: "So, you've simply traded one leash for another. Vengeance is petty. Vengeance has no reward."
  31. ^ a b The Return (Motion comic) "This lack of solidarity made them much easier prey. Some of my fellow commanders continue that fight even now."
  32. ^ Halo: Tales from Slipspace Hunting Party "Now we have but one aim… the slaughter of beasts"
  33. ^ Halo: Escalation
  34. ^ Halo: Envoy, 3 "The Rh’tol skein now gloried in the piracy against the former Covenant. It let them show their true strength to the very face of the Sangheili species that had so poorly treated them. The Vheiloth skein saw such looting and destruction as an unfortunate necessity."
  35. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #3
  36. ^ Halo: Envoy, 1 "The Covenant had failed, obliterated under the weight of many lies; as a result, the Sangheili did not make common cause with Jiralhanae anymore, at least not as equals. No, this was strange. "
  37. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 225
  38. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, pages 22-23
  39. ^ Halo: Envoy
  40. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level A New Enemy
  41. ^ Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Premiere
  42. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Covenant
  43. ^ Halo 5: Guardians
  44. ^ a b Halo Infinite
  45. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 247
  46. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 447
  47. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level, The Heretic
  48. ^ a b Halo: Shadow of Intent, page 1
  49. ^ Halo: Evolutions, "Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss"
  50. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 198
  51. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 195
  52. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Arbiter (Brute: "Them? What about us? My belly aches, and his flesh is seared just the way I like it.")
  53. ^ a b c Halo 2, campaign level Gravemind
  54. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, page 203
  55. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  56. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 190
  57. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level Uprising
  58. ^ Gamestop: Halo Wars 2: New Character Images and Details Revealed
  59. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 256
  60. ^ Halo: Evolutions, page 59
  61. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 347
  62. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, page 143 (2011 edition)
  63. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 198
  64. ^ Halo: Reach
  65. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 242
  66. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
  67. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 223
  68. ^ Halo Legends, The Package
  69. ^ Halo 3, campaign level "Sierra 117"
  70. ^ Halo 3
  71. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 236
  72. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 258
  73. ^ Halo Waypoint, (Possible Catalog) Jiralhanae -us suffix question: "Detailed information on Jiralhanae personal naming practices is currently held in inaccessible cores. However, the suffix "-um" is only recorded for those personnel affiliated with the Rh'tol skein." (Retrieved on May 19, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  74. ^ Halo: Evolutions, "Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss", pages 68 and 75
  75. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, page 144
  76. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
  77. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 196
  78. ^ a b c Bungie.net, service record
  79. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, page 145
  80. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 226
  81. ^ Halo Wars, Timeline
  82. ^ Halo Wars 2 credits
  83. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 193
  84. ^ a b c Halo 3, ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?
  85. ^ Bungie.net: A Certain Sense of Movement
  86. ^ YouTube: Halo 3 Glitch - Half Infected Brutes


Sources[edit]

v • d • e
 
Sapient species of the Milky Way
Humanity
Covenant species
Ancient species
Protogenic
Other
Unidentified species
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