T'vaoan
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- "A new species joins the familiar antagonists: a cousin of the Jackals called the Skirmishers, who are deadly and cunning enemies who attack in packs and flank secured positions."
- — Game Informer, February 2010[1]
The Skirmishers are a specialized group of Kig-yar in the Covenant ground forces.[2]
Description
Despite some superficial differences, the Skirmishers are of the same species as the other Kig-yar nicknamed "Jackals". Larger, more heavily muscled Kig-yar comprise of the Skirmisher units while more lightly built specimens see deployment as dedicated ranger or sniper units commonly known as Jackals. In engagements prior to 2530, mixed units were more common. This, however, changed toward the end of the Human-Covenant War.[2]
The Covenant uses Skirmishers as close-range combatants, attacking in packs and using flanking tactics (as opposed to Jackals, who are often used as defensive and long range combatants and assassins). Physically, they seem to be similar to regular Jackals, though their head shape appears to be more avian than their cousins and their skin tone is much darker.[1] They also run much faster than Jackals and can jump incredible heights, possibly due to more rigorous physical conditioning.[3]
There appears to be at least three different ranks of Skirmisher. The first, and probably lowest-ranked, wears minimal gray armor. The second wears more substantial green armor, and the third (and probably highest-ranked) wears red armor and a helmet. Additionally, the red armored variant sports a small Shield Gauntlet on each elbow.
Trivia
- The new Skirmisher will make its first appearance in the game Halo: Reach.
- Skirmishers bear a notable physical resemblance to the dromaeosaurs and velociraptor.
- Because Skirmishers were created for Halo: Reach, they have never been witnessed or mentioned in the games or novels which take place after the events of Reach. Bungie has suggested that the warrior Skirmishers were wiped out during the Fall of Reach.[4][5]
Gallery
A close-up of a Skirmisher's face.
- ReachConcept Skirmisher.png
Concept art of a Skirmisher.
- ReachConcept SkirmisherVariant.jpg
A Skirmisher study.
A lance of Skirmishers in battle during the Fall of Reach.
A heavier armored, red Skirmisher.
A green Skirmisher in Firefight.
