Important Events
Evo-014's Summary
COMMON NAME: Brutes
HOMEWORLD: Doisac
POPULATION: Unknown
The Jiralhanae joined the Covenant as its most recent addition in 2492, which immediately ignited conflict with the Sangheili, their longstanding rivals. The introduction of the Jiralhanae into the Covenant hierarchy disrupted the delicate balance of power within the alliance, leading to simmering tensions and animosity between the two species.
Known for their ferocious and unpredictable nature, the Jiralhanae were considered a volatile addition to the Covenant forces. The Sangheili, who prided themselves on their martial prowess and honor-bound culture, regarded the Jiralhanae as uncivilized and lacking the discipline necessary for effective military operations. As a result, the Sangheili relegated the Jiralhanae to lower-tier military roles and often deployed them as expendable troops, treating them as cannon fodder during the arduous campaigns of the Human-Covenant War.
However, the Jiralhanae found favor with certain influential San'Shyuum figures, most notably the ambitious Prophet of Truth. The Jiralhanae's unwavering belief in the Covenant's religious doctrine, particularly the concept of the Great Journey, made them attractive candidates for Truth's plans to reshape the Covenant's power structure. Seeking to exploit the Jiralhanae's unquestioning loyalty, the Prophet of Truth orchestrated a transfer of military leadership from the Sangheili to the Jiralhanae.
This audacious move by the Prophet of Truth sparked open revolt and fierce resistance from the Sangheili, triggering what became known as the Great Schism. The once-unified Covenant fractured along ideological and species-based lines, plunging the galaxy into a tumultuous era of conflict and warfare. The Sangheili, deeply resentful of the Jiralhanae's perceived usurpation of their military authority, fiercely fought back against their former allies, unleashing their formidable combat prowess in a bid to reclaim their position within the shattered Covenant.
The Great Schism marked the collapse of the Covenant as a monolithic entity and ushered in years of brutal warfare between the Jiralhanae and the Sangheili. Countless lives were lost, and the galaxy bore witness to the destructive power of this internecine conflict. It was a dark and tumultuous period that forever altered the fate of both species and left a lasting impact on the history of the Covenant.
Ancient History
The Jiralhanae, the newest species to join the Covenant in 2492, brought with them a reputation for being formidable warriors. Their inclusion occurred thirty-three years prior to the fateful encounter with the human race in 2525. Before catching the attention of the Covenant, the Jiralhanae were embroiled in a devastating global conflict known as the First Immolation on their homeworld of Doisac. This conflict ultimately culminated in a devastating nuclear war that ravaged the entire planet. However, the Jiralhanae managed to gradually rebuild their civilization and rekindle their technological advancements, rediscovering radio and rocketry.
Perceiving the Jiralhanae as a potential threat to their dominant position within the Covenant, the Sangheili sought to curtail the Brutes' access to the most powerful Covenant technologies, including the largest warships and enigmatic Huragok engineers. Although the Jiralhanae resented this treatment, they remained devout believers in the Covenant's sacred doctrine of the Great Journey. As a result, some of the San'Shyuum, particularly Ord Casto, who would later become the Prophet of Truth, favored the Brutes. This growing favoritism toward the Jiralhanae by Truth, coupled with his diminishing trust in the Sangheili, planted the seeds that would later blossom into the momentous events of the Changing of the Guard and the Great Schism.
Modern History
The Jiralhanae proved their unwavering loyalty to the Covenant throughout the Human-Covenant War, despite being consistently deployed in the most perilous and lethal combat zones. However, a few exceptional individuals, like Atriox, reached their breaking point after being repeatedly sent into battles where their survival was deemed expendable. Atriox rebelled against the Covenant and founded the notorious faction known as the Banished.
The Jiralhanae's loyalty eventually earned them prestigious positions within the Covenant hierarchy as the war neared its end, including roles such as Fleetmaster and Honor Guard. However, this newfound status was short-lived. The Sangheili, feeling a sense of injustice, rebelled against the Covenant, igniting a fierce conflict. Additionally, the Flood infested High Charity and took control of the city, resulting in the death of nearly all its inhabitants. With the dissolution of the Covenant, the Jiralhanae once again found themselves without significant power in the galaxy, and many either faded into obscurity or returned to their homeworld of Doisac.
In the aftermath of the war against humanity, a small group of Jiralhanae formed their own factions, vying for influence and dominance in the galaxy. Among them, Castor emerged as a notable figure, leading the faction known as the Keepers of the One Freedom. Although the Keepers achieved some level of success in establishing their presence, they faced a devastating blow when they were largely wiped out by forces of the UNSC during Operation: RETRIBUTION in 2553. While Castor managed to survive the encounter, his fate was likely sealed shortly thereafter by the same opposing forces.
Worlds
Despite experiencing the ravages of a devastating world war prior to their encounter with the Covenant in 2492, the Jiralhanae's homeworld of Doisac continues to be inhabited by billions of Brutes. The resilience of their species is evident in their ability to rebuild and maintain a significant population. In addition to Doisac, the Jiralhanae have successfully colonized at least two other worlds, although limited information is available regarding these additional colonies.
Notable Jiralhanae
Despite being deeply despised by the Sangheili, the Jiralhanae managed to ascend to positions of prominence both within and beyond the Covenant. One notable figure among the Brutes was the Chieftain Tartarus, who played a significant role in initiating the Changing of the Guard and the Great Schism alongside the Prophet of Truth. Their actions set in motion a series of events that would ultimately lead to the fracture of the Covenant.
Another Jiralhanae who gained infamy was Atriox, who defected from the Covenant and forged his own faction known as the Banished. Atriox's bold move and subsequent rise to power marked a significant challenge to the established order, as he commanded a formidable force that posed a threat to both the Covenant and its enemies. Through his cunning and leadership, Atriox solidified his reputation as a formidable adversary and a symbol of Jiralhanae resilience.
