Important Events
Important Events
Evo-014's Summary
COMMON NAME: Hunters
HOMEWORLD: Te
POPULATION: ~2 trillion on Te
The Lekgolo, a species of sentient eel-like organisms, possess a remarkable method of achieving collective intelligence by forming colonies. These colonies unite to create a distinctive individual whose intellectual capacity surpasses that of a single Lekgolo. While these collective pairs come in various forms, the most recognizable to both humanity and the Covenant are the Mgalekgolo, imposing bipedal colonies better known as Hunters.
In the annals of history, the Lekgolo were "tamed" by the Covenant in the year 789 BCE, marking them as one of the earliest species to become part of the Covenant's dominion. However, due to their exceptional and unique nature, they never quite conformed to the established hierarchy as more species were assimilated.
Following the tumultuous era of the Human-Covenant War, Lekgolo colonies continue to thrive across the galaxy, assuming diverse forms and functions. Yet, the collective motivations of these enigmatic creatures remain shrouded in mystery, leaving us to ponder the secrets that lie within their intricate colonies.
For further insights into the Lekgolo and their intriguing history, you can explore the relevant resources on the Covenant's early interactions with them in 789 BCE and the broader context of the Human-Covenant War.
Ancient History
The Lekgolo are by far the most unique sapient species of the known alien races in the Milky Way galaxy. Unlike all other races where each individual member possesses their own intelligence, full sapience is only realized when the individual Lekgolo eels form into a gestalt that bonds the creatures into a single sapient entity. This new creature is then referred by its own unique name based on which gestalt is formed and the task it is performing. The most common Lekgolo bonded entities are known as Sbaolekgolo, which are colonies used to operate harvesters, the Thanolekgolo, which are colonies the Forerunners tried to use as a weapon against the Flood, and the most common Mgalekgolo, more commonly known as Hunters.
In a fateful encounter in the year 789 BCE, the Covenant stumbled upon the enigmatic Lekgolo species on and around their homeworld, Te. However, communication and understanding proved challenging due to the Lekgolo's peculiar nature. Consequently, hostilities erupted swiftly. Originally, the Covenant had journeyed to Te in search of coveted Forerunner artifacts, only to discover that the Lekgolo had consumed much of this precious technology, leaving only a ring of remnants orbiting the planet.
This unexpected turn of events was deemed a grave heresy by Covenant leadership, leading to the declaration of war against the Lekgolo with the intention of eradicating the species. The ensuing conflict, however, proved to be an arduous and costly endeavor for the Covenant forces. It was during this turbulent period that an Arbiter emerged as a pivotal figure.
Recognizing the formidable resilience of the Lekgolo, the Covenant leadership, guided by the wisdom of the Arbiter, made a momentous decision. Rather than pursuing extermination, they resolved to undertake the intricate task of taming the Lekgolo, acknowledging the unique attributes of this mysterious species.
Explore the historical accounts of the Covenant's initial encounter with the Lekgolo and the pivotal role played by the Arbiter in reshaping their interactions.
Modern History
Within the Covenant, the Lekgolo played a multifaceted role both prior to and during the tumultuous era of the Human-Covenant War. Beyond their formidable presence as Hunters on the battlefield, individual Lekgolo found their niche in various crucial tasks within the Covenant's vast machinery. Notably, on the monumental construct known as High Charity, Lekgolo were deployed to assist in the study of the enigmatic Forerunner Keyship housed at the core of the city-world.
One of the Lekgolo's unique attributes was their ability to selectively refrain from consuming Forerunner alloys. This distinctive trait made them invaluable in navigating and researching areas of the Forerunner vessel that were inaccessible to the San’Shyuum. Their contributions extended to the realm of artifact excavation operations, where substantial Lekgolo colonies were harnessed to construct colossal war machines known as Scarabs, which played pivotal roles in Covenant military endeavors.
While the Lekgolo proved to be indispensable assets to the Covenant, their distinctive nature led to a complex relationship within the Covenant hierarchy. They were often regarded as tools rather than full-fledged members of the Covenant community. This pattern of interaction persisted even after the cataclysmic events of the fall of the Covenant.
In the aftermath of the Covenant's dissolution, Lekgolo colonies, which included the formidable Hunters and the imposing Scarabs, pledged allegiance to various post-war factions. These factions ranged from Jul ‘Mdama’s Covenant to the formidable Banished, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of the Lekgolo in a galaxy fraught with turmoil.
Worlds
The Lekgolo are a distinctive species exclusively found in the unusual environs of the moons and planetary rings encircling the gas giant Te. Notably, Te boasts a gravitational force four times greater than that of Earth. This colossal gravity well constrains the Lekgolo colonies to the immediate vicinity of Te, where they have established populations on multiple moons and even within abandoned Forerunner installations adorning the planet's orbit.
