Ior

The Ior are a sapient species native to the moon of Tauwen, located near the California Nebula. They were discovered by the Covenant around the 21st Age of Discovery (c. 2120s). At the time of their discovery, the Ior were in a preindustrial state and had an extremely small population. Study of their cultural myths as well as artifacts and ruins found on Tauwen has led Covenant scholars to speculate that the Ior may be a forgotten colony of a more widespread spacefaring species, with the Jehioi being the most likely option due to various apparent commonalities between the two. Since their discovery, the Ior have been part of the Covenant fringe, though there were plans to eventually integrate them to the hegemony proper. To deter pirate and raider incursions to the moon, the Covenant established a monastery-fortress on Tauwen, through which the local monastics have sought to educate and "civilize" the Ior population. As such, a number of Ior have been able to become part of the wider Covenant society. The Covenant and its member organizations occasionally employed these Ior as assassins and snipers, though they were not formally integrated to the ministerial hierarchy.

The Ior are an arboreal species known for their thin but lithe bodies and unusual monoped body structure, with three long and dexterous limbs. Coupled with their excellent sense of orientation, this makes them natural climbers. The Ior also adapt to space travel rather easily. They are relatively small in stature, standing at around 150-170 centimeters tall.