Morolaath: Difference between revisions
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==Behavior== | ==Behavior== | ||
''Morolaath'' are predatory carnivores which hunt in small packs | ''Morolaath'' are predatory carnivores which hunt in small packs led by an [[Wikipedia:Alpha (ethology)|alpha]].<ref name="HHITD12"/><ref name="HHITD9"/> While hunting they have been observed slowly striding toward potential prey with their heads low to the ground, sweeping them from side to side like [[Wikipedia:Conning tower|conning tower]]s. When noise signals the presence of a target they may bolt toward it, only to slow up with confusion or irritation should it move silently away in time. This change in emotional state manifests itself through random snapping of their teeth in the air or howling.<ref name="HHITD9"/> When speeding in for an attack ''morolaath'' may clack their jaws together.<ref name="HHITD10"/> ''Morolaath'' are territorial creatures which closely guard areas which are important to them, such as riverbanks they must needs drink from.<ref name="HHITD18">''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'', ''Chapter 18''</ref> Those that encroach on these locales may find themselves set upon by the pack which claims it.<ref name="HHITD18"/> The pack mentality of ''morolaath'' can be overridden by fear, in which case a larger or more intimidating creature can cause a pack to retreat and slink away rather than engage it.<ref name="HHITD10"/> Prolonged gunfire is especially like to upset them, leaving them disoriented as they scramble about to locate targets amidst the cacophony while also being shot.<ref name="HHITD10"/> | ||
==Behind the scenes== | ==Behind the scenes== | ||
Revision as of 11:23, July 12, 2019
- Olympia Vale: "Those strange dinosaur-looking creatures?"
- 000 Tragic Solitude: "In your tongue it means 'blind wolf', though it has been some time since humans have encountered them."
- — Installation 00's monitor explains morolaath to diplomat Olympia Vale.[1]
Morolaath ("blind wolves" in English) are predatory creatures found on various Forerunner installations.[1][2] Known to humans in the ancient past, in the modern era operatives of the United Nations Space Command have encountered morolaath on Installation 00 and at least one Halo ring.[1][2]
History
Anatomy and physiology
Morolaath somewhat resemble carnivorous theropod dinosaurs, being bipedal with three clawed toes on each foot.[2][3][4] Unlike theropods, however, they possess neither eyes nor arms.[3] Morolaath have gargantuan fangs which extend from the bottoms of their jaws and nasty-looking teeth which line the tops. Their nostrils, situated at the tips of their snouts, are flared to check the air. It is hearing, however, that morolaath primarily rely on to perceive their surroundings; they are able to react to relatively loud sounds from some distance away and also take notice of something as quiet as a human sighing from ten meters away.[3][4] Their growls produce a low rumbling sound and they are also capable of roaring or making howling noises which sound eerily like those of wolves.[3][5] Morolaath have long tails and their legs are powerful, allowing a small group to make the ground rumble when running at high speeds and affording them the ability to leap through the air.[3][4] Their strong, wide jaws are capable of tearing a man's head from his body.[3][4] Certain parts of their anatomy are more susceptible to injury than others, and a few rounds from a rifle fired at point-blank range through one's mouth and out the back of its head is enough to kill it.[4]
Behavior
Morolaath are predatory carnivores which hunt in small packs led by an alpha.[1][3] While hunting they have been observed slowly striding toward potential prey with their heads low to the ground, sweeping them from side to side like conning towers. When noise signals the presence of a target they may bolt toward it, only to slow up with confusion or irritation should it move silently away in time. This change in emotional state manifests itself through random snapping of their teeth in the air or howling.[3] When speeding in for an attack morolaath may clack their jaws together.[4] Morolaath are territorial creatures which closely guard areas which are important to them, such as riverbanks they must needs drink from.[5] Those that encroach on these locales may find themselves set upon by the pack which claims it.[5] The pack mentality of morolaath can be overridden by fear, in which case a larger or more intimidating creature can cause a pack to retreat and slink away rather than engage it.[4] Prolonged gunfire is especially like to upset them, leaving them disoriented as they scramble about to locate targets amidst the cacophony while also being shot.[4]
Behind the scenes
- On the Halo 2 multiplayer map "Terminal", the male announcer says occasionally says, "A child’s 'My Pet Blind Wolf' stuffed toy has been found. Will the owner please claim it at the lost and found?[6]
- In Halo Mash-Up: Minecraft Evolved, some horse mobs are textured to resemble the blind wolf.
- In Halo Wars 2 multiplayer, the Green Machine, a personalized variant of the Mark I Prototype ADS used by Leader Avery Johnson, is equipped with sonic blind wolf repellers.
- The blind wolf was planned to be featured in Halo: Combat Evolved as a player-controlled mount. It was removed from the game due to problems with the control scheme and the artificial intelligence.[7] It was said to have a symbiotic relationship with a local insect species, which would lead the blind wolf to prey and so get to scavenge off the carcass.[8]
Gallery
Morolaath on the Ark.
- Blind wolf by Marcus Lehto.jpg
Sketch by Marcus Lehto with its insect companion.
A 3D model of the blind wolf.
A pack of blind wolves run past a Warthog.
Several blind wolves on the partially destroyed Installation 00 on the cover of Halo: Hunters in the Dark.
.jpg)
List of appearances
- Halo 2 (Easter egg)
- Halo: Hunters in the Dark (First appearance)
- Halo Wars 2
- Halo: Outpost Discovery
Sources
- ^ a b c d Halo: Hunters in the Dark, Chapter 12
- ^ a b c Halo Waypoint - Discovery Dispatch - The Ring Experience
- ^ a b c d e f g h Halo: Hunters in the Dark, Chapter 9
- ^ a b c d e f g h Halo: Hunters in the Dark, Chapter 10
- ^ a b c Halo: Hunters in the Dark, Chapter 18
- ^ Halo 2, multiplayer map Terminal
- ^ Limited Collector's Edition Disc (Halo 2)
- ^ Paul Russel, Twitter, May 8th, 2014
