Editing Cryptum

{{Era|Forerunner}}

[[File:H4-DidactPrometheanCryptum.png|thumb|right|250px|The Didact's second Cryptum.]]

'''Cryptums''', or '''Warrior Keeps''', were objects created by the [[Promethean]]s, the highest class of [[Warrior-Servant]]s in the [[Forerunner]] [[ecumene]].

A Cryptum is a sealed capsule where a high-ranking [[Promethean]] would enter self-imposed exile as punishment for failure or dishonor. When in use, their Forerunner occupants would enter a state of meditative hibernation known as "timeless [[xankara]]". During this time, the Forerunner would become unaware of the physical world around him, and could remain in a state of suspended animation for thousands of years. Cryptums required an extraordinary amount of force to breach once sealed. They denied access to every species except Forerunners; however, after being designated as [[Reclaimer]]s, [[human]]s have been shown to be capable of unsealing Cryptums.<ref name="halo 4">'''Halo 4'''</ref> The nature of a Cryptum was unknown to most Forerunners, including [[Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting]]. However, he was aware that the violation of a Cryptum invoked dire consequences, one of which was angering the powerful Prometheans.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', "Chapter 2"</ref>

A Cryptum was discovered in [[Djamonkin Crater]] on [[Earth|Erde-Tyrene]] by the young Forerunner Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting, containing the meditating [[Didact]]. The Cryptum vessel, colored copper and steel, was ovoid-shaped, over ten meters high and at least as wide. When the millennial seal was unsealed, the Cryptum emitted an intense flash of blue light, which apparently caused anyone in the vicinity to feel as if time had been suspended. As the Cryptum opened, it parted outward in three sections above the middle, revealing its meditating occupant inside.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 62-64''</ref>

While the Cryptum preserved the consciousness of the Forerunner inside for an indefinite period, the Forerunner's physical body would still deteriorate, albeit at a significantly reduced rate. The body of the Forerunner would shrivel and lose most of its fluids, in a process similar to mummification. Once the Forerunner was removed from the Cryptum, the body would be placed in a restorative bath, and the body's supply of electrolytes, nutrients and other essential substances was thereby replenished. The body's muscle structure would then be regenerated, a process requiring several days.

Another Cryptum, also containing the Didact, was discovered over 100,000 years later by [[John-117]] and the [[AI]] [[Cortana]] on the Forerunner [[Shield World]] [[Requiem]].<ref>[http://press.xbox360.com/products/p51/halo-4?grp=Blockbuster+Games&event=5 '''Xbox.com''': ''Xbox Press Center - Halo 4'' - Artwork ''(Halo 4 Key Art - Cryptum_Vertical)'']</ref> This Cryptum was spherical in shape, with a dark gray outer casing broken by a pattern of angular, orange-glowing "cracks." Unlike the one discovered by Bornstellar, this Cryptum had not withered the user, as the Didact remained as physically fit as he had been when he entered; it is unknown if this was the work of the Cryptum itself or the fact that the Didact wore his [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]] during hibernation.

In addition to serving as a prison for the Didact, this Cryptum appeared to double as a means of transport, being able to travel at massive speeds or even through [[slipspace]] if necessary, as demonstrated when the Didact escaped Requiem's core in his Cryptum via a slipspace rift. However, it had no weapons and was vulnerable to UNSC ones such as [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MACs]] and missiles. It also had the capability to scan its surrounding environment or data networks in order to gather information. This Cryptum was destroyed when the Master Chief detonated a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon|HAVOK nuclear warhead]] inside the Didact's flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'' which it had joined with.<ref name="halo 4"/>

The millennial seal on the Didact's Cryptum placed on Earth was sealed by two forces known as the "[[wisdom of Harbou]]" and "[[strength of Lang]]".<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 61''</ref> Who or what Harbou and Lang were is unknown. However, they appear to be a reference to the German actress and author [[Wikipedia:Thea von Harbou|Thea von Harbou]] and the film producer and screenwriter [[Wikipedia:Fritz Lang|Fritz Lang]], who were married and made several films together.

File:H4-PrometheanCryptum-Views.jpg|Orthographic view of the Didact's Cryptum.

File:H4-ForerunnerCryptum-Campaign.jpg|The Didact's Cryptum in the core of Requiem.

File:H4-Cryptum-Opening.jpg|The Cryptum preparing to open up and disgorge the Didact.

File:H4-Cryptum.jpg|John-117 facing the Didact's Cryptum.

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