Cylix
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| Cylix | |
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| Overview | |
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Role: |
Genetic repository |
A Cylix is a genetic repository used by Forerunners to store and catalogue indexed specimens. Functioning as instrumental tools for the Lifeworkers Conservation Measure, cylixes were mainly used to protect population samples in order to later reseed life in the galaxy after the activation of the Halo Array.[1][2]
Overview[edit]
Design and purpose[edit]
Cylixes take the form of large slabs with stylized holograms depicting the type of specimen that resides within them.[1][3] The metallic surface of a cylix has been described as being so cold that feels like one's hand is burning as they touch it.[4] When a cylix is opened, the face that is adorned with the hologram slides apart and the receptacle's occupant is released.[5] While their main purpose was to facilitate the repopulation of the galaxy,[1][2] in some cases the Forerunners used cylixes as prisons for entities that were deemed to be a threat.[4][6] It appears that cylixes can either be opened en masse via automated system,[1] or individually by a Reclaimer.[4]
Usage[edit]
Forerunner Keyships, such as the Anodyne Spirit, carried large numbers of cylixes to be delivered by these vessels to various planets throughout the galaxy during the reseeding process that followed the Halo Array's activation.[2][7] As of 2559, the Anodyne Spirit still holds what appears to be "millions" of these cylixes within one of its vast interior chambers, a region of the ship that the Covenant referred to as "the clerestory."[2]
Cylixes within Installation 07 contained species such as humans, Jiralhanae, Kig-Yar, Sangheili and Unggoy, in addition to Flood[3] and Xalanyn.[6] The Xalanyn had mysteriously managed to survive the activation of the Halo Array, resulting in the surviving Forerunners deeming them a threat and imprisoning the species within cylixes on Installation 07.[6] One member of the Xalanyn, known as The Harbinger, was released from her cylix by order of War Chief Escharum during the Installation 07 conflict in 2560.[4]
Gallery[edit]
Cortana's depiction of cylixes onboard a Keyship in Halo Legends: Origins.
Ancient Unggoy being released from cylixes onto Balaho after the Great Purification.
Concept art for Halo Infinite of a cylix and the various holograms that it can display.
Numerous cylixes stored beneath Installation 07 in Halo Infinite.
A human cylix.
An Unggoy cylix.
A Kig-Yar cylix.
A Sangheili cylix.
A cylix containing one of the Endless.
The cylix for the Harbinger, opened.
A hologram of the Harbinger's cylix.
A sequestered cylix for a Flood Pod infector.
The Flood cylix from below.
Jiralhanae cylixes in the Silent Auditorium.
Jiralhanae Cylixes as seen in storage within the Silent Auditorium.
Another storage chamber containing Jiralhanae Cylixes.
List of appearances[edit]
- Halo Legends
- Origins (First appearance)
- Halo: Shadows of Reach
- Halo Infinite
- Halo: The Rubicon Protocol
Sources[edit]
- ^ a b c d Origins
- ^ a b c d Halo: Shadows of Reach: Adjunct - Sacrifice
- ^ a b Halo Infinite, campaign level Foundation (Halo Infinite)
- ^ a b c d Halo Infinite, UNSC Audio log: The Prisoner #03 - She was Smiling
- ^ Halo Infinite, campaign level Outpost Tremonius
- ^ a b c Halo Infinite, Post-credits cinematic
- ^ Halo: Warfleet: pages 84-85
