Editing Form

{{Era|Forerunner}}

[[File:Forerunner forms.png|thumb|300px|Various Forerunner forms and rates. From left to right: a [[Promethean]], a [[Lifeworker]], the [[Librarian]], the [[Ur-Didact]]'s previous form, the Ur-Didact's final form, two unspecified types, a [[Warrior-Servant]], and [[Master Builder]] [[Faber]].]]

'''Forms''' were different physical stages assumed by the [[Forerunner]]s over the course of a lifetime. The Forerunners were able to mutate into various forms through an [[Forerunner mutation|artificially-induced transformation]]. [[Manipular]], or Form Zero, was the first and simplest form, assumed by Forerunners at birth.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/text/cryptum-glossary/62e29c59-a3f9-4b63-af76-def71fda5459 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Cryptum Glossary'']</ref> It was noted that Manipulars bore a striking resemblance to [[human]]s; however, this would change with higher forms.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 28''</ref> The original anatomy of a Forerunner would also be distorted when mutating to higher forms, which typically had stiffer facial muscles than Manipulars and thus a more limited capability to convey emotions; for example, with certain higher forms, the ability to smile was lost almost completely.<ref name="c261">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 261''</ref> After a mutation, small changes or corrections could be made, but these were mostly cosmetic.<ref name="c262">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 262-263''</ref>

In each mutation, a Forerunner would acquire the genetic imprint of their mentor, typically the individual's father. However, warriors sometimes performed mutations in battlefield conditions, where the imprint would be supplied by one's commander.<ref name="c262"/> In rare cases, a brevet mutation could fail and result in deformities; there were rumors that Forerunners whose mutations had failed were sequestered in special enclaves and hidden from the general population.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 146''</ref> The form one would mutate into was dictated by their [[rate]], as well as the person who performed the mutation. For example, [[Warrior-Servant]]s were noticeably taller, more rugged and more muscular than Builders, whose forms were more refined.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 206''</ref> Aside outward appearances, there were also differences in mental and neurological functions.<ref name="c261"/> Higher forms of Warrior-Servants, for example, had extraordinary mental abilities; they could absorb massive amounts of information from one another,<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 140''</ref> share sensory input with thousands of warriors during battle,<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 162''</ref> or splinter their perception of time into several "streams."<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 316''</ref>

By roughly [[100,000 BCE]], a new, more natural mutation pattern had been developed. Instead of being subjected to multiple mutations over several centuries, one would undergo a series of changes over a single year. This would result in fewer inherent physical or mental distortions. Most Forerunners mutated according to this new pattern came from Builder families, with a few Warrior-Servants among them.<ref name="c262"/>

**''[[Terminal/Halo 4|Terminals]]''

*''[[Halo: Rebirth]]''

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[[Category:The Forerunner]]