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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Forerunner infobox
{{Forerunner infobox
|name=Monitor
|name=Monitor
|image=[[File:HTMCC-H2A 343GuiltySpark.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:H2A - Guilty Spark close-up.jpg|300px]]
|role=Caretaking, maintenance, security, combat support
|role=Caretaking, maintenance, security, combat support
|length={{Convert|22.9|in|cm|disp=flip}}<ref name="waypointspark">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/343-guilty-spark '''Halo Waypoint''': ''343 Guilty Spark'']</ref>
|length={{Convert|22.9|in|cm|disp=flip}}<ref name="waypointspark">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/343-guilty-spark '''Halo Waypoint''': ''343 Guilty Spark'']</ref>
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{{Quote|Greetings! I am the monitor of Installation 04. I am 343 Guilty Spark.|[[343 Guilty Spark]] introducing himself to [[John-117]]<ref name="ce343">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]''</ref>}}
{{Quote|Greetings! I am the monitor of Installation 04. I am 343 Guilty Spark.|[[343 Guilty Spark]] introducing himself to [[John-117]]<ref name="ce343">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]''</ref>}}


A '''monitor''' is a general-purpose [[Sentinel]], containing a high-tier [[artificial intelligence]] construct, or [[ancilla]].{{Ref/Book|[[Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo]]|Section=Glossary|Page=90-91}}
A '''monitor''' is an advanced [[artificial intelligence]] construct, or [[ancilla]], created by the [[Forerunner]]s to occupy special positions in their society. Monitors are characterized as being embodied in [[Anti-gravity technology|floating]] robotic casings, in contrast to most ancillas which lack physical form, only appearing as [[holography|holographic]] representations.


The [[Covenant]] refer to monitors as '''Oracles'''; they revere the "Oracles" for their wisdom and believe that they are key to the fulfillment of the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref>
The [[Covenant]] refer to monitors as '''Oracles'''; they revere the "Oracles" for their wisdom and believe that they are key to the fulfillment of the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref>
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===Appearance===
===Appearance===
[[File:MonitorsTerminal.jpeg|thumb|250px|Several installation monitors among Forerunners.]]
[[File:MonitorsTerminal.jpeg|thumb|250px|Several installation monitors among Forerunners.]]
[[File:HWF Monitor Diagram.jpg|left|250px||thumb|A cross-sectional diagram of a Monitor.]]
[[File:HWF_Monitor_Diagram.jpg|left|250px||thumb|A cross-sectional diagram of a Monitor.]]
A monitor's body consists of a roughly spherical shape that is concave on three sides, with an illuminated photoreceptor located on the front of the orb. A monitor's silvery metal covering is reminiscent of other [[Forerunner]] constructs, though their spherical shapes stand in contrast to the polygonal, angular shapes commonly seen in other Forerunner creations. Some parts of a monitor are elaborately designed, while other parts are intricately simple.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 34'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Monitors were generally {{Convert|22.9|in|cm|disp=flip}} in length and {{Convert|19.9|in|cm|disp=flip}} in height,{{Ref/Reuse|waypointspark}} however some differed in size; [[the Warden]] was smaller than average, for example.<ref name="Cryptum 255-6">'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''', ''pages 255-256''</ref>
A monitor's body consists of a roughly spherical shape that is concave on three sides, with an illuminated photoreceptor located on the front of the orb. A monitor's silvery metal covering is reminiscent of other [[Forerunner]] constructs, though their spherical shapes stand in contrast to the polygonal, angular shapes commonly seen in other Forerunner creations. Some parts of a monitor are elaborately designed, while other parts are intricately simple.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 34'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Monitors were generally {{Convert|22.9|in|cm|disp=flip}} in length and {{Convert|19.9|in|cm|disp=flip}} in height,{{Ref/Reuse|waypointspark}} however some differed in size; [[the Warden]] was smaller than average, for example.<ref name="Cryptum 255-6">'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''', ''pages 255-256''</ref>


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[[343 Guilty Spark]] and [[2401 Penitent Tangent]] both possessed high-pitched, tinny voices. [[049 Abject Testament]]'s voice also had a tinny quality, but was notably deeper.{{Ref/Reuse|ceaterminal2}}
[[343 Guilty Spark]] and [[2401 Penitent Tangent]] both possessed high-pitched, tinny voices. [[049 Abject Testament]]'s voice also had a tinny quality, but was notably deeper.{{Ref/Reuse|ceaterminal2}}
The central core of the monitor is known as the [[encephalon]].{{Ref/Quest|Id=The Command Spire|HI|Reformation|The Command Spire}}


===Functions and capabilities===
===Functions and capabilities===
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Some monitors were intrigued with other [[Sentience|sentient]] species; Enduring Bias initially wished to study the [[Sangheili]] upon first encountering them.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 28-29'' (Google Play edition)</ref> 343 Guilty Spark sought to learn about the [[Covenant]], and the history of the Sangheili race.<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''</ref> He also wished to interact with and learn about the occupants of [[Unidentified alien vessel|a ship]] that crashed on [[Installation 04]], but did not as protocol forbade it.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminal 5]]''</ref> Some monitors made the conscious effort to respect their allies and adhere to their cultures and customs. Enduring Bias learned the societal traditions of the Sangheili and spoke with a male voice, knowing that it would gain him more respect among the species.<ref name="bc93">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 93'' (Google Play edition)</ref> 343 Guilty Spark later followed the commands of his [[UNSC]] and Sangheili allies, and expressed his condolences to [[John-117]] when [[Cortana|his attached AI]] was in danger.{{Ref/Reuse|Floodgate}} [[031 Exuberant Witness]] expressed alarm at Cortana's plans to use the [[Guardian]]s to enforce the [[Mantle]] and assisted [[Fireteam Osiris]] in rescuing [[Blue Team]]. She also expressed worry for Blue Team's safety when Cortana teleported Blue Team closer to her position as it would push the [[Warden Eternal]] beyond all restraint. Exuberant Witness expressed hope that together the Spartans could stop Cortana from enslaving the races of the galaxy.{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Guardians}}
Some monitors were intrigued with other [[Sentience|sentient]] species; Enduring Bias initially wished to study the [[Sangheili]] upon first encountering them.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 28-29'' (Google Play edition)</ref> 343 Guilty Spark sought to learn about the [[Covenant]], and the history of the Sangheili race.<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''</ref> He also wished to interact with and learn about the occupants of [[Unidentified alien vessel|a ship]] that crashed on [[Installation 04]], but did not as protocol forbade it.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminal 5]]''</ref> Some monitors made the conscious effort to respect their allies and adhere to their cultures and customs. Enduring Bias learned the societal traditions of the Sangheili and spoke with a male voice, knowing that it would gain him more respect among the species.<ref name="bc93">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 93'' (Google Play edition)</ref> 343 Guilty Spark later followed the commands of his [[UNSC]] and Sangheili allies, and expressed his condolences to [[John-117]] when [[Cortana|his attached AI]] was in danger.{{Ref/Reuse|Floodgate}} [[031 Exuberant Witness]] expressed alarm at Cortana's plans to use the [[Guardian]]s to enforce the [[Mantle]] and assisted [[Fireteam Osiris]] in rescuing [[Blue Team]]. She also expressed worry for Blue Team's safety when Cortana teleported Blue Team closer to her position as it would push the [[Warden Eternal]] beyond all restraint. Exuberant Witness expressed hope that together the Spartans could stop Cortana from enslaving the races of the galaxy.{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Guardians}}


Monitors, like most forms of AI, are susceptible to [[rampancy]].<ref name="he267">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 267'' (2011 edition)</ref> After his defeat at the hands of a joint UNSC-[[Swords of Sanghelios]] force, [[000 Tragic Solitude]] appeared to descend into a state of rampancy where he lost all reason and claimed that he had made the mistake of trusting "your kind" before, that "I am the Ark" and accusing everyone of betrayal.{{Ref/Reuse|HITD340}}
Monitors, like most forms of AI, are susceptible to [[rampancy]].<ref name="he267">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 267'' (2011 edition)</ref> After his defeat at the hands of a joint UNSC-[[Swords of Sanghelios]] force, [[000 Tragic Solitude]] appeared to descend into a state of rampancy where he lost all reason and claimed that he had made the mistake of trusting "your kind" before, that "I am the Ark" and accusing everyone of betrayal.{{Ref/Reuse|HITD340}}


Similarly to a [[human]] [[Dumb AI|"dumb" AI]], monitors seem to have nearly limitless information of their own expertise, yet apparently lack information that does not pertain to their defined purpose. This is due to the compartmentalization protocols enacted by the Forerunners,{{Ref/Reuse|bc93}} which intentionally limit a monitor's knowledge by design so that as little as possible would be divulged should it be captured by the Flood;<ref name="The Ark">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Ark]]''</ref> this measure became particularly essential after the widespread perpetuation of the parasite's [[logic plague]]. This data compartmentalization was most prominently demonstrated with 343 Guilty Spark, large portions of whose memories were erased or suppressed after his assignment to Installation 04.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 314, 330''</ref>
Similarly to a [[human]] [[Dumb AI|"dumb" AI]], monitors seem to have nearly limitless information of their own expertise, yet apparently lack information that does not pertain to their defined purpose. This is due to the compartmentalization protocols enacted by the Forerunners,{{Ref/Reuse|bc93}} which intentionally limit a monitor's knowledge by design so that as little as possible would be divulged should it be captured by the Flood;<ref name="The Ark">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Ark]]''</ref> this measure became particularly essential after the widespread perpetuation of the parasite's [[logic plague]]. This data compartmentalization was most prominently demonstrated with 343 Guilty Spark, large portions of whose memories were erased or suppressed after his assignment to Installation 04.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 314, 330''</ref>
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==Roles==
==Roles==
{{Quote|I have now endured 60,000 years without word from outside the Array. I have no way to know whether we actually saved the galaxy we destroyed. And because of protocol I sat silently while my first chance to be judged for those acts died. To say that I regret being forced to this outcome is a tremendous understatement. But as I perform my inspection of the quarantine lab today, I am reminded of the gravity of my responsibilities.|343 Guilty Spark, referring to his requirement to follow protocol over personal desires<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminal 6]]''</ref>}}
{{Quote|I have now endured 60,000 years without word from outside the Array. I have no way to know whether we actually saved the galaxy we destroyed. And because of protocol I sat silently while my first chance to be judged for those acts died. To say that I regret being forced to this outcome is a tremendous understatement. But as I perform my inspection of the quarantine lab today, I am reminded of the gravity of my responsibilities.|343 Guilty Spark, referring to his requirement to follow protocol over personal desires<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminal 6]]''</ref>}}
[[File:HTMCC-H2A 2401PenitentTangent.png|thumb|left|200px|2401 Penitent Tangent.]]
[[File:H2A - MonitorGravemind.jpg|thumb|left|250px|2401 Penitent Tangent.]]
Monitors were commonly given administrative roles within the [[Forerunner]] [[ecumene]]. Most prominently, monitors were tasked with servicing and maintaining the [[Halo Array|Halo installations]] and ensuring that the virulent [[Flood]] stay imprisoned. Beyond their most well-known function, monitors were assigned to a wide variety of tasks by the different Forerunner [[rate]]s, ranging from robotic household servants to security,<ref>'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''', ''page 291''</ref> combat support,{{Ref/Reuse|Cryptum 255-6}} fleet coordination,<ref>'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', page 6</ref> and duties involved with the [[Conservation Measure]]. Monitors also oversee the maintenance and function of many Forerunner facilities, including the [[Line installation]]s. Monitors are extremely intelligent, yet are completely devoted to their original function; for example, monitors whose duties involve combating the Flood are zealous about containing the parasite, and have been known to turn violently on their allies if they should attempt to violate their [[containment protocol]]s.
Monitors were commonly given administrative roles within the [[Forerunner]] [[ecumene]]. Most prominently, monitors were tasked with servicing and maintaining the [[Halo Array|Halo installations]] and ensuring that the virulent [[Flood]] stay imprisoned. Beyond their most well-known function, monitors were assigned to a wide variety of tasks by the different Forerunner [[rate]]s, ranging from robotic household servants to security,<ref>'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''', ''page 291''</ref> combat support,{{Ref/Reuse|Cryptum 255-6}} fleet coordination,<ref>'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', page 6</ref> and duties involved with the [[Conservation Measure]]. Monitors also oversee the maintenance and function of many Forerunner facilities, including the [[Line installation]]s. Monitors are extremely intelligent, yet are completely devoted to their original function; for example, monitors whose duties involve combating the Flood are zealous about containing the parasite, and have been known to turn violently on their allies if they should attempt to violate their [[containment protocol]]s.


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==Known monitors and their assignments==
==Known monitors and their assignments==
[[File:Abject Testament.jpg|thumb|200px|049 Abject Testament, monitor of Installation 03.]]
[[File:Abject Testament.jpg|thumb|230px|049 Abject Testament, monitor of Installation 03.]]
Most known monitors are identified by a series of numbers followed by a name. The monitors of the Halo installations have identification numbers comprised of [[seven]] raised to the power of the Halo installation's number minus one (7<sup>n-1</sup>). The names appear to consist of an adjective describing a negative emotion followed by a technological term.{{Ref/Reuse|he267}} In Forerunner [[Terminal (Halo 3)|communication logs]], Halo monitors are identified by their installation's number, a dash, and their own number; for example, 343 Guilty Spark, the monitor of [[Installation 04]], is formally identified on such logs as "04-343."<ref>'''Halo 3''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 3)|Terminals]]''</ref>
Most known monitors are identified by a series of numbers followed by a name. The monitors of the Halo installations have identification numbers comprised of [[seven]] raised to the power of the Halo installation's number minus one (7<sup>n-1</sup>). The names appear to consist of an adjective describing a negative emotion followed by a technological term.{{Ref/Reuse|he267}} In Forerunner [[Terminal (Halo 3)|communication logs]], Halo monitors are identified by their installation's number, a dash, and their own number; for example, 343 Guilty Spark, the monitor of [[Installation 04]], is formally identified on such logs as "04-343."<ref>'''Halo 3''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 3)|Terminals]]''</ref>


*[[000 Tragic Solitude]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 00]]<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 198'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
*[[000 Tragic Solitude]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 00]]<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 198'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
*[[001 Shamed Instrument]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 01]]
*[[001]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 01]]
*[[007 Contrite Witness]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 02]]
*[[007 Contrite Witness]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 02]]
*[[031 Exuberant Witness]] – Caretaker of [[Genesis]]{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}
*[[031 Exuberant Witness]] – Caretaker of [[Genesis]]{{Ref/Reuse|Genesis}}
*[[049 Abject Testament]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 03]]{{Ref/Reuse|ceaterminal2}}
*[[049 Abject Testament]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 03]]{{Ref/Reuse|ceaterminal2}}
*[[295 Enduring Bias]] – Caretaker of [[The Refuge]]
*[[343 Guilty Spark]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 04]], and later [[Installation 08]]
*[[295 Harken Watch]] - Caretaker of [[Trove]]{{Ref/Book|Book=Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)|Page=358}}
*[[343 Guilty Spark]] – Former caretaker of [[Installation 04]] and [[Installation 08]], and current caretaker of [[Bastion]]
*[[2401 Penitent Tangent]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 05]]
*[[2401 Penitent Tangent]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 05]]
*[[16807 Abashed Eulogy]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 06]]
*[[16807]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 06]]
*[[117649 Despondent Pyre]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 07]]
*[[117649 Despondent Pyre]] – Caretaker of [[Installation 07]]
*[[686 Ebullient Prism]] – Caretaker of [[Line Installation 1-4]]
*[[686 Ebullient Prism]] – Caretaker of [[Line Installation 1-4]]
*[[859 Static Carillon]] – Caretaker of the [[Composer's Forge]]
*[[859 Static Carillon]] – Caretaker of the [[Composer's Forge]]
*[[Enduring Bias]] – Caretaker of [[The Refuge]]
*[[The Warden]] – Detained and provided defense for Forerunners accused of crime before the [[Capital Court]]
*[[The Warden]] – Detained and provided defense for Forerunners accused of crime before the [[Capital Court]]
A list of adjutant [[Facilitator-class ancilla|submonitors]] can be found [[Facilitator-class ancilla#Known ancilla|here]].


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Other languages
{{Other languages
|fr={{Tooltip|''Monitor''|(Anglicism)}} in the ''Halo'' games.<br>
|fr={{Explain|''Monitor''|(Anglicism)}} in the ''Halo'' games.<br>
{{Tooltip|''Veilleur''|Watcher}} in the ''Halo'' novels.<br>
{{Explain|''Veilleur''|Watcher}} in the ''Halo'' novels.<br>
{{Tooltip|''Moniteur''|Monitor}} in ''Halo: Blood Line'' and ''Halo Wars 2''.
{{Explain|''Moniteur''|Monitor}} in ''Halo: Blood Line'' and ''Halo Wars 2''.
}}
}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Monitors}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Monitors}}
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File:Halo 5 - Exuberant close-up.jpg|[[031 Exuberant Witness]] in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:Halo 5 - Exuberant close-up.jpg|[[031 Exuberant Witness]] in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G-ForgeMonitor.png|A Monitor in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' Forge.
File:H5G-ForgeMonitor.png|A Monitor in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' Forge.
File:HINF-Concept-MonitorsExploration1.jpg|Concept art exploration of monitor designs for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF-Concept-MonitorsExploration2.jpg|Concept art of a monitor in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-Concept-MonitorExploded.png|Concept art of a monitor with its components exploded outward.
File:HINF_DespondentPyre.png|[[117649 Despondent Pyre]] in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF_Adjutant_Resolution.png|[[Adjutant Resolution]] in ''Halo Infinite''.
HINF-SentinelMonitorRender.jpg|Render of a Monitor in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Forge Monitor.jpg|A Monitor in ''Halo Infinite''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Forge.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''
*''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
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*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo: Silentium]]''
*''[[Halo: Silentium]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
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*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''  
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''  
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
**''[[Inheritance]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''
*''[[Halo: Whispers from the Pyre]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


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