Canon

Tactical Signals Intelligence Collection System

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An EXO/TSCS module worn as a utility atop the B-class Mjolnir system

A Tactical Signals Intelligence Collection System is a kind of intelligence-gathering equipment employed by the United Nations Space Command.[1]

Known TSCS modules[edit]

EXO/TSCS[edit]

The EXO TSCS chest piece consists predominantly of a dark gray metal collar encircling the user's neck, set upon a thicker armored base that connects to the existing the Mjolnir Mark V chest piece upon which it is layered. The two sides of the collar are cut off beneath the user's chin, and therefore do not meet to create a full circle. Instead, the armored base on each side extends downward along the user's chest, forming two parallel strips which are joined at the sternum by a small connecting segment.

UTIL/SCYTALE[edit]

Spartan-specific Tactical Signals Intelligence Collection System with upgraded cyberwarfare and AI acceleration hardware. (Watershed Division/Epic)
The UTIL/SCYTALE chest plate.

The SCYTALE is a TSCS module manufactured by the Watershed Division, and its a Spartan-specific equipment equipped with upgraded cyberwarfare and AI acceleration hardware. The module is also equipped with two pouches.[2]

WILLOWKEY TSCS[edit]

Closeup artwork of Alannah Quinn.
A WILLOWKEY TSCS used by Quinn.[3]

The WILLOWKEY is a TSCS module worn on the lower abdomen. It is often used by Orbital Drop Shock Troopers as part of their armour configurations.[3] One such module was employed by the Office of Naval Intelligence operative Captain Veronica Dare during the Battle for Earth in 2552,[4] while another such module was used by Corporal Alannah Quinn during the Second Ark Conflict.[3]

In-game information[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

The EXO/TSCS chest is unlockable in Series 5: Anvil of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.[5]

Attachment(s) Description Unlock requirements (Halo: Reach) Unlock requirements (Halo: MCC)
HR EXO-TSCS Chest Icon.png
EXO/TSCS
Modified for exo-atmospheric engagements, with onboard Tactical Signals Intelligence Collection System. N/A (Cut) Series 5 Tier 20, Spartan Point 1

Halo Infinite[edit]

The UTIL/SCYTALE is unlockable in Operation: Fleetcom of Halo Infinite

Armor Manufacturer Lore Rarity Unlock Requirements
Spartan-specific Tactical Signals Intelligence Collection System with upgraded cyberwarfare and AI acceleration hardware. (Watershed Division/Epic)
UTIL/SCYTALE
Watershed Division Spartan-specific Tactical Signals Intelligence Collection System with upgraded cyberwarfare and AI acceleration hardware. Epic Fleetcom Operation Battle Pass 20

Production notes[edit]

The chest piece that would later become known is one of a handful of cut armour sets intended to be included within the release of 2011's Anniversary Map Pack.[6] The chest was first revealed in promotional screenshots for the map pack, though usually obscured behind weapons and character positions. The chest was later revealed as being included in the early Flighting files for Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC, though little was confirmed of the armour's status until late 2020 when it was officially confirmed to be included in Series 4: Reclaimer.[5] Production issues ultimately pushed the release of EXO/TSCS back to the January 2021 release of Series 5: Anvil.[7]

Gallery[edit]

Defiant Map Pack promotional images[edit]

Dolls[edit]

Halo: The Master Chief Collection datamined models[edit]

Halo: Reach MCC screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: Reach, Armory: EXO/TSCS Chest Description "Modified for exo-atmospheric engagements, with onboard Tactical Signals Intelligence Collection System."
  2. ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: UTIL/SCYTALE - Chest Description "Spartan-specific Tactical Signals Intelligence Collection System with upgraded cyberwarfare and AI acceleration hardware."
  3. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Sweet Centennial (Retrieved on Sep 24, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ Halo 3: ODST, Veronica Dare in-game model
  5. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, News, MCC Development Update - October 2020 (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  6. ^ NeoGAF, Halo |OT| HaloGAF Evolved: "We were prototyping and experimenting with adding new armor variants as part of the Anniversary release. Unfortunately, that feature was cut due to time/resource constraints. The Spartan plushies on the Anniversary Maps are an acknowledgement of that via easter egg." - David Ellis (Retrieved on Oct 15, 2021) [archive]
  7. ^ Halo Waypoint, News, MCC Development Update - November 2020 (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]