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{{Status|Canon | {{Status|Canon}} | ||
{{Center|''This article is about the original Didact, encountered in Halo 4. For the secondary Didact responsible for activating the Halo Array, see [[IsoDidact]].''}} | {{Center|''This article is about the original Didact, encountered in Halo 4. For the secondary Didact responsible for activating the Halo Array, see [[IsoDidact]].''}} | ||
{{Character infobox | {{Character infobox | ||
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|homeworld=[[Taram|Rijaal Suluhu]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=364}} | |homeworld=[[Taram|Rijaal Suluhu]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=364}} | ||
|birth=[[110,225 BCE]]{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint didact|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/didact|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Didact|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} | |birth=[[110,225 BCE]]{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint didact|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/didact|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Didact|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} | ||
|death=[[2557#July|July 26, 2557 | |death-title=[[Mind transfer|Digitized]]|death=[[2557#July|July 26, 2557]] {{c|original body}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint didact}} | ||
|causeofdeath= | |||
| | |parents= | ||
|siblings= | |siblings= | ||
|spouses= | |spouses= | ||
|children= | |children= | ||
|species=[[Forerunner]] | |species=[[Forerunner]] | ||
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|hair=*Dark brown, quill-like fur{{Ref/Game|Id=h4|H4|Didact in-game model}} | |hair=*Dark brown, quill-like fur{{Ref/Game|Id=h4|H4|Didact in-game model}} | ||
**Formerly pale, bluish white fur<ref name="p179">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 179''</ref> | **Formerly pale, bluish white fur<ref name="p179">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 179''</ref> | ||
|eyes=*Red | |eyes=*Red | ||
**Formerly gray{{Ref/Reuse|p79}} | **Formerly gray{{Ref/Reuse|p79}} | ||
|affiliation=*[[Ecumene]] | |affiliation=*[[Ecumene]] | ||
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] {{C|formerly}} | *[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] {{C|formerly}} | ||
|rank=[[Protector of the ecumene]] ([[Rate|R]]: [[Warrior-Servant]]) | |rank=[[Protector of the ecumene]] ([[Rate|R]]: [[Warrior-Servant]]) | ||
|sn= | |sn= | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{Quote|The Mantle of Responsibility for all things belongs to Forerunners alone.{{Ref/Level|H4|Epilogue (Halo 4 level)|Epilogue}}}} | {{Quote|The Mantle of Responsibility for all things belongs to Forerunners alone.{{Ref/Level|H4|Epilogue (Halo 4 level)|Epilogue}}}} | ||
The '''Didact''', | The '''Didact''', born '''Shadow-of-Sundered-Star''',{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} is a [[Forerunner]] [[Promethean]] who held an extremely high status in the [[Ecumene|Forerunner society]] as [[protector of the ecumene]],<ref name="protector">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 233''</ref> head of the [[Warrior-Servant]] [[rate]] and supreme commander of the entire Forerunner military.{{Ref/Game|Id=h3terminals|H3|Terminal (Halo 3)|Terminals}} He wholeheartedly believed in the [[Mantle]] the Forerunners held to protect life, and fervently opposed the [[Halo Array]] as a sin beyond measure. He was also the lover and husband of the [[Librarian]]. | ||
Originally thought to have been killed by the [[Master Builder]], [[Faber]],<ref name="c339">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 339''</ref> the Didact effectively existed as two individuals during the final days of the [[Forerunner-Flood war]]; his original self, as well as his implanted consciousness within a young Forerunner known as Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting. To differentiate these two incarnations, the original Didact was referred to as the '''Ur-Didact''', while his other incarnation was known as the [[IsoDidact]].<ref name="amazon">[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765323982/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=heaprcom05-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creativeASIN=0765323982 '''Amazon.com''': ''Halo: Silentium official description'']</ref> The Ur-Didact was eventually exiled on [[Requiem]], not to be awakened until [[2557]];<ref name="true Didact">[http://www.gregbear.com/blog/display.cfm?id=6897 '''Gregbear.com:''' ''HALO 4 DIDACT'']</ref> meanwhile, the IsoDidact served until the final days of the Flood conflict and was responsible for activating the Halo Array | Originally thought to have been killed by the [[Master Builder]], [[Faber]],<ref name="c339">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 339''</ref> the Didact effectively existed as two individuals during the final days of the [[Forerunner-Flood war]]; his original self, as well as his implanted consciousness within a young Forerunner known as Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting. To differentiate these two incarnations, the original Didact was referred to as the '''Ur-Didact''', while his other incarnation was known as the [[IsoDidact]].<ref name="amazon">[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765323982/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=heaprcom05-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creativeASIN=0765323982 '''Amazon.com''': ''Halo: Silentium official description'']</ref> The Ur-Didact was eventually exiled on [[Requiem]], not to be awakened until [[2557]];<ref name="true Didact">[http://www.gregbear.com/blog/display.cfm?id=6897 '''Gregbear.com:''' ''HALO 4 DIDACT'']</ref> meanwhile, the IsoDidact served until the final days of the Flood conflict and was responsible for activating the Halo Array.{{Ref/Novel|Sil|Chapter=String 38}} | ||
After being released from his [[Cryptum]] many millennia later, the Didact resumed his war against humanity. [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]] and [[Cortana]] fought him on [[Mantle's Approach|his ship]], and sent him falling into [[Slipstream space|slipspace]], seemingly defeating him. After surviving slipspace, John-117 faced him again, this time with the rest of [[Blue Team]]. After a long and perilous battle, the Didact's biological form was destroyed under the combined power of several [[Composer]]s | After being released from his [[Cryptum]] many millennia later, the Ur-Didact resumed his war against humanity. [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]] and [[Cortana]] fought him on [[Mantle's Approach|his ship]], and sent him falling into [[Slipstream space|slipspace]], seemingly defeating him. After surviving slipspace, John-117 faced him again, this time with the rest of [[Blue Team]]. After a long and perilous battle, the Ur-Didact's biological form was destroyed under the combined power of several [[Composer]]s. While he is considered "contained" by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], his digitized consciousness apparently survives.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint didact}} | ||
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
===Early career=== | ===Early career=== | ||
[[File: | [[File:Halo4-Terminal-DidactArmor.jpg|thumb|250px|The Didact's form for the majority of his career.]] | ||
Born ''Shadow-of-Sundered-Star'', the Didact was a Promethean, a member of the highest and most powerful class of [[Warrior-Servant]]s. He was trained by [[Bitterness-of-the-Vanquished]], a legendary Promethean far older than the Didact himself.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 246''</ref> Early in his career, the [[Confirmer]] provided Shadow a [[Forerunner mutation|brevet mutation]] to a new [[form]].<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 178''</ref> He gained the name "Didact" while teaching at the [[College of Strategic Defense of the Mantle]]; his students gave him the name because they found him to be a strict and demanding teacher.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''pages 227-228''</ref> As a cadet, he apprenticed on ''[[Deep Reverence]]''.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 145''</ref> | |||
The Didact was elevated to the rank of [[protector of the ecumene]] around 2,000 years before the war with the humans.{{Ref/Reuse|protector}} He had a romantic relationship with another Promethean commander, known as [[Endurance-of-Will]], and would most likely have married her had he not met the [[Librarian]], a [[Lifeworker]]. Despite the unconventional practice of marrying outside one's own rate, the Didact ultimately married the Librarian. | The Didact was elevated to the rank of [[protector of the ecumene]] around 2,000 years before the war with the humans.{{Ref/Reuse|protector}} He had a romantic relationship with another Promethean commander, known as [[Endurance-of-Will]], and would most likely have married her had he not met the [[Librarian]], a [[Lifeworker]]. Despite the unconventional practice of marrying outside one's own rate, the Didact ultimately married the Librarian.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 284, 290-291''</ref> They lived on [[Nomdagro]], a world populated mainly by Warrior-Servants, in a mansion designed by the Didact himself in a grandiose style traditional of Warrior-Servants.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 49-50''</ref> They had several children, all of whom followed in their father's footsteps and became Warrior-Servants.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 219''</ref> | ||
===War against humanity=== | ===War against humanity=== | ||
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Thus the Gravemind released the Didact and left him aboard an empty spacecraft, intentionally sending the ship where the Master Builder—who had been salvaging any ships he found in his own operation to combat the Flood—would find it. Meeting with Faber, the Didact delivered him a painful message from the Gravemind, taunting the Master Builder with the suffering of his family who had been absorbed into the Flood collective. Seemingly taking pleasure in conveying the news to his old enemy, the Didact stated that Faber and his Halos were to blame for their predicament.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''String 29''</ref> Faber delivered the Didact to the core of the ecumene, where both were deposed by the Juridicals. Against his strongest objections, the Didact (now differentiated from the IsoDidact with the title "Ur-Didact") was forced to recall his encounter with the Gravemind—which he had managed to partially shunt away from his memory—as part of the interrogation, dealing further damage to his sanity.{{Ref/Reuse|string12}} | Thus the Gravemind released the Didact and left him aboard an empty spacecraft, intentionally sending the ship where the Master Builder—who had been salvaging any ships he found in his own operation to combat the Flood—would find it. Meeting with Faber, the Didact delivered him a painful message from the Gravemind, taunting the Master Builder with the suffering of his family who had been absorbed into the Flood collective. Seemingly taking pleasure in conveying the news to his old enemy, the Didact stated that Faber and his Halos were to blame for their predicament.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''String 29''</ref> Faber delivered the Didact to the core of the ecumene, where both were deposed by the Juridicals. Against his strongest objections, the Didact (now differentiated from the IsoDidact with the title "Ur-Didact") was forced to recall his encounter with the Gravemind—which he had managed to partially shunt away from his memory—as part of the interrogation, dealing further damage to his sanity.{{Ref/Reuse|string12}} | ||
[[File: | [[File:H4Terminal-DidactProcedure.jpg|thumb|250px|The Ur-Didact, accompanied by a fellow Promethean, after undergoing a failed procedure to gain an immunity to the Flood.]] | ||
The Ur-Didact's privileges were subsequently restored, although the IsoDidact remained in command of the ecumene's military.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 216''</ref> Cast aside by the ecumene at large, the Ur-Didact returned to [[Requiem]], where he continued his own mission against the Flood's onslaught. Convinced that his old strategies were no longer workable now that the Gravemind had learned everything, he desperately began to devise new methods of combating the Flood—going so far as applying the philosophy of the enemy. Failing to decipher Flood immunity via other means—including an experimental procedure which left him disfigured—he acquired a [[Composer]], a machine once designed to rid Forerunners of Flood infection via [[mind transfer|converting their essences]] to digital form, but abandoned long since due to several functional defects. In full agreement, the Ur-Didact's fellow Prometheans all pledged to be composed, relieving them of biological form; the Didact did not subject himself to Composer processing, as his new form was incompatible with the device. The Ur-Didact then used the Composer to make his Prometheans completely immune to Flood infection by combining their composed essences with powerful war machines, known as "[[Promethean Knight]]s". Although these new warriors scored an isolated victory against a Flood-infested fleet, it soon became apparent that their numbers were too few to halt the parasite's continued advance, leading the Ur-Didact to consider other options to expand his army.<ref name="h4terminals">'''Halo 4''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''</ref> | The Ur-Didact's privileges were subsequently restored, although the IsoDidact remained in command of the ecumene's military.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 216''</ref> Cast aside by the ecumene at large, the Ur-Didact returned to [[Requiem]], where he continued his own mission against the Flood's onslaught. Convinced that his old strategies were no longer workable now that the Gravemind had learned everything, he desperately began to devise new methods of combating the Flood—going so far as applying the philosophy of the enemy. Failing to decipher Flood immunity via other means—including an experimental procedure which left him disfigured—he acquired a [[Composer]], a machine once designed to rid Forerunners of Flood infection via [[mind transfer|converting their essences]] to digital form, but abandoned long since due to several functional defects. In full agreement, the Ur-Didact's fellow Prometheans all pledged to be composed, relieving them of biological form; the Didact did not subject himself to Composer processing, as his new form was incompatible with the device. The Ur-Didact then used the Composer to make his Prometheans completely immune to Flood infection by combining their composed essences with powerful war machines, known as "[[Promethean Knight]]s". Although these new warriors scored an isolated victory against a Flood-infested fleet, it soon became apparent that their numbers were too few to halt the parasite's continued advance, leading the Ur-Didact to consider other options to expand his army.<ref name="h4terminals">'''Halo 4''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''</ref> | ||
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===Betrayal and second exile=== | ===Betrayal and second exile=== | ||
{{Quote|No longer a Promethean. No longer a Warrior-Servant. A traitor!|The IsoDidact responding to the Ur-Didact using a Composer on [[Omega Halo]], and then deserting the Forerunners<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''String 33''</ref>}} | {{Quote|No longer a Promethean. No longer a Warrior-Servant. A traitor!|The IsoDidact responding to the Ur-Didact using a Composer on [[Omega Halo]], and then deserting the Forerunners<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''String 33''</ref>}} | ||
[[File: | [[File:H4Terminal-DidactKnights.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Ur-Didact, surrounded by his newly-created Promethean Knights.]] | ||
At the greater Ark, the Ur-Didact remained on station aboard the ''Mantle's Approach'', not leaving the ship even to attend the Forerunner commanders' emergency conference. He was briefly visited by the Librarian, who was further horrified by what her husband had become.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''Strings 28-30''</ref> As the greater Ark fell under siege by the Flood and star roads, the Ur-Didact expressed no desire to partake in its defense, cryptically stating that he would leave after he had finished his task. The Ur-Didact's plan was revealed during the ensuing chaos, when he took ''Mantle's Approach''—supported by thousands of [[sentinel]]s under his control—to the nearby [[Omega Halo]] and used the [[Composer]] to [[Mind transfer|harvest]] the installation's entire human population—the bulk of what remained of the Librarian's human specimens. The Librarian attempted in vain to stop him, but [[Audacity|her ship]] was effortlessly shunted aside by a [[torsion field]] projected by ''Mantle's Approach''.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''Strings 31-32''</ref> | At the greater Ark, the Ur-Didact remained on station aboard the ''Mantle's Approach'', not leaving the ship even to attend the Forerunner commanders' emergency conference. He was briefly visited by the Librarian, who was further horrified by what her husband had become.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''Strings 28-30''</ref> As the greater Ark fell under siege by the Flood and star roads, the Ur-Didact expressed no desire to partake in its defense, cryptically stating that he would leave after he had finished his task. The Ur-Didact's plan was revealed during the ensuing chaos, when he took ''Mantle's Approach''—supported by thousands of [[sentinel]]s under his control—to the nearby [[Omega Halo]] and used the [[Composer]] to [[Mind transfer|harvest]] the installation's entire human population—the bulk of what remained of the Librarian's human specimens. The Librarian attempted in vain to stop him, but [[Audacity|her ship]] was effortlessly shunted aside by a [[torsion field]] projected by ''Mantle's Approach''.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''Strings 31-32''</ref> | ||
The Ur-Didact returned to Requiem, where he would implant the human essences into hundreds of thousands more Promethean Knights, bolstering his mechanical army. In his maniacal scheme, the machines would eventually defeat the Flood, and Forerunner remnants would unite under his leadership with Requiem as the center of their power. Once the parasite would be rooted out, the Ur-Didact would carry out a campaign to eradicate humanity and all other "suspect" species which might potentially threaten the Forerunners' hold of the Mantle.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 289''</ref> The Librarian, devastated by the loss of her humans, followed the Ur-Didact to Requiem with the intent of imprisoning him. By this point, only one of the Didact's loyal Prometheans remained uncomposed; [[Endurance-of-Will]], the Didact's former lover who now served as his top lieutenant. Although Endurance was at first seemingly supportive of the Ur-Didact, her confidence was little more than a facade; she eventually agreed with the Librarian that the Didact was no longer fit to lead the Prometheans and should be exiled in a Cryptum.<ref name="string34">'''Halo: Silentium''', ''String 34''</ref> | The Ur-Didact returned to Requiem, where he would implant the human essences into hundreds of thousands more Promethean Knights, bolstering his mechanical army. In his maniacal scheme, the machines would eventually defeat the Flood, and Forerunner remnants would unite under his leadership with Requiem as the center of their power. Once the parasite would be rooted out, the Ur-Didact would carry out a campaign to eradicate humanity and all other "suspect" species which might potentially threaten the Forerunners' hold of the Mantle.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 289''</ref> The Librarian, devastated by the loss of her humans, followed the Ur-Didact to Requiem with the intent of imprisoning him. By this point, only one of the Didact's loyal Prometheans remained uncomposed; [[Endurance-of-Will]], the Didact's former lover who now served as his top lieutenant. Although Endurance was at first seemingly supportive of the Ur-Didact, her confidence was little more than a facade; she eventually agreed with the Librarian that the Didact was no longer fit to lead the Prometheans and should be exiled in a Cryptum.<ref name="string34">'''Halo: Silentium''', ''String 34''</ref> | ||
[[File: | [[File:H4-ForerunnerCryptum-Campaign.jpg|thumb|250px|The Ur-Didact's Cryptum in the core of Requiem.]] | ||
The Ur-Didact, lulled into a sense of security within his greatest fortress, was then confronted by the Librarian aboard the ''Mantle's Approach''. After a brief exchange, the Librarian incapacitated the Didact through force and placed him in a combat Cryptum previously maintained on ''Mantle's Approach''. Sealing the Cryptum in the core of Requiem, the Librarian hoped that the Ur-Didact would spend his time in meditation reflecting upon his past misdeeds, and that the damage wrought on his mind by the Gravemind would be corrected with the aid of contact with the [[Domain]].{{Ref/Reuse|string34}} Eventually, once awakened, the Didact might help humanity ascend to be the new caretakers of the galaxy by educating them on the Mantle as well as the Forerunners' technological achievements with the [[Janus Key]].{{Ref/Reuse|h4terminals}} | The Ur-Didact, lulled into a sense of security within his greatest fortress, was then confronted by the Librarian aboard the ''Mantle's Approach''. After a brief exchange, the Librarian incapacitated the Didact through force and placed him in a combat Cryptum previously maintained on ''Mantle's Approach''. Sealing the Cryptum in the core of Requiem, the Librarian hoped that the Ur-Didact would spend his time in meditation reflecting upon his past misdeeds, and that the damage wrought on his mind by the Gravemind would be corrected with the aid of contact with the [[Domain]].{{Ref/Reuse|string34}} Eventually, once awakened, the Didact might help humanity ascend to be the new caretakers of the galaxy by educating them on the Mantle as well as the Forerunners' technological achievements with the [[Janus Key]].{{Ref/Reuse|h4terminals}}<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[S1/Key|S1E9 ''Key'']]</ref> The Librarian sealed Requiem and took over the Promethean Knights stationed there,{{Ref/Reuse|h4terminals}} giving them orders to prevent the Ur-Didact from being reawakened until his meditation was complete.{{Ref/Reuse|h4}} | ||
However, at the close of the Flood war, the Librarian learned the Domain's true nature as a Precursor creation, and that by activating the [[Halo Array]], the Domain would be lost along with all Precursor architecture. As the Halo Array was fired, the Domain was evidently destroyed and as a result, instead of his mind being healed in his meditation, the Ur-Didact would spend the next 100,000 years in complete silence, dwelling on his own insanity and rage.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''String 37''</ref> | However, at the close of the Flood war, the Librarian learned the Domain's true nature as a Precursor creation, and that by activating the [[Halo Array]], the Domain would be lost along with all Precursor architecture. As the Halo Array was fired, the Domain was evidently destroyed and as a result, instead of his mind being healed in his meditation, the Ur-Didact would spend the next 100,000 years in complete silence, dwelling on his own insanity and rage.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''String 37''</ref> | ||
===Return=== | ===Return=== | ||
====Reawakening on Requiem==== | ====Reawakening on Requiem==== | ||
[[File: | [[File:H4 John-117 Didact first encounter.jpg|250px|thumb|The Ur-Didact overpowers John-117.]] | ||
{{Quote|Time was your ally, human, but now it has abandoned you. The Forerunners... have returned.|The Ur-Didact to John-117, declaring the return of the Forerunners.{{Ref/Reuse|forerunner}}}} | {{Quote|Time was your ally, human, but now it has abandoned you. The Forerunners... have returned.|The Ur-Didact to John-117, declaring the return of the Forerunners.{{Ref/Reuse|forerunner}}}} | ||
On [[2557#July|July 21, 2557]], the wreckage of the [[UNSC]] {{Class|Charon|light frigate}} {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}, carrying [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]] and his [[Smart AI|AI]] companion [[Cortana]], arrived in the orbit of Requiem, where they were intercepted by a fleet of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant remnant]] warships led by the [[Sangheili]] [[Jul 'Mdama]]. Though the Covenant had been denied access to Requiem's interior for three years, an entrance portal opened after scanning the Spartan and pulled all nearby ships inside. After landing, both the Spartan and 'Mdama's Covenant forces faced fierce opposition from the occupying Promethean constructs, until eventually discovering the Ur-Didact's Cryptum on what John and Cortana originally thought to be a communications relay satellite. Even in his imprisoned and hibernating state, the Ur-Didact appeared to be in partial control of Requiem's systems, being able to manipulate {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s signal to lead John-117 to [[Core of Requiem|Requiem's core]] and release him,{{Ref/Reuse|forerunner}} or hinder Cortana's attempts to access a local [[Cartographer]].{{Ref/Level|Id=requiem|H4|Requiem (level)|Requiem}} | On [[2557#July|July 21, 2557]], the wreckage of the [[UNSC]] {{Class|Charon|light frigate}} {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}, carrying [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]] and his [[Smart AI|AI]] companion [[Cortana]], arrived in the orbit of Requiem, where they were intercepted by a fleet of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant remnant]] warships led by the [[Sangheili]] [[Jul 'Mdama]]. Though the Covenant had been denied access to Requiem's interior for three years, an entrance portal opened after scanning the Spartan and pulled all nearby ships inside. After landing, both the Spartan and 'Mdama's Covenant forces faced fierce opposition from the occupying Promethean constructs, until eventually discovering the Ur-Didact's Cryptum on what John and Cortana originally thought to be a communications relay satellite. Even in his imprisoned and hibernating state, the Ur-Didact appeared to be in partial control of Requiem's systems, being able to manipulate {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s signal to lead John-117 to [[Core of Requiem|Requiem's core]] and release him,{{Ref/Reuse|forerunner}} or hinder Cortana's attempts to access a local [[Cartographer]].{{Ref/Level|Id=requiem|H4|Requiem (level)|Requiem}} | ||
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====Attack on Earth==== | ====Attack on Earth==== | ||
[[File: | [[File:Didact John comparison.png|thumb|250px|The Didact facing down John-117 on the ''Mantle's Approach''.]] | ||
{{Main|New Phoenix Incident}} | {{Main|New Phoenix Incident}} | ||
{{quote|Humanity's imprisonment is a kindness.|The Ur-Didact to John-117 during their confrontation on ''Mantle's Approach''.{{Ref/Reuse|midnight}}}} | {{quote|Humanity's imprisonment is a kindness.|The Ur-Didact to John-117 during their confrontation on ''Mantle's Approach''.{{Ref/Reuse|midnight}}}} | ||
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====Composer's Forge==== | ====Composer's Forge==== | ||
{{Main| | {{Main|Skirmish on Installation 03}} | ||
{{Quote|More of [[SPARTAN-II program|you]]? Unacceptable.|The Ur-Didact upon seeing Black Team on Installation 03.{{Ref/Reuse|esc9}}}} | {{Quote|More of [[SPARTAN-II program|you]]? Unacceptable.|The Ur-Didact upon seeing Black Team on Installation 03.{{Ref/Reuse|esc9}}}} | ||
[[File:Halo Escalation Ur-Didact.jpg|thumb|The Ur-Didact immediately after the attack on New Phoenix.|150px]] | [[File:Halo Escalation Ur-Didact.jpg|thumb|The Ur-Didact immediately after the attack on New Phoenix.|150px]] | ||
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Back on the surface of Installation 03, the Didact confronted Blue Team again, intending to kill them once and for all. However, John-117 managed to stab him in the eye with a [[combat knife]] in a surprise attack. Bemoaning his refusal to kill the Spartan when he had the chance before, the Didact lifted the Master Chief off the ground in retaliation and crushed his helmet.{{Ref/Reuse|esc9}} The Promethean quickly halted the other Spartans' efforts to save their comrade and knocked them all to the ground. Before he could finish them off, however, Static Carillon attacked the Didact from behind and teleported him to the Halo's [[Control Room (Installation 03)|Control Room]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE10|HEsc|Issue=10}} | Back on the surface of Installation 03, the Didact confronted Blue Team again, intending to kill them once and for all. However, John-117 managed to stab him in the eye with a [[combat knife]] in a surprise attack. Bemoaning his refusal to kill the Spartan when he had the chance before, the Didact lifted the Master Chief off the ground in retaliation and crushed his helmet.{{Ref/Reuse|esc9}} The Promethean quickly halted the other Spartans' efforts to save their comrade and knocked them all to the ground. Before he could finish them off, however, Static Carillon attacked the Didact from behind and teleported him to the Halo's [[Control Room (Installation 03)|Control Room]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE10|HEsc|Issue=10}} | ||
John-117 soon arrived in the Control Room with the ring's [[Activation Index]] and confronted the Didact; the Spartan explained that because the Didact could not be killed by conventional means a different approach must be taken. The Didact became puzzled when John inserted the Index into [[the Core]]; he asked why the Spartan would fire the ring just to eliminate him. John informed the Didact that he did not activate the ring's weapon, but instead disabled its safety protocols; this allowed the monitor to eject a large section of the ring containing the Control Room toward the Composer's Forge. The monitor rescued the Spartan while the Didact was subjected to the Composers' effects, disintegrating his body but storing his essence in digital form;{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint didact}} John later told [[Terrence Hood|Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood]] that he believed the Forerunner was merely "contained", not dead.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}}{{Ref/Note|In ''Halo 4''{{'}}s Terminal Five, the Didact claims the Composer would not work on his new form, and in the level [[Midnight]] is seen levitating himself within the Composer's active beam. It is possible that the Didact was merely resistant to the effects of the Composer, rather than completely immune, as the energy released by the overlapping pulses of five Composers would be orders of magnitude greater than the energy released by a single pulse. In the Library Edition of ''Halo: Escalation'', however, it's stated by Brian Reed that the Ur-Didact wasn't composed but the explosion did do something to him.}} By [[2558]], the Office of Naval Intelligence was still vigilant about any sightings of the Didact, advising that any sighting of him must be reported to ONI immediately.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM164 | John-117 soon arrived in the Control Room with the ring's [[Activation Index]] and confronted the Didact; the Spartan explained that because the Didact could not be killed by conventional means a different approach must be taken. The Didact became puzzled when John inserted the Index into [[the Core]]; he asked why the Spartan would fire the ring just to eliminate him. John informed the Didact that he did not activate the ring's weapon, but instead disabled its safety protocols; this allowed the monitor to eject a large section of the ring containing the Control Room toward the Composer's Forge. The monitor rescued the Spartan while the Didact was subjected to the Composers' effects, disintegrating his body but storing his essence in digital form;{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint didact}} John later told [[Terrence Hood|Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood]] that he believed the Forerunner was merely "contained", not dead.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}}{{Ref/Note|In ''Halo 4''{{'}}s Terminal Five, the Didact claims the Composer would not work on his new form, and in the level [[Midnight]] is seen levitating himself within the Composer's active beam. It is possible that the Didact was merely resistant to the effects of the Composer, rather than completely immune, as the energy released by the overlapping pulses of five Composers would be orders of magnitude greater than the energy released by a single pulse. In the Library Edition of ''Halo: Escalation'', however, it's stated by Brian Reed that the Ur-Didact wasn't composed but the explosion did do something to him.}} By [[2558]], the Office of Naval Intelligence was still vigilant about any sightings of the Didact, advising that any sighting of him must be reported to ONI immediately.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFM164}} | ||
In July, 2557, [[343 Guilty Spark]], formerly the human [[Chakas]] who once helped release the Didact from his first exile, learned from [[Catalog]] that the Didact had tried to access the [[Domain]], but had been denied access by the ancilla.{{Ref/Novel|HRen|Chapter=31}} On September 1, Spark [[Mission to Mount Kilimanjaro|met with]] a personality imprint of the [[Librarian]] beneath [[Mount Kilimanjaro]]. The Librarian told Spark of the awakening of herself and the Didact on Requiem, but did not go into detail. Spark asked if the Didact was alive, only to have the Librarian's expression grow forlorn. Though the Librarian did not verbally respond, Spark deduced that the threat from the Didact was "not worrisome." Before they parted ways, Spark recognized that the Librarian's deepest desire was still for the Didact to find peace and asked her if it was possible. With great sorrow, the Librarian told Spark that she feared that her husband was beyond redemption.{{Ref/Novel|HRen|Chapter=48}} | In July, 2557, [[343 Guilty Spark]], formerly the human [[Chakas]] who once helped release the Didact from his first exile, learned from [[Catalog]] that the Didact had tried to access the [[Domain]], but had been denied access by the ancilla.{{Ref/Novel|HRen|Chapter=31}} On September 1, Spark [[Mission to Mount Kilimanjaro|met with]] a personality imprint of the [[Librarian]] beneath [[Mount Kilimanjaro]]. The Librarian told Spark of the awakening of herself and the Didact on Requiem, but did not go into detail. Spark asked if the Didact was alive, only to have the Librarian's expression grow forlorn. Though the Librarian did not verbally respond, Spark deduced that the threat from the Didact was "not worrisome." Before they parted ways, Spark recognized that the Librarian's deepest desire was still for the Didact to find peace and asked her if it was possible. With great sorrow, the Librarian told Spark that she feared that her husband was beyond redemption.{{Ref/Novel|HRen|Chapter=48}} Sometime after his defeat by John, the Didact was imprisoned in the Domain,{{Ref/Game|Id=Doll|H5G|Forge/Halo 5: Guardians|Detail=[[Hidden toy|Didact toy]] description|Quote=Not all visitors to the Domain are strangers.}} reflecting on memories of his wife.{{Ref/Book|Halo: Adult Coloring Book|Page=41|Quote=After his defeat by the Master Chief and imprisonment in the Domain, the Didact reflects on memories of his wife, the Librarian.}} | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
==Personality and traits== | ==Personality and traits== | ||
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The one hundred thousand years the Didact spent locked away in meditative hibernation on [[Requiem]] did nothing to heal his damaged psyche, or soften his grudge against humanity. Upon being reawakened by John-117, he remained as determined as ever to ensure Forerunner supremacy, and resolved to compose the entire human race to finish what he started all those ages ago. However, his rage and overconfidence in his abilities led to his defeat at the hands of the Master Chief twice, the first time leading to his fall into a slipspace portal, and the second leading to his physical body being destroyed by the Composers; the very device with which he had planned to enslave humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} | The one hundred thousand years the Didact spent locked away in meditative hibernation on [[Requiem]] did nothing to heal his damaged psyche, or soften his grudge against humanity. Upon being reawakened by John-117, he remained as determined as ever to ensure Forerunner supremacy, and resolved to compose the entire human race to finish what he started all those ages ago. However, his rage and overconfidence in his abilities led to his defeat at the hands of the Master Chief twice, the first time leading to his fall into a slipspace portal, and the second leading to his physical body being destroyed by the Composers; the very device with which he had planned to enslave humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} | ||
===Views on humanity=== | ===Views on humanity=== | ||
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The Didact was considered in his time to be the supreme enemy of humans, viewing mankind as a grave threat to Forerunner peace and considering them to be extremely contentious, bigoted and self-centered.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 112''</ref> However, in his own mind this animosity was not driven by hatred or malice; rather, it was a largely rational reaction to humanity's actions.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 328''</ref> After his encounter with the Gravemind, his attitudes became much more extreme and he opted to wipe out humanity entirely as a potential threat to the Forerunners' supremacy. This new stance, combined with his desperation to stop the Flood, was behind his heinous actions toward the end of the Forerunner-Flood war. | The Didact was considered in his time to be the supreme enemy of humans, viewing mankind as a grave threat to Forerunner peace and considering them to be extremely contentious, bigoted and self-centered.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 112''</ref> However, in his own mind this animosity was not driven by hatred or malice; rather, it was a largely rational reaction to humanity's actions.<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 328''</ref> After his encounter with the Gravemind, his attitudes became much more extreme and he opted to wipe out humanity entirely as a potential threat to the Forerunners' supremacy. This new stance, combined with his desperation to stop the Flood, was behind his heinous actions toward the end of the Forerunner-Flood war. | ||
Prior to his transformation, while dismissive of the potential for humans to take on the Mantle, the Didact also respected humans as warriors and regarded them as honorable, unlike their San'Shyuum allies who had surrendered earlier in the war.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 134''</ref> In fact, he regarded them as the second greatest military power in the galaxy at the time. His respect for the humans was demonstrated when he met with his main opponent, [[Forthencho|Forthencho, the Lord of Admirals]], in person after the humans' defeat, speaking to him as a fellow warrior and reassuring him about the future despite humanity's grim predicament.{{Ref/Reuse|speech}} Furthermore, prior to being imprisoned after his fall from grace in the Ecumene Council, he stated that had the humans repented for their crimes, they would've been a civilization worthy of joining their own.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 54''</ref> Though disgusted to see [[Chakas]] as he looked too much like the humans who had nearly destroyed his fleets and murdered his children, the Didact was pleased to see [[Riser]], a [[Florian]]. The Didact commented that he had specifically requested that the [[Librarian]] save the Florians because he saw them as peaceful yet full of cleverness. However, the Didact made it clear that this just made them worthy pets to him.<ref name="c82">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 82''</ref> | Prior to his transformation, while dismissive of the potential for humans to take on the Mantle, the Didact also respected humans as warriors and regarded them as honorable, unlike their San'Shyuum allies who had surrendered earlier in the war.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 134''</ref> In fact, he regarded them as the second greatest military power in the galaxy at the time. His respect for the humans was demonstrated when he met with his main opponent, [[Forthencho|Forthencho, the Lord of Admirals]], in person after the humans' defeat, speaking to him as a fellow warrior and reassuring him about the future despite humanity's grim predicament.{{Ref/Reuse|speech}} Furthermore, prior to being imprisoned after his fall from grace in the Ecumene Council, he stated that had the humans repented for their crimes, they would've been a civilization worthy of joining their own.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 54''</ref> Though disgusted to see [[Chakas]] as he looked too much like the humans who had nearly destroyed his fleets and murdered his children, the Didact was pleased to see [[Riser]], a [[Florian]]. The Didact commented that he had specifically requested that the [[Librarian]] save the Florians because he saw them as peaceful yet full of cleverness. However, the Didact made it clear that this just made them worthy pets to him.<ref name="c82">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 82''</ref> The Didact also regarded [[John-117]] with some grudging respect for his determination and persistence in fighting him against impossible odds.{{Ref/Reuse|h4}} | ||
The Didact regarded [[John-117]] with some grudging respect for his determination and persistence in fighting him against impossible odds.{{Ref/Reuse|h4 | |||
While he understood humanity's motives for aggressive expansion after studying their records of their struggle with the Flood, the Didact agreed with the Old Council's decision to eradicate the contemporary human civilization and banish the remnants of the species to their homeworld, as he felt that the humans had wrongly taken the Mantle upon themselves in their attempts to contain the Flood. The Didact also held that the Forerunners were more deserving of the Mantle than humans because of the latter's propensity for finding objects of worship in nature and in Precursor artifacts, whereas the Forerunners had always derived their beliefs solely from the Mantle.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 228''</ref> | While he understood humanity's motives for aggressive expansion after studying their records of their struggle with the Flood, the Didact agreed with the Old Council's decision to eradicate the contemporary human civilization and banish the remnants of the species to their homeworld, as he felt that the humans had wrongly taken the Mantle upon themselves in their attempts to contain the Flood. The Didact also held that the Forerunners were more deserving of the Mantle than humans because of the latter's propensity for finding objects of worship in nature and in Precursor artifacts, whereas the Forerunners had always derived their beliefs solely from the Mantle.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 228''</ref> | ||
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The Didact's antipathy toward humans was at least partially curtailed by the Librarian, who was, in stark contrast, regarded as humanity's greatest protector.<ref name="cryp77">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 77''</ref> Despite his love for her, the Didact was incapable of understanding his wife's protectiveness toward humanity, and resented her efforts to keep the humans safe from his justice and retribution. | The Didact's antipathy toward humans was at least partially curtailed by the Librarian, who was, in stark contrast, regarded as humanity's greatest protector.<ref name="cryp77">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 77''</ref> Despite his love for her, the Didact was incapable of understanding his wife's protectiveness toward humanity, and resented her efforts to keep the humans safe from his justice and retribution. | ||
The Ur-Didact appeared to regard Chakas and Riser, the two humans who accompanied Bornstellar, with relative indifference, viewing them as mere annoyances, though he tolerated them because they were part of his wife's plan and because he likely recognized the value of their [[mind transfer|personality imprints]]. When [[IsoDidact|Bornstellar]] became annoyed with the Didact's way of referring to the two as Bornstellar's humans, the Didact grudgingly adjusted his method of address for them. However, he was less than pleased initially at Chakas' form as it reminded him too much of the [[ | The Ur-Didact appeared to regard Chakas and Riser, the two humans who accompanied Bornstellar, with relative indifference, viewing them as mere annoyances, though he tolerated them because they were part of his wife's plan and because he likely recognized the value of their [[mind transfer|personality imprints]]. When [[IsoDidact|Bornstellar]] became annoyed with the Didact's way of referring to the two as Bornstellar's humans, the Didact grudgingly adjusted his method of address for them. However, he was less than pleased initially at Chakas' form as it reminded him too much of the [[ancient humanity|ancient humans]] who had cost the Didact so much and stated that Chakas' presence provoked him as a result.{{Ref/Reuse|c82}} | ||
=== Abilities === | === Abilities === | ||
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[[File:AdaptArmor.jpg|thumb|250px|The Didact's armor adapts to Blue Team's weapons.]] | [[File:AdaptArmor.jpg|thumb|250px|The Didact's armor adapts to Blue Team's weapons.]] | ||
The Didact possesses extraordinary neurological, mental and physical abilities bestowed by his senior Promethean [[form]]. One of these is the augmented state of perception known as "battle mode", splintering his perception of reality into several variable frames of reference with a slowed-down experience of time, granting him impressive multitasking abilities.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 316''</ref> In hand-to-hand combat, he was capable of matching SPARTAN-II reaction times and was able to easily slaughter [[Black Team|a fireteam]] of them without weapons.{{Ref/Reuse|esc9}} Wearing his armor, he was capable of crushing a [[Z-180 Scattershot]] in his hand and severely damaging John-117's helmet, as well as throwing the [[MJOLNIR]]-armored Master Chief several meters through the air with force significant enough to knock another Spartan to the ground.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} The Didact adhered to the long-standing Warrior tradition of sharing all knowledge with his command staff of dozens as well as their [[ancilla]]s; indeed, he remarked that he was out of his element when working alone, preferring to have an expert crew with him at all times when leading operations.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 139''</ref> During large-scale engagements, the Didact would also tap into the sensory input of thousands of his fellow Prometheans simultaneously and experience the battle from their respective viewpoints in addition to his own.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 162''</ref> | The Didact possesses extraordinary neurological, mental and physical abilities bestowed by his senior Promethean [[form]]. One of these is the augmented state of perception known as "battle mode", splintering his perception of reality into several variable frames of reference with a slowed-down experience of time, granting him impressive multitasking abilities.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 316''</ref> In hand-to-hand combat, he was capable of matching SPARTAN-II reaction times and was able to easily slaughter [[Black Team|a fireteam]] of them without weapons.{{Ref/Reuse|esc9}} Wearing his armor, he was capable of crushing a [[Z-180 Scattershot]] in his hand and severely damaging John-117's helmet, as well as throwing the [[MJOLNIR]]-armored Master Chief several meters through the air with force significant enough to knock another Spartan to the ground.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} The Didact adhered to the long-standing Warrior tradition of sharing all knowledge with his command staff of dozens as well as their [[ancilla]]s; indeed, he remarked that he was out of his element when working alone, preferring to have an expert crew with him at all times when leading operations.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 139''</ref> During large-scale engagements, the Didact would also tap into the sensory input of thousands of his fellow Prometheans simultaneously and experience the battle from their respective viewpoints in addition to his own.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 162''</ref> His memory is also incredibly accurate; while stranded on the Builder hulk in the [[Burn]], he was capable of reciting a verbal control code comprising 400 random nonsense words and non-integral numbers after thousands of years and without the aid of an ancilla.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 82-83''</ref> After undergoing an experimental mutation in an attempt to become immune to the Flood, the Didact gained a new form that, while still susceptible to Flood infection, was no longer compatible with the Composer, thereby preventing him from joining his fellow Prometheans as a machine{{Ref/Reuse|h4terminals}} and allowing him to willingly levitate himself within a Composer's active beam without being affected at all.{{Ref/Reuse|midnight}} However, his incompatible physiology was not enough to save him from being composed by the simultaneous firing of several Composers.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} | ||
His memory is also incredibly accurate; while stranded on the Builder hulk in the [[Burn]], he was capable of reciting a verbal control code comprising 400 random nonsense words and non-integral numbers after thousands of years and without the aid of an ancilla.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 82-83''</ref> After undergoing an experimental mutation in an attempt to become immune to the Flood, the Didact gained a new form that, while still susceptible to Flood infection, was no longer compatible with the Composer, thereby preventing him from joining his fellow Prometheans as a machine{{Ref/Reuse|h4terminals}} and allowing him to willingly levitate himself within a Composer's active beam without being affected at all.{{Ref/Reuse|midnight}} However, his incompatible physiology was not enough to save him from being composed by the simultaneous firing of several Composers{{Ref/Reuse|HE10 | |||
Like Warrior-Servant armor in general, the Didact's [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]] was designed to attune itself to enemy weaponry; this allowed his armor to become virtually invulnerable to numerous successive hits from Forerunner infantry weapons.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} | Like Warrior-Servant armor in general, the Didact's [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]] was designed to attune itself to enemy weaponry; this allowed his armor to become virtually invulnerable to numerous successive hits from Forerunner infantry weapons.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} | ||
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In his original form, the Didact's skin was grayish-pink in color<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 76''</ref> and he had patches of bluish-white fur on the top of his head and shoulders, as was common with Warrior-Servants.{{Ref/Reuse|p179}} He had strong, serious facial features and deep-set, gray eyes.<ref name="p79">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''pages 79, 150''</ref> | In his original form, the Didact's skin was grayish-pink in color<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 76''</ref> and he had patches of bluish-white fur on the top of his head and shoulders, as was common with Warrior-Servants.{{Ref/Reuse|p179}} He had strong, serious facial features and deep-set, gray eyes.<ref name="p79">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''pages 79, 150''</ref> | ||
[[File: | [[File:H4-Didact-Masked-Render.png|thumb|200px|The Didact's new form clad in new full armor.]] | ||
The new form assumed by the Didact near the end of the Forerunner-Flood war, caused by a failed attempt to decipher Flood immunity,{{Ref/Reuse|h4terminals}} had a more grotesque, bestial appearance, with more pronounced facial features, much less prominent lips and the addition of large fangs. His eyes also became more deep-set and red as opposed to the original grayish blue, and his fur changed from pale blue to dark brown.{{Ref/Reuse|h4 | The new form assumed by the Didact near the end of the Forerunner-Flood war, caused by a failed attempt to decipher Flood immunity,{{Ref/Reuse|h4terminals}} had a more grotesque, bestial appearance, with more pronounced facial features, much less prominent lips and the addition of large fangs. His eyes also became more deep-set and red as opposed to the original grayish blue, and his fur changed from pale blue to dark brown.{{Ref/Reuse|h4}} | ||
The Didact's original [[Forerunner personal armor|body-assist armor]] complied with Warrior-Servant tradition in both design and coloration; bearing the mottled gray and blue colors of a Warrior-Servant,<ref name="pri339">'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 339''</ref> the suit was, despite its wearer's lofty status, considered austere in contrast to more lavishly decorated armor worn by the Builders.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 81-82''</ref> Circa 100,000 BCE, the Didact began wearing a new [[combat skin]] upon his return to Nomdagro.{{Ref/Reuse|string12}} The Didact continued to wear this armor until the suit's apparent destruction in 2557.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} In stark contrast to his prior armor, the Didact's newer suit is prominently ornamented in contrast to more subdued armor usually worn by his rate. It is composed a number of silver armor sections with complex patterns of orange light. The bodysuit, which spontaneously adheres to the body,{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} is colored black and dark red, resulting in an appearance similar to exposed musculature. The helmet of this armor suit appears to be modeled after a skull, with orange "eyes" rather than a visor, as well as a small breathing port on the nose.{{Ref/Reuse|h4}} | The Didact's original [[Forerunner personal armor|body-assist armor]] complied with Warrior-Servant tradition in both design and coloration; bearing the mottled gray and blue colors of a Warrior-Servant,<ref name="pri339">'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 339''</ref> the suit was, despite its wearer's lofty status, considered austere in contrast to more lavishly decorated armor worn by the Builders.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 81-82''</ref> Circa 100,000 BCE, the Didact began wearing a new [[combat skin]] upon his return to Nomdagro.{{Ref/Reuse|string12}} The Didact continued to wear this armor until the suit's apparent destruction in 2557.{{Ref/Reuse|HE10}} In stark contrast to his prior armor, the Didact's newer suit is prominently ornamented in contrast to more subdued armor usually worn by his rate. It is composed a number of silver armor sections with complex patterns of orange light. The bodysuit, which spontaneously adheres to the body,{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} is colored black and dark red, resulting in an appearance similar to exposed musculature. The helmet of this armor suit appears to be modeled after a skull, with orange "eyes" rather than a visor, as well as a small breathing port on the nose.{{Ref/Reuse|h4}} | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|quote=yes}} | {{Linkbox|gallery=yes|quote=yes}} | ||
[[File: | [[File:CEA Terminal - Didact.jpg|thumb|230px|The Didact's symbol as seen in the final terminal of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.]] | ||
*The Didact is voiced by [[Wikipedia:Keith Szarabajka|Keith Szarabajka]],<ref>'''''Halo 4'' credits'''</ref> known for his role as the voice of [[Masseffect:Harbinger|Harbinger]] in ''[[Wikipedia:Mass Effect 2|Mass Effect 2]]''. Szarabajka also voiced Dr. [[Cameron Alexander]], a scientist in ''[[Spartan Ops]]'' [[Didact's Hand/The Didact's Gift|Episode 4 Chapter 5]]. | *The Didact is voiced by [[Wikipedia:Keith Szarabajka|Keith Szarabajka]],<ref>'''''Halo 4'' credits'''</ref> known for his role as the voice of [[Masseffect:Harbinger|Harbinger]] in ''[[Wikipedia:Mass Effect 2|Mass Effect 2]]''. Szarabajka also voiced Dr. [[Cameron Alexander]], a scientist in ''[[Spartan Ops]]'' [[Didact's Hand/The Didact's Gift|Episode 4 Chapter 5]]. | ||
*The Didact is the main antagonist of ''Halo 4'' and the third story arc of ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'', "The Next 72 Hours". At the time of ''Halo 4''{{'}}s release, it was stated he would become a pivotal character in post-''Halo 4'' media, though the significance of this statement is unclear.<ref name="gttv">[http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/qevv7h/gt-tv-halo-4 '''GameTrailers''': ''GTTV: Halo 4'']</ref> He was originally planned to have a role in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''; at some point during the game's development, however, he was deemed to have become "extraneous" to the story. "The Next 72 Hours" was subsequently written to explain his absence from the narrative of ''Halo 5: Guardians''; according to writer [[Brian Reed]], the manner of his removal from the story would still allow 343 Industries to use him as an antagonist in later media if they so chose, as the franchise was considered to be lacking in recurring villains.<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation|Halo: Escalation Library Edition Volume #1]]''', ''"The Next 72 Hours" developer commentary''</ref> | *The Didact is the main antagonist of ''Halo 4'' and the third story arc of ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'', "The Next 72 Hours". At the time of ''Halo 4''{{'}}s release, it was stated he would become a pivotal character in post-''Halo 4'' media, though the significance of this statement is unclear.<ref name="gttv">[http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/qevv7h/gt-tv-halo-4 '''GameTrailers''': ''GTTV: Halo 4'']</ref> He was originally planned to have a role in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''; at some point during the game's development, however, he was deemed to have become "extraneous" to the story. "The Next 72 Hours" was subsequently written to explain his absence from the narrative of ''Halo 5: Guardians''; according to writer [[Brian Reed]], the manner of his removal from the story would still allow 343 Industries to use him as an antagonist in later media if they so chose, as the franchise was considered to be lacking in recurring villains.<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation|Halo: Escalation Library Edition Volume #1]]''', ''"The Next 72 Hours" developer commentary''</ref> | ||
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File:Commissioning Didact Logo.png|The Ur-Didact's unbound symbol appearing as he hijacks the UNSC ''Infinity'' in ''[[The Commissioning]]'' trailer. | File:Commissioning Didact Logo.png|The Ur-Didact's unbound symbol appearing as he hijacks the UNSC ''Infinity'' in ''[[The Commissioning]]'' trailer. | ||
File:H4L - J117 facing Didact.jpg|John-117 facing the Ur-Didact in the ''[[Scanned]]'' trailer. | File:H4L - J117 facing Didact.jpg|John-117 facing the Ur-Didact in the ''[[Scanned]]'' trailer. | ||
File: | File:Didactarmor.png|The Didact in his original armor in the Council chamber. | ||
File:H4-Terminal-Didact.jpg|The Didact's face in the ''Halo 4'' [[Terminal (Halo 4)|terminals]]. | |||
File:H4-Terminal-Didact-Conqueror.jpg|The Didact, guarded by Warrior-Servants, striding toward the bridge of the Lord of Admirals' flagship. | File:H4-Terminal-Didact-Conqueror.jpg|The Didact, guarded by Warrior-Servants, striding toward the bridge of the Lord of Admirals' flagship. | ||
File: | File:H4 Terminal4 Didact.png|The Didact after the [[Human-Forerunner wars]]. | ||
File: | File:H4 Ur-Didact Render.png|A render of the Ur-Didact in his combat skin. | ||
File: | File:Didact Masked Render.png|A render of the Ur-Didact in his combat skin with his helmet on. | ||
File: | File:H4 Didact awakened.jpg|The Ur-Didact awakening after leaving his Cryptum on Requiem. | ||
File: | File:H4-Didact-ArmorBack-Detail.jpg|Detail of the Ur-Didact in his newest armor, back view. | ||
File: | File:H4 Didact's new armor.jpg|Detail of the Ur-Didact's most recent armor. | ||
File: | File:H4-Didact-Constraint-Field.png|The Ur-Didact activating his [[constraint field]]. | ||
File: | File:Didact2.png|The Ur-Didact unmasked. | ||
File: | File:Ur-Didact.png|Close-up of the Ur-Didact's face. | ||
File: | File:Halo4-Didact-Armor-Cutscene.jpg|The Ur-Didact's face mask. | ||
File: | File:H4-Didact-ArmorFront-Detail.jpg|Detail of the Ur-Didact in his newest armor, front view. | ||
File: | File:H4-Didact.jpg|Profile of the Ur-Didact at the Composer. | ||
File:H4-Didact-2.jpg|Close-up of the Ur-Didact at the Composer. | |||
File:H4 Didact Composer beam.jpg|The Ur-Didact reaching out from within the Composer's firing beam. | |||
File:H4-Didact-Masked-Finale.jpg|The Ur-Didact in the final fight aboard the ''Mantle's Approach''. | |||
File:BrutalDidact.png|The Ur-Didact moments after slaying Black Team. | File:BrutalDidact.png|The Ur-Didact moments after slaying Black Team. | ||
File:HE-Didact.jpg|The Ur-Didact commanding his Prometheans. | File:HE-Didact.jpg|The Ur-Didact commanding his Prometheans. | ||
| Line 299: | Line 262: | ||
**''[[Spartan Ops]]'' {{Mo}} | **''[[Spartan Ops]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Halo: Silentium]]'' | *''[[Halo: Silentium]]'' | ||
*''[[Rebirth]]'' {{Mo}} | |||
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' | *''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' {{C|Toy only}} | *''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' {{C|Toy only}} | ||
| Line 313: | Line 276: | ||
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Doll only}} | *''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Doll only}} | ||
*''[[ | *''[[Vertical Umbrage]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]'' | *''[[Halo: Epitaph]]'' | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
