Editing Varric-pattern heavy cruiser

{{Title|''Varric''-pattern heavy cruiser}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Infobox/Ships
|name            = ''Varric''-pattern
|image           = [[File:Enc22 Varric-pattern heavy cruiser.png|300px]]
|caption         = 
|modules         = 
{{Infobox/Ships/Class
|hide-class           = 
|class identification = UNSC [[Three-letter ship classification system|Three-letter code]]: '''ORS'''{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|class operator       = [[Covenant]]
|class manufacturer   = [[Assembly Forges|Primary Assembly Forges]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|class architect      = <!--The naval architect(s) for the class-->
|class built          = <!--How many ships of this class were constructed-->
|class in service     = [[Ages of Conflict|Third Age of Conflict]]-present{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
}}
|hide-characteristics=
|nocollapse      = yes
|type            = 
*[[Examiner (ship type)|Examiner]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*[[Covenant cruiser|Heavy cruiser]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|length          = {{Convert|9843|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EVG|EVG|Page=41}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=276-277}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/covenant-cruiser|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Covenant Cruiser|D=26|M=11|Y=2015}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Warfleet|HWF|Page=64-65}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=265}}
|width           = {{Convert|4760|ft|m|disp=flip}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
|height          = 
|mass            = 200 million tonnes{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|power           = 
*Forerunner [[shrine-core]]s
*[[Pinch fusion reactor]]
|maneuver drive  = 3 [[repulsor engine]]s
|slipspace drive = [[Borer]]
|crew            = 
*16 [[Sangheili|Superiors]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*70 [[Huragok|Engineers]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*1,200 [[Menials]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|complement      = 
|troops          = 
*400 [[Obedientiary|Obedientaries]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*6,000 [[Warrior]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
*8,500 [[Thrall]]s{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}
|hull            = [[Nanolaminate]] plating
|shielding       = 
|sensors         = [[Sensor vane]]s
|ew              = 
|armaments       = 
*1 [[Excavation beam|''Phar''-pattern superheavy excavation beam]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*1 [[Plasma lance|''Ventrax''-pattern heavy plasma lances]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*3 [[Plasma beam emitter|''Felo''-pattern plasma beam emitters]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*48 [[Plasma cannon (starship)|''Melusean''-pattern heavy plasma cannons]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*16 [[Plasma torpedo|''Qur''-pattern plasma torpedo silos]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*16 [[Plasma bombardment mortar|''Fet''-pattern plasma bombardment mortars]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*80 [[Pulse laser turret|''Ferriel''-pattern pulse lasers]]{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|aircraft        = 
|air facilities  = 
}}
The '''''Varric''-pattern heavy cruiser'''{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} {{3Letter|ORS|heavy cruiser}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}} by the [[UNSC]], is a [[capital ship|capital]] [[warship]] classification within the now-defunct [[Covenant fleet]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} It is used for planetary occupation and naval command, as well as to support Covenant [[flagship]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} Following the [[Great Schism]], these ships have become invaluable to [[Covenant remnants|independent warlords]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

The "O" (for "Ordained") in the cruiser's three-letter classification code indicates that the class has been improved upon with [[Forerunner]] technology, specifically a weapons core. The "R" (for "Reverence") denotes that the cruiser is capable of conducting reconnaissance missions and is capable of excavating Forerunner artifacts. The "S" (for "Salvation") indicates that the cruiser is a dedicated warship.{{Ref/Site|Id=Have S'moa|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-have-s-moa|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Have S'moa|D=30|M=10|Y=2021}} Accordingly, these vessels have on occaision been referred to as "'''''Reverence''-class'''" warships.{{Ref/Novel|Id=GoO|GoO|Chapter=22}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=264-265}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}

==Overview==
===Design details===
The ''Varric''-pattern is the largest known [[Covenant cruiser|cruiser classification]] in Covenant service, at a length of {{Convert|9843|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}. Visually, it resembles the smaller {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser|}} and {{Pattern|Maugen|armored cruiser|}} cruisers with a more bulky profile and four [[sensor vane]]s located on the ventral surface of the ship's head. The middle portion of the ship contains a ring similar to the lower ring of the {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}, while the overall profile bears some resemblance to the larger carrier classes.

===Crew and complement===
Compared to other Covenant warships, the ''Varric''-pattern heavy cruiser is labor-intensive and difficult to operate, requiring about 1,286 hand-picked personnel to be effectively manned. These are led by sixteen [[Sangheili]], with seventy [[Huragok]] for maintenance duties, and Menials make up the rest. The reason for this is because these cruisers are old, dating back to the Covenant's early centuries. Special interpreters and scholars are required on the warship's bridge, as many of the ship's controls and data feeds only display now-cryptic messages in an early [[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili dialect]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}

The cruisers also carry a considerable complement of ground troops including 400 [[Obedientiary]] officers, 6,000 [[Warrior]]s, and a further 8,500 [[Thrall]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}

===Power and propulsion===
Unique to this class are a number of [[Forerunner]] [[shrine-core]] power plants of various sizes. Drawing their untapped potential is a risky affair, as it can destroy the cruiser. As a result, their full power is restrained by devotional seals and interlocks, which is then harnessed by Covenant control and weapon systems. Blessed keepers in the warship's engineering section practice many strange rituals to bypass the Forerunner security systems. The inner workings of the shrine-cores are a mystery, and must be installed by [[Huragok]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}

Three [[repulsor engine]]s are located at the back of the ship, with the engineering section located just above them.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}

===Armament===
The ''Varric'' is well armed for its size, enabling its use as a [[flagship]] for small [[battle group|task force]]s. It is equipped with a [[Plasma lance|''Ventrax''-pattern heavy plasma lance]] on its dorsal surface as its heaviest ship-to-ship weapon, which fires a tightly-focused stream of plasma which travels almost as fast as light. These weapons do damage via a combination of thermal and kinetic effects, and have proven capable of bisecting unshielded warships at close range. In addition, three [[Plasma beam emitter|''Felo''-pattern plasma beam emitters]] are installed. Due to power restraints, only one of these weapons can fire at once, with the ''Varric''-pattern typically combining its forward-mounted projector with two plasma torpedoes.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO}} For ship-to-ship combat, forty-eight [[Plasma cannon (starship)|''Melusean''-pattern heavy plasma cannons]] and sixteen [[Plasma torpedo|''Qur''-pattern plasma torpedo silos]] are installed, with the plasma torpedoes being preferred because of their tracking capabilities. Defending the ship against fighters, attack ships and missiles are eighty [[Pulse laser turret|''Ferriel''-pattern pulse lasers]].{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

For ground attacks, the ''Varric''-pattern has two types of weapon systems to bring to bear. The first is its [[Excavation beam|''Phar''-pattern superheavy excavation beam]], which is capable of [[glassing]] worlds in the name of the Covenant and excavating Forerunner artifacts. Sixteen [[Plasma bombardment mortar|''Fet''-pattern plasma bombardment mortars]] are there for smaller, more precise attacks.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

=== Countermeasures ===
The ''Varric''-pattern boasts a variety of stealth-related advancements, including a [[active camouflage|cloaking system]]{{Ref/Tabletop|Id=FB|HFB|ORS Heavy Cruiser in-game unit}} to mask it from enemy fleets.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFLoop|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-in-the-loop|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - In the Loop|D=16|M=01|Y=2021}}

==Ships of the line==
*''[[Blight of the Profane]]'' – Commanded by the former [[Shipmaster]] [[Jul 'Mdama]]ee.
*''[[Foebane]]'' {{C|formerly ''Gathering of Praise''}} – Destroyed over the planet [[Carrow]] in [[2558]].
*''[[Incorruptible]]'' – Destroyed during the [[Onyx Conflict]].
*''[[Unwavering Discipline]]'' – Crashed on the planet [[Carrow]] in [[2558]].

==Operational history==
The first ''Varric''-pattern heavy cruisers were commissioned during the [[Ages of Conflict|Third Age of Conflict]] in the Covenant's early centuries to fight the many bloody civil wars and slaughters, which in turn typified the Covenant's [[Ages of Conflict]] and [[Ages of Doubt|Doubt]] during this early period. Because of this service, each ''Varric''-pattern warship is a symbol of ancient honor, and their accumulated glory reflects on the hand-picked crews. As an [[Examiner (ship type)|examiner]]-class vessel, ''Varric''-pattern heavy cruisers were sent far across the [[Orion Arm]], where their missions often determined the fate of entire worlds and species. Because of this prestigious assignment, only Ministries that had received approval from the Hierarchs were allowed to activate, crew, and deploy these powerful warships.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

A small number of ''Varric''-pattern heavy cruisers participated in the [[Human-Covenant War]], and they were assigned as flagships for small battle groups. One of these ships supported the [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]] during the [[Fall of Reach]], where it led a detachment consisting of {{Class|SDV|heavy corvette|heavy corvettes}} and a single {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}. Later on in the campaign, at least thirteen such ships were involved in cleanup operations over the planet.{{Ref/Novel|HFS|Chapter=18}}

When the [[Great Schism]] erupted, these powerful capital ships were pitted against both each other and the other units of the Covenant. The heavy cruiser ''[[Incorruptible]]'', now commandeered by [[Voro 'Mantakree]], briefly attempted to unify the infighting Covenant fleets in order to quarantine the [[Flood]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]]. It would later lead an armada from the [[Combined Fleet of Righteous Purpose]] to [[Onyx]], where it was ultimately destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO}}

After the Human-Covenant War concluded, most ''Varric''-pattern heavy cruisers found themselves in service of [[Covenant remnants|various warlords]],{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} with many disregarding or forgetting the significance of their names and achievements as they fought over what remained of the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|Warfleet}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Two heavy cruisers, manned by [[Sangheili]] and [[Jiralhanae]] respectively, would be destroyed during the [[Carrow Conflict]].{{Ref/Novel|Env|Chapter=1}}{{Ref/Novel|Env|Chapter=9}}

==''Halo: Fleet Battles''==
===Covenant ORS Heavy Cruiser===
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=ORS Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Large
|PTS=200
|Image=[[File:HFB ORSHeavyCruiser.png|x150px]]
|Movement=5
|DamageTrack1=11
|DamageTrack2=10
|DamageTrack3=5

|SysLoadout1= Cloaking System
|SysLoadout1Stat=
|SysLoadout2= Defence Array
|SysLoadout2Stat= 4
|SysLoadout3= Glide
|SysLoadout3Stat= 3
|SysLoadout4= Point Defence
|SysLoadout4Stat= 5
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 

|BuildRating=4
|Hangars=5
|BoardingCraft=3
|SecurityDetail=4

|PrimaryWeaponName=Plasma Lance
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=18
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=Plasma
|PrimaryWeaponCount=
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward or Port + Starboard
|PrimaryWeaponDice=14
|PrimaryWeaponName2={{C|OR}} Plasma Beam
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin2=12
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax2=-
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts2=Beam/ Plasma
|PrimaryWeaponCount2=
|PrimaryWeaponArc2=Forward or Port + Starboard
|PrimaryWeaponDice2=9/9/9

|SecondaryWeaponName=Plasma Cannon Arrays
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=10
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=20
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Plasma
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=10
}}

===Covenant Supported ORS Heavy Cruiser===
This element features one ORS-class heavy cruiser and one SDV-class heavy corvette
{{Stats/FleetBattles/Ships
|Title=ORS Heavy Cruiser
|ShipType=Capital Ship
|Size=Large
|PTS=220
|Image=[[File:HFB ORSHeavyCruiser Supported.png|x150px]]
|Movement=5
|DamageTrack1=11
|DamageTrack2=10
|DamageTrack3=6

|SysLoadout1= Cloaking System
|SysLoadout1Stat=
|SysLoadout2= Defence Array
|SysLoadout2Stat= 5
|SysLoadout3= Glide
|SysLoadout3Stat= 3
|SysLoadout4= Point Defence
|SysLoadout4Stat= 6
|SysLoadout5= 
|SysLoadout5Stat= 

|BuildRating=5
|Hangars=6
|BoardingCraft=3
|SecurityDetail=5

|PrimaryWeaponName=Plasma Lance
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin=18
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax=32
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts=Plasma
|PrimaryWeaponCount=
|PrimaryWeaponArc=Forward or Port + Starboard
|PrimaryWeaponDice=14
|PrimaryWeaponName2={{C|OR}} Plasma Beam
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMin2=12
|PrimaryWeaponRangeMax2=-
|PrimaryWeaponLoadouts2=Beam/ Plasma
|PrimaryWeaponCount2=
|PrimaryWeaponArc2=Forward or Port + Starboard
|PrimaryWeaponDice2=9/9/9

|SecondaryWeaponName=Plasma Cannon Arrays
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin=10
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax=20
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts=Plasma
|SecondaryWeaponCount=
|SecondaryWeaponArc=Forward or Port + Starboard
|SecondaryWeaponDice=10
|SecondaryWeaponName2={{C|AND}} Plasma Torpedoes
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMin2=10
|SecondaryWeaponRangeMax2=24
|SecondaryWeaponLoadouts2=Missiles/Plasma
|SecondaryWeaponCount2=
|SecondaryWeaponArc2=Forward
|SecondaryWeaponDice2=5
}}

==Production notes==
The ''Varric''-pattern heavy cruiser was first identified as such in [[2011]]'s ''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', though its first appearance was as the "''Reverence''-class" cruiser ''[[Incorruptible]]'' in [[2006]]'s ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''. The class' first canonical visual appearance was in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''. As the ''Varric'' had never appeared in any visual media prior to [[2015]], the class had to be designed from scratch for the game. [[343 Industries]]' Franchise Team noted that "''[[Spartan Games]] 'got' the design language of the Covenant''", and so the design of the cruiser went through only a few rounds of iteration. The basic shape was decided upon immediately when the design process began.{{Ref/Reuse|CFLoop}}

The ''Varric'' combines design features of the {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}, the {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}, and the {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}}. The ''Varric'' was intended to be the "big brother" of the ''CCS'' class while concomitantly paying homage to the {{Pattern|Kerel|assault carrier}} (which is identical to the ''CSO''). The heavy cruiser was designed to be an apparent visual link between Covenant cruiser and [[carrier]] classes in terms of size.{{Ref/Reuse|CFLoop}}

In the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]'', a render of the ''Varric''-pattern cruiser was supplied by the ''Halo'' fan mod ''[[Sins of the Prophets]]''. The ''Varric'' was one of a number of ship models created by the mod and used in the encyclopedia to represent a number of UNSC and Covenant warships.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFMasterClass|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/master-class|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Master Class|D=12|M=7|Y=2021}}

==Gallery==
{{linkbox|gallery=yes}}
<gallery>
File:HFB CoverSketch Concept 1.jpg|Concept art for the ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'' cover art, depicting a ''Varric'' in combat with a {{Class|Epoch|heavy carrier}}.
File:HFB CoverSketch Concept 2.jpg|Another revision of the cover art.
File:HFB CoverSketch Concept 3.jpg|Another revision of the cover art.
File:HFB FrontArt-Website-Background-Edit.jpg|Artwork of the ''Varric'' (right) for ''Halo: Fleet Battles''.
File:ORS-class heavy cruiser multiple angles.jpg|The heavy cruiser viewed from multiple angles.
File:ORS overhead.jpg|An overhead view of the ship class.
File:Covenant Capital Vessels (Spartan Games).jpeg|A scale comparison of the ''Varric'' to other Covenant warship classes.
File:ORS heavy cruiser - prow.jpg|The prow of the heavy cruiser.
File:ORS-class cruiser views.jpg
File:ORS-class heavy cruiser.jpg
File:SoTP VarricHeavyCruiser Renders.png|Various turnaround renders of the ''Varric'' model created for ''Sins of the Prophets'' and used in the 2022 ''Halo Encyclopedia''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

{{Covenant Ships}}

[[Category:Cruiser classes]]
[[Category:Covenant ship classes]]