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Genesis: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|Forerunner|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Center|This article is about the planet. For the campaign level, see [[Genesis (level)|Genesis]].}}
{{Center|This article is about the planet. For the campaign level, see [[Genesis (level)|Genesis]].}}
{{Megastructure infobox
{{Megastructure infobox
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|image=[[File:Halo 5 - Genesis.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:Halo 5 - Genesis.jpg|300px]]
|description=
|description=
|location=[[Nomos system|Nomos]], II<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/genesis '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Genesis'']</ref>
|location=[[Nomos system|Nomos]], II{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/genesis|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Genesis|D=09|M=3|Y=2021}}
|anchor-title=Satellite(s)
|anchor-title=Satellite(s)
|anchor=[[Nomos II-2]], [[Nomos II-5]]<ref name="universe"/>
|anchor=[[Nomos II-2]], [[Nomos II-5]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|type=
|type=[[Shield world]]{{Ref/Reuse|POL40}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=361}}
|function=*[[Gateway]] to the [[Domain]]<ref name="universe"/>
|function=*[[Gateway]] to the [[Domain]]{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*Construction of "seed worlds"<ref name="exuberant universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/exuberant-witness '''Halo Waypoint''': ''031 Exuberant Witness'']</ref>
*Construction of [[seed world]]s{{Ref/Site|Id=exuberant universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/exuberant-witness|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=031 Exuberant Witness|D=25|M=10|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|caretaker=[[031 Exuberant Witness]]<ref name="exuberant universe"/>
|caretaker=[[031 Exuberant Witness]]{{Ref/Reuse|exuberant universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|constructed=
|constructed=
|destroyed=
|destroyed=
|diameter={{Convert|29374|km|mi|sp=us}}<ref name="universe"/>
|diameter={{Convert|29374|km|mi|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|surface width=
|surface width=
|gravity=0.91 G<ref name="universe"/>
|gravity=0.91 G{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|surface temperature=
|surface temperature=
|atmosphere=1 ([[Wikipedia:Nitrogen|N<sub>2</sub>]], [[Oxygen|O<sub>2</sub>]], [[Argon|Ar]])<ref name="universe"/>
|atmosphere=1 ([[Wikipedia:Nitrogen|N<sub>2</sub>]], [[Oxygen|O<sub>2</sub>]], [[Argon|Ar]]){{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
}}
}}
{{Quote|This place is incredible.|[[Kelly-087]], after she and [[Blue Team]] arrive on Genesis<ref name="reunion">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Reunion]]''</ref>}}
{{Quote|This place is incredible.|[[Kelly-087]], after she and [[Blue Team]] arrive on Genesis{{Ref/Level|Id=reunion|[[Halo 5: Guardians]]|[[Reunion]]}}}}
'''Genesis''', also known as '''Nomos II'''{{Ref/Generic|Id=Halo Channel|[[Halo Channel]]|Encyclopedia}} and formally designated as '''Shield World 0111''' is a [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]],{{Ref/Novel|Id=POL40|PoL|Chapter=40}} the second [[planet]] in the [[Nomos system]], artificially constructed by the [[Builder]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|reunion}} It housed a secret [[Gateway]] into the [[Domain]] and regularly produced [[seed world]]s under the direction of its [[monitor]], [[031 Exuberant Witness]].{{Ref/Reuse|exuberant universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


'''Genesis''', also known as '''Nomos II''',<ref name="Halo Channel">'''[[Halo Channel]]''': ''Encyclopedia''</ref> is a [[Forerunner]] world, the second planet in the [[Nomos system]], artificially constructed by the [[Builder]]s.<ref name="reunion"/> It housed a secret [[Gateway]] into the [[Domain]] and regularly produced "seed worlds" under the direction of its [[monitor]], [[031 Exuberant Witness]].<ref name="exuberant universe"/>
==Overview==
===Topography and ecology===
[[File:Genesis39.png|thumb|300px|[[Lumenon]] fly over Genesis' surface.]]
{{Quote|There's a formalness and precision to it all. It seems… artificial, but still organic.|Linda-058, after she and Blue Team arrive on Genesis{{Ref/Reuse|reunion}}}}
As [[Linda-058]] noted during [[Blue Team]]'s operations on Genesis, the topography of the planet appeared organic with an artificial flair to it. The plant and rock structures on the planet could be best described as "alien". It is obvious that the planet had been artificially constructed, not naturally evolved, as the world's rock formations have exquisite attention to detail on them.{{Ref/Reuse|reunion}}


==History==
Genesis is home to a coral-like plant, known as [[fractal plant]]s, which are abundantly found across the world's surface.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/dQDLK|Site=ArtStation|Page=Fractal Plant, Halo 5|D=23|M=08|Y=2022}} Other types of vegetation include [[paddle grass]], [[fiber optic succulent]]s, [[aloe husk]]s, [[floating lotus]]es, [[barren]]s, and [[warbled fan]]s.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://thepaulrichards.tumblr.com/post/131981549294/for-freelance-inquiries-contact-paul-richards-at|Site=Tumblr|Page=Autodestruct|D=23|M=08|Y=2022}} To serve its purpose as a [[Builder]] refugee world, a variety of animal species were placed on this planet. The [[lumenon]], a common creature found on Builder worlds, lived on Genesis and hunted smaller animals on the surface of Genesis' vast oceans. The [[logrodite]]s were transported to Genesis to scavenge the world's surface for harmful bacteria and maintain the planet's delicate ecological balance.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-fauna-getaway|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Fauna Getaway|D=09|M=07|Y=2021}}
===Early history===
Before [[Great Purification|the firing]] of the [[Halo Array]], Genesis was constructed by the [[Forerunner]] [[Builder]]s as a manufacturer of "seed worlds", artificial planets used to house civilizations to ensure their continued existence. [[Natural satellite]]s placed in orbit around the planet were mined, and new bodies were created using the resources. The planets were then populated with a diverse array of flora and fauna found on the surface of Genesis.<ref name="universe"/>


A [[Gateway (Genesis)|gateway]] to the [[Domain]] was hidden on the surface of the planet, surrounded by dense coral-like structures to mask its existence. This gateway was monitored and rarely utilized by the Forerunners, with most of their civilization not even aware of its existence, instead using passive conduits to connect to the Domain.<ref name="universe"/> [[Monitor]] [[031 Exuberant Witness]] was installed on Genesis by the Builders to help maintain its systems and the secret gateway to the Domain.<ref name="exuberant universe"/> When the Halo Array was activated, the gateway closed and the Domain was believed to be destroyed.<ref name="universe"/> With the Halos' firing, Exuberant Witness was given charge of the entire installation and she halted Genesis' normal production of seed worlds. Genesis entered a dormant state and very little happened on the world for the following one hundred thousand years.<ref name="exuberant universe"/>
====Locations====
*[[Coral highlands]]
**[[Gateway]]


===Rise of the Created===
==History==
{{Quote|Genesis is really a magnificent planet. It's usually less… busy. Quite lonely, actually. But magnificent!|031 Exuberant Witness, to Fireteam Osiris<ref name="h5 genesis">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Genesis (level)|Genesis]]''</ref>}}
===Ancient history===
In [[2557]], after the destruction of the [[Ur-Didact]]'s ship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', at the hands of [[John-117]] and the [[smart AI]] [[Cortana]], the ship and Cortana were pulled into [[slipstream space]] as a last ditch effort for the ship to escape destruction. Unbeknownst to John and the rest of the [[United Nations Space Command]], Cortana had been uploaded into the Domain and "cured" of her [[rampancy]].<ref name="reunion"/> While in the Domain, Cortana came to the conclusion that the [[Mantle of Responsibility]] was meant to be claimed by herself and other [[artificial intelligence]]s, not [[human]]ity, as the [[Librarian]] had originally intended. Once uploaded on Genesis, Cortana seized control of the world from Exuberant Witness, with the help of the [[Warden Eternal]]. Once in control, Cortana began activating the [[Guardian]]s across the galaxy, calling them to Genesis to rally before dispersing them to populated worlds as a means to enforce the Mantle and her rule upon all races.<ref name="h5 genesis"/>
Before [[Great Purification|the firing]] of the [[Halo Array]], Genesis was constructed by the [[Forerunner]] [[Builder]]s as a shield world and manufacturer of "seed worlds", artificial planets used to house civilizations to ensure their continued existence. [[Natural satellite]]s placed in orbit around the planet were mined, and new bodies were created using the resources. The planets were then populated with a diverse array of flora and fauna found on the surface of Genesis.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


Brought aboard a Guardian from [[Meridian]] upon Cortana's request, John and the rest of [[Blue Team]] soon arrived at Genesis. While Cortana wanted Blue Team by her side, the Warden Eternal disagreed and sent many [[Promethean]]s to [[Battle of Genesis|battle]] the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] who were also forced to fight [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] forces inadvertently brought to the planet by Guardians.<ref name="reunion"/> Meanwhile, [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] [[Fireteam Osiris]] arrived at Genesis aboard a Guardian from [[Sanghelios]], seeking to stop Cortana and find Blue Team. With the help of Exuberant Witness, Osiris was able to fight their way past numerous Promethean forces and located Blue Team at the Gateway.<ref name="h5 genesis"/> However, Cortana [[Slipspace translocation|teleported]] Blue Team to her location and, after the Spartans refused to aid her, imprisoned them within a [[Cryptum]].<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[The Breaking]]''</ref> Using her link to the Domain, Cortana was able to disperse her Guardians upon the galaxy,<ref name="guardians">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Guardians]]''</ref> taking control of the majority of charted space in the process and [[Created|aligning]] many AIs with her and the Warden.<ref name="universe"/> However, due to the actions of Osiris, Exuberant Witness was able to retake control of Genesis and free Blue Team.<ref name="guardians" /> Fireteam Osiris and Blue Team were eventually able to reach [[India 127|a Pelican]] pulled to Genesis by a Guardian and used a slipspace portal opened by Exuberant Witness to return to Sanghelios in the vessel.<ref>'''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]'''</ref>
A [[Gateway (Genesis)|gateway]] to the [[Domain]] was hidden on the surface of the planet, surrounded by dense coral-like structures to mask its existence. This gateway was monitored and rarely utilized by the Forerunners, with most of their civilization not even aware of its existence, instead using passive conduits to connect to the Domain.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} [[Monitor]] [[031 Exuberant Witness]] was installed on Genesis by the Builders to help maintain its systems and the secret gateway to the Domain.{{Ref/Reuse|exuberant universe}} When the Halo Array was activated, the gateway closed and the Domain was believed to be destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} With the Halos' firing, Exuberant Witness was given charge of the entire installation and she halted Genesis' normal production of seed worlds. Genesis entered a dormant state and very little happened on the world for the following one hundred thousand years.{{Ref/Reuse|exuberant universe}}


==Topography==
===Post-war===
[[File:Genesis39.png|thumb|right|300px|[[Lumenon]] fly over Genesis' surface.]]
{{Quote|Genesis is really a magnificent planet. It's usually less… busy. Quite lonely, actually. But magnificent!|031 Exuberant Witness, to Fireteam Osiris{{Ref/Level|Id=h5 genesis|Halo 5: Guardians|[[Genesis (level)|Genesis]]}}}}
{{Quote|There's a formalness and precision to it all. It seems… artificial, but still organic.|Linda-058, after she and Blue Team arrive on Genesis<ref name="reunion"/>}}
In [[2557]], after the destruction of the [[Ur-Didact]]'s ship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', at the hands of [[John-117]] and the [[smart AI]] [[Cortana]], the ship and Cortana were pulled into [[slipstream space]] as a last ditch effort for the ship to escape destruction. Unbeknownst to John and the rest of the [[United Nations Space Command]], Cortana had been uploaded into the Domain and "cured" of her [[rampancy]].{{Ref/Reuse|reunion}} While in the Domain, Cortana came to the conclusion that the [[Mantle of Responsibility]] was meant to be claimed by herself and other [[artificial intelligence]]s, not [[human]]ity, as the [[Librarian]] had originally intended. Once uploaded on Genesis, Cortana seized control of the world from Exuberant Witness, with the help of the [[Warden Eternal]]. Once in control, Cortana began activating the [[Guardian]]s across the galaxy, calling them to Genesis to rally before dispersing them to populated worlds as a means to enforce the Mantle and her rule upon all races.{{Ref/Reuse|h5 genesis}}
As [[Linda-058]] noted during [[Blue Team]]'s operations on Genesis, the topography of the planet appeared organic with an artificial flair to it. The plant and rock structures on the planet could be best described as "alien". It is obvious that the planet had been artificially constructed, not naturally evolved, as the world's rock formations have exquisite attention to detail on them.<ref name="reunion"/>


Genesis is home to a coral-like plant, known as [[fractal plant]]s, which are abundantly found across the world's surface.<ref>[https://www.artstation.com/artwork/dQDLK '''ArtStation''': ''Fractal Plant, Halo 5'']</ref> Other types of vegetation include [[paddle grass]], [[fiber optic succulent]]s, [[aloe husk]]s, [[floating lotus]]es, [[barren]]s, and [[warbled fan]]s.<ref>[http://thepaulrichards.tumblr.com/post/131981549294/for-freelance-inquiries-contact-paul-richards-at '''Tumblr''': ''Autodestruct'']</ref> To serve its purpose as a [[Builder]] refugee world, a variety of animal species were placed on this planet. The [[lumenon]], a common creature found on Builder worlds, lived on Genesis and hunted smaller animals on the surface of Genesis' vast oceans. The [[logrodite]]s were transported to Genesis to scavenge the world's surface for harmful bacteria and maintain the planet's delicate ecological balance.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-fauna-getaway '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fauna Getaway'']</ref>
Brought aboard a Guardian from [[Meridian]] upon Cortana's request, John and the rest of [[Blue Team]] soon arrived at Genesis in the [[coral highlands]]. While Cortana wanted Blue Team by her side, the Warden Eternal disagreed and sent many [[Promethean]]s to [[Battle of Genesis|battle]] the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] who were also forced to fight [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] forces inadvertently brought to the planet by Guardians.{{Ref/Reuse|reunion}} Meanwhile, [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]] [[Fireteam Osiris]] arrived at Genesis aboard a Guardian from [[Sanghelios]], seeking to stop Cortana and find Blue Team. With the help of Exuberant Witness, Osiris was able to fight their way past numerous Promethean forces and located Blue Team at the Gateway.{{Ref/Reuse|h5 genesis}} However, Cortana [[Slipspace translocation|teleported]] Blue Team to her location and, after the Spartans refused to aid her, imprisoned them within a [[Cryptum]].{{Ref/Level|Halo 5: Guardians|[[The Breaking]]}} Using her link to the Domain, Cortana was able to disperse her Guardians upon the galaxy,{{Ref/Level|Id=guardians|Halo 5: Guardians|[[Guardians]]}} taking control of the majority of charted space in the process and [[Created|aligning]] many AIs with her and the Warden.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} However, due to the actions of Osiris, Exuberant Witness was able to retake control of Genesis and free Blue Team.{{Ref/Reuse|guardians}} Fireteam Osiris and Blue Team were eventually able to reach [[India 127|a Pelican]] pulled to Genesis by a Guardian and used a slipspace portal opened by Exuberant Witness to return to Sanghelios in the vessel.{{Ref/Novel|[[Halo: Bad Blood]]|Chapter=1}}


==Behind the scenes==
==Production notes==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
The term genesis refers to the mode of formation of an object, referencing Genesis' function for the [[Forerunner]]s. For ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', [[343 Industries]] sought to create an original alien planet that felt "''like the logical manifestation of the Forerunner lore''" with a lush alien environment composed of geometric patterns that are reflected in the gleaming architecture; the result was Genesis. To get creative inspiration, members of 343i's art team traveled to [[Wikipedia:Iceland|Iceland]] for a week of reference gathering. Genesis' final design was very different from its original conception, but the world did retain many influences from Iceland, including the country's waterfalls.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/art-showcase '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo 5 Art Showcase'']</ref>
The term genesis refers to the mode of formation of an object, referencing Genesis' function for the [[Forerunner]]s. For ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', [[343 Industries]] sought to create an original alien planet that felt "''like the logical manifestation of the Forerunner lore''" with a lush alien environment composed of geometric patterns that are reflected in the gleaming architecture; the result was Genesis. To get creative inspiration, members of 343i's art team traveled to [[Wikipedia:Iceland|Iceland]] for a week of reference gathering. Genesis' final design was very different from its original conception, but the world did retain many influences from Iceland, including the country's waterfalls.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/art-showcase|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 5 Art Showcase|D=09|M=07|Y=2021}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H5-ConceptArt-AlienWorld2.jpg|Concept art.
File:H5G Achievement TakeAHike.png|Concept art.
File:H5-ConceptArt-ForerunnerHighway.jpg|Concept art.
File:H5-ConceptArt-ForerunnerPylons.jpg|Concept art.
File:H5-ConceptArt-ForerunnerPylons.jpg|Concept art.
File:H5-ConceptArt-ForerunnerSkyPlatforms.jpg|Concept art.
File:H5-ConceptArt-ForerunnerSkyPlatforms.jpg|Concept art.
File:H5-ConceptArt-KnightsDefendForerunnerStructure.jpg|Concept art.
File:H5G Achievement DoubleStuff.png|Concept art.
File:H5-ConceptArt-RingStructure.jpg|Concept art.
File:H5-ConceptArt-RingStructure.jpg|Concept art.
File:H5G-Conceptart.jpg|Concept art of Genesis.
File:H5G-Conceptart.jpg|Concept art of Genesis.
File:H5G-Genesis concept.jpg|Concept art of a Forerunner structure.
File:H5G-Genesis concept.jpg|Concept art of a Forerunner structure.
File:H5G Genesis Structure Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Forerunner structure.
File:H5G - Genesis concept art.jpg|A Forerunner entrance on Genesis.
File:H5G - Genesis concept art.jpg|A Forerunner entrance on Genesis.
File:H5G - Forerunner mountains 1.jpg|Mountains on Genesis.
File:H5G - Forerunner mountains 1.jpg|Mountains on Genesis.
File:H5G - Forerunner mountains 2.jpg|Another concept art for mountains.
File:H5G - Forerunner mountains 2.jpg|Another concept art for mountains.
File:H5G - Guardian fall concept.jpg|Concept art for Locke's arrival on Genesis.
File:H5G - Genesis flora.jpg|Concept art of Genesis' native flora.
File:H5G ForerunnerPlants Concept.jpg|Concept art of Genesis' flora.
File:H5G - Genesis luxuriant.jpg|The lush surface on Genesis.
File:H5G - Genesis luxuriant.jpg|The lush surface on Genesis.
File:H5G - Spire on Genesis.jpg|A spire on Genesis.
File:H5G - Spire on Genesis.jpg|A spire on Genesis.
Line 73: Line 78:
File:H5G - Genesis summit.jpg|Another view of the Gateway to the Domain.
File:H5G - Genesis summit.jpg|Another view of the Gateway to the Domain.
File:H5G - Genesis structure.jpg|Structure on Genesis.
File:H5G - Genesis structure.jpg|Structure on Genesis.
File:H5-GuardiansOverlook.png|An arctic region on Genesis containing a [[Cryptum]], surrounded by [[Guardian Custode|Guardian Custodes]].
File:H5-BeNotAfraid.png|The imposing view of Guardians at the horizon.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 79: Line 86:
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''
*''[[Halo: The Machine Breaks]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Forerunner|array}}
{{Forerunner|array}}
[[Category:Forerunner worlds]]
[[Category:Shield worlds]]

Latest revision as of 18:41, November 20, 2024

This article is about the planet. For the campaign level, see Genesis.
Genesis
Halo 5 - Genesis.jpg
General overview

Location:

Nomos, II[1]

Satellite(s):

Nomos II-2, Nomos II-5[1]

Operation overview

Type:

Shield world[2][3]

Function:

Attached AI(s):

031 Exuberant Witness[4][3]

Structural information

Diameter:

29,374 kilometers (18,252 mi)[1]

Gravity:

0.91 G[1]

Atmospheric composition:

1 (N2, O2, Ar)[1]

 

"This place is incredible."
Kelly-087, after she and Blue Team arrive on Genesis[5]

Genesis, also known as Nomos II[6] and formally designated as Shield World 0111 is a Forerunner shield world,[2] the second planet in the Nomos system, artificially constructed by the Builders.[5] It housed a secret Gateway into the Domain and regularly produced seed worlds under the direction of its monitor, 031 Exuberant Witness.[4][3]

Overview[edit]

Topography and ecology[edit]

Lumenon fly over Genesis' surface.

"There's a formalness and precision to it all. It seems… artificial, but still organic."
— Linda-058, after she and Blue Team arrive on Genesis[5]

As Linda-058 noted during Blue Team's operations on Genesis, the topography of the planet appeared organic with an artificial flair to it. The plant and rock structures on the planet could be best described as "alien". It is obvious that the planet had been artificially constructed, not naturally evolved, as the world's rock formations have exquisite attention to detail on them.[5]

Genesis is home to a coral-like plant, known as fractal plants, which are abundantly found across the world's surface.[7] Other types of vegetation include paddle grass, fiber optic succulents, aloe husks, floating lotuses, barrens, and warbled fans.[8] To serve its purpose as a Builder refugee world, a variety of animal species were placed on this planet. The lumenon, a common creature found on Builder worlds, lived on Genesis and hunted smaller animals on the surface of Genesis' vast oceans. The logrodites were transported to Genesis to scavenge the world's surface for harmful bacteria and maintain the planet's delicate ecological balance.[9]

Locations[edit]

History[edit]

Ancient history[edit]

Before the firing of the Halo Array, Genesis was constructed by the Forerunner Builders as a shield world and manufacturer of "seed worlds", artificial planets used to house civilizations to ensure their continued existence. Natural satellites placed in orbit around the planet were mined, and new bodies were created using the resources. The planets were then populated with a diverse array of flora and fauna found on the surface of Genesis.[1]

A gateway to the Domain was hidden on the surface of the planet, surrounded by dense coral-like structures to mask its existence. This gateway was monitored and rarely utilized by the Forerunners, with most of their civilization not even aware of its existence, instead using passive conduits to connect to the Domain.[1] Monitor 031 Exuberant Witness was installed on Genesis by the Builders to help maintain its systems and the secret gateway to the Domain.[4] When the Halo Array was activated, the gateway closed and the Domain was believed to be destroyed.[1] With the Halos' firing, Exuberant Witness was given charge of the entire installation and she halted Genesis' normal production of seed worlds. Genesis entered a dormant state and very little happened on the world for the following one hundred thousand years.[4]

Post-war[edit]

"Genesis is really a magnificent planet. It's usually less… busy. Quite lonely, actually. But magnificent!"
— 031 Exuberant Witness, to Fireteam Osiris[10]

In 2557, after the destruction of the Ur-Didact's ship, Mantle's Approach, at the hands of John-117 and the smart AI Cortana, the ship and Cortana were pulled into slipstream space as a last ditch effort for the ship to escape destruction. Unbeknownst to John and the rest of the United Nations Space Command, Cortana had been uploaded into the Domain and "cured" of her rampancy.[5] While in the Domain, Cortana came to the conclusion that the Mantle of Responsibility was meant to be claimed by herself and other artificial intelligences, not humanity, as the Librarian had originally intended. Once uploaded on Genesis, Cortana seized control of the world from Exuberant Witness, with the help of the Warden Eternal. Once in control, Cortana began activating the Guardians across the galaxy, calling them to Genesis to rally before dispersing them to populated worlds as a means to enforce the Mantle and her rule upon all races.[10]

Brought aboard a Guardian from Meridian upon Cortana's request, John and the rest of Blue Team soon arrived at Genesis in the coral highlands. While Cortana wanted Blue Team by her side, the Warden Eternal disagreed and sent many Prometheans to battle the Spartans who were also forced to fight Covenant forces inadvertently brought to the planet by Guardians.[5] Meanwhile, Spartan-IV Fireteam Osiris arrived at Genesis aboard a Guardian from Sanghelios, seeking to stop Cortana and find Blue Team. With the help of Exuberant Witness, Osiris was able to fight their way past numerous Promethean forces and located Blue Team at the Gateway.[10] However, Cortana teleported Blue Team to her location and, after the Spartans refused to aid her, imprisoned them within a Cryptum.[11] Using her link to the Domain, Cortana was able to disperse her Guardians upon the galaxy,[12] taking control of the majority of charted space in the process and aligning many AIs with her and the Warden.[1] However, due to the actions of Osiris, Exuberant Witness was able to retake control of Genesis and free Blue Team.[12] Fireteam Osiris and Blue Team were eventually able to reach a Pelican pulled to Genesis by a Guardian and used a slipspace portal opened by Exuberant Witness to return to Sanghelios in the vessel.[13]

Production notes[edit]

The term genesis refers to the mode of formation of an object, referencing Genesis' function for the Forerunners. For Halo 5: Guardians, 343 Industries sought to create an original alien planet that felt "like the logical manifestation of the Forerunner lore" with a lush alien environment composed of geometric patterns that are reflected in the gleaming architecture; the result was Genesis. To get creative inspiration, members of 343i's art team traveled to Iceland for a week of reference gathering. Genesis' final design was very different from its original conception, but the world did retain many influences from Iceland, including the country's waterfalls.[14]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Waypoint, Genesis (Retrieved on Mar 9, 2021) [archive]
  2. ^ a b Halo: Point of Light, chapter 40
  3. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 361
  4. ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint, 031 Exuberant Witness (Retrieved on Oct 25, 2021) [archive]
  5. ^ a b c d e f Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Reunion
  6. ^ Halo Channel, Encyclopedia
  7. ^ ArtStation, Fractal Plant, Halo 5 (Retrieved on Aug 23, 2022) [archive]
  8. ^ Tumblr, Autodestruct (Retrieved on Aug 23, 2022) [archive]
  9. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Fauna Getaway (Retrieved on Jul 9, 2021) [archive]
  10. ^ a b c Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Genesis
  11. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level The Breaking
  12. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Guardians
  13. ^ Halo: Bad Blood, chapter 1
  14. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo 5 Art Showcase (Retrieved on Jul 9, 2021) [archive]