Onyx Sentinel: Difference between revisions
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{{Era|Forerunner|HCW}} | {{Era|Forerunner|HCW}} | ||
{{Forerunner Infobox | {{Forerunner Infobox | ||
|name= Onyx Sentinel | |name= Onyx Sentinel | ||
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|misc3=Fast speeds, capable of conversing in root languages | |misc3=Fast speeds, capable of conversing in root languages | ||
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The '''Onyx Sentinel''' is a [[Forerunner]]-created machine designed to protect and maintain the Forerunner [[Astroengineering|artificial world]] known as [[Onyx]]. The Sentinels were a more deadly and versatile variant of the standard [[Sentinel]] design found on other Forerunner installations. This variety has been seen only on the artificial planet Onyx, which was actually comprised of trillions of the machines.<ref name=" | The '''Onyx Sentinel''' is a [[Forerunner]]-created machine designed to protect and maintain the Forerunner [[Astroengineering|artificial world]] known as [[Onyx]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 175''</ref> The Sentinels were a more deadly and versatile variant of the standard [[Sentinel]] design found on other Forerunner installations. This variety has been seen only on the artificial planet Onyx, which was actually comprised of trillions of the machines.<ref name="G378">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 378''</ref> Whether the same model is used on other similar worlds is currently unknown. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
The Onyx Sentinel shares a vaguely similar appearance to a [[Monitor]] - a round metallic sphere a quarter meter in diameter, with a central "eye" that glows golden. Hovering around this sphere are three meter-long cylindrical spars or "booms", which are suspended in midair at equidistant points around the sphere. These booms could change position for various purposes, and would rapidly "pop" into place to form a triangular plane when the sentinel's shields were active. The central eye is the weaponry and offensive capability of the sentinel as it charges and unleashes what appears to be a devastating array of energy. | The Onyx Sentinel shares a vaguely similar appearance to a [[Monitor]] - a round metallic sphere a quarter meter in diameter, with a central "eye" that glows golden. Hovering around this sphere are three meter-long cylindrical spars or "booms", which are suspended in midair at equidistant points around the sphere.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 118-119''</ref> These booms could change position for various purposes, and would rapidly "pop" into place to form a triangular plane when the sentinel's shields were active. The central eye is the weaponry and offensive capability of the sentinel as it charges and unleashes what appears to be a devastating array of energy.<ref name="G120">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 120''</ref> | ||
The Onyx Sentinel is also equipped with an [[anti-gravity technology|anti-gravity device]], similar to that of the Monitors. The Onyx Sentinel can even reach escape velocity and fly into outer space; in ground operations, it normally engages its targets at a height of three meters, working a "higher ground" battle mentality. It is also able to attenuate its booms to the various signals, such as that of [[UNSC]] [[COM]] channels. The sentinels are also equipped with Forerunner translation technology and can actually speak the [[human]] archaic language and root language of [[Latin]]. | The Onyx Sentinel is also equipped with an [[anti-gravity technology|anti-gravity device]], similar to that of the Monitors. The Onyx Sentinel can even reach escape velocity and fly into outer space; in ground operations, it normally engages its targets at a height of three meters, working a "higher ground" battle mentality. It is also able to attenuate its booms to the various signals, such as that of [[UNSC]] [[COM]] channels. The sentinels are also equipped with Forerunner translation technology and can actually speak the [[human]] archaic language and root language of [[Latin]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 133''</ref> | ||
The Onyx Sentinels also share an attribute of a [[Artificial intelligence#"Dumb" AI|"dumb" AI]] in that an they can —within its respective parameters— learn from other beings, being able to learn from their opponents with just one encounter. | The Onyx Sentinels also share an attribute of a [[Artificial intelligence#"Dumb" AI|"dumb" AI]] in that an they can —within its respective parameters— learn from other beings, being able to learn from their opponents with just one encounter.<ref name="G252">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 252''</ref> | ||
==Roles== | ==Roles== | ||
===Combat=== | ===Combat=== | ||
The Onyx Sentinel is one of the deadliest sentinel variants encountered to date, and is a powerful combatant on both the ground and in space. Unlike the shields of ordinary sentinels, which can be disrupted by conventional gunfire, Onyx Sentinels are protected by a spherical gold-colored [[energy shielding|energy shield]] that resistant to nearly all projectiles, even the rockets of the [[Rocket Launcher|SPNKr | The Onyx Sentinel is one of the deadliest sentinel variants encountered to date, and is a powerful combatant on both the ground and in space. Unlike the shields of ordinary sentinels, which can be disrupted by conventional gunfire, Onyx Sentinels are protected by a spherical gold-colored [[energy shielding|energy shield]] that resistant to nearly all projectiles, even the rockets of the [[Rocket Launcher|SPNKr rocket launcher]] and [[LOTUS Mine]] detonations. However, whereas normal sentinel shields are constantly in a state of activation, the shields of an Onyx Sentinel only activate when the machine detects the approach of fast-moving objects, such as bullets or plasma bolts. This behavior does provide an exploitable advantage, as the Sentinel can be duped by slow-moving projectiles such as falling rocks.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 134, 137''</ref> In addition, an individual Sentinel cannot fire its weapon and activate its shields at the same time.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 251''</ref> | ||
In combat, Onyx Sentinels possess adaptive behavior that is unique among known Forerunner constructs. The Sentinels are linked to one another, with each Sentinel recording and transmitting combat footage to one another. As they process new information, they adjust their strategies and combat behavior accordingly, and broadcast the altered battle plans to all Sentinels on the planet. This makes them highly dangerous on the battlefield, as a strategy that managed to destroy a Sentinel once will almost certainly not work twice. | In combat, Onyx Sentinels possess adaptive behavior that is unique among known Forerunner constructs. The Sentinels are linked to one another, with each Sentinel recording and transmitting combat footage to one another. As they process new information, they adjust their strategies and combat behavior accordingly, and broadcast the altered battle plans to all Sentinels on the planet. This makes them highly dangerous on the battlefield, as a strategy that managed to destroy a Sentinel once will almost certainly not work twice.<ref name="G252"/> | ||
Onyx Sentinels can also merge together, re-arranging their central spheres and orbiting booms into new, combined forms. These configurations can serve a variety of purposes; a pair of Sentinels can combine so that one can project a shield while the other fires, while a large group of Sentinels can form a cluster that can fire a single, devastatingly powerful beam of energy. | Onyx Sentinels can also merge together, re-arranging their central spheres and orbiting booms into new, combined forms. These configurations can serve a variety of purposes; a pair of Sentinels can combine so that one can project a shield while the other fires, while a large group of Sentinels can form a cluster that can fire a single, devastatingly powerful beam of energy.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 174''</ref> | ||
Onyx Sentinels fire golden, lethal beams of energy from their central eye, which are thought to be similar in strength to the beam weapon used by Monitors. These beams are powerful enough to blast apart rock formations and vaporize organic targets on contact. When multiple Sentinels merge to combine their fire, they can unleash a beam capable of destroying large starships. | Onyx Sentinels fire golden, lethal beams of energy from their central eye, which are thought to be similar in strength to the beam weapon used by Monitors. These beams are powerful enough to blast apart rock formations and vaporize organic targets on contact.<ref name="G120"/> When multiple Sentinels merge to combine their fire, they can unleash a beam capable of destroying large starships.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 233''</ref> | ||
=== Other roles === | === Other roles === | ||
Onyx Sentinels are also known to have other specific tasks beside combat, much like other types of Sentinels. Because of their modular shape, they can transform into several different types of configurations. For example, they can interlace into oblong-shaped formations, which are used for excavating and earth-moving. In the center of the worm-shaped configuration travels a continuous stream of stone. This type of configuration has been observed excavating the underground Forerunner city on Onyx, to allow access to the | Onyx Sentinels are also known to have other specific tasks beside combat, much like other types of Sentinels. Because of their modular shape, they can transform into several different types of configurations. For example, they can interlace into oblong-shaped formations, which are used for excavating and earth-moving. In the center of the worm-shaped configuration travels a continuous stream of stone. This type of configuration has been observed excavating the underground Forerunner city on Onyx, to allow access to the Shield World within. These variants are not hostile, unless provoked.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 267''</ref> | ||
Another, more original role of the Onyx Sentinels was making up the entire planetary structure of Onyx. Under the artificial and entirely [[Terraforming|terraformed]] surface were trillions of these machines, forming the megastructure. In the end of the battle of Onyx, as the portal to the Shield World closed, the artificial planet dissolved with the sentinels decimating a Covenant fleet | Another, more original role of the Onyx Sentinels was making up the entire planetary structure of Onyx. Under the artificial and entirely [[Terraforming|terraformed]] surface were trillions of these machines, forming the megastructure. In the end of the battle of Onyx, as the portal to the Shield World closed, the artificial planet dissolved with the sentinels decimating a Covenant fleet.<ref name="G378"/> | ||
To maintain the Sentinel population of Onyx, the artificial planet had a massive [[Sentinel constructor factory|Sentinel production facility]] that produced a new Onyx Sentinel every six seconds.<ref>''' | To maintain the Sentinel population of Onyx, the artificial planet had a massive [[Sentinel constructor factory|Sentinel production facility]] that produced a new Onyx Sentinel every six seconds.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 314''</ref> | ||
==List of appearances== | |||
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
Revision as of 04:41, June 28, 2011
Template:Forerunner Infobox The Onyx Sentinel is a Forerunner-created machine designed to protect and maintain the Forerunner artificial world known as Onyx.[1] The Sentinels were a more deadly and versatile variant of the standard Sentinel design found on other Forerunner installations. This variety has been seen only on the artificial planet Onyx, which was actually comprised of trillions of the machines.[2] Whether the same model is used on other similar worlds is currently unknown.
Description
The Onyx Sentinel shares a vaguely similar appearance to a Monitor - a round metallic sphere a quarter meter in diameter, with a central "eye" that glows golden. Hovering around this sphere are three meter-long cylindrical spars or "booms", which are suspended in midair at equidistant points around the sphere.[3] These booms could change position for various purposes, and would rapidly "pop" into place to form a triangular plane when the sentinel's shields were active. The central eye is the weaponry and offensive capability of the sentinel as it charges and unleashes what appears to be a devastating array of energy.[4]
The Onyx Sentinel is also equipped with an anti-gravity device, similar to that of the Monitors. The Onyx Sentinel can even reach escape velocity and fly into outer space; in ground operations, it normally engages its targets at a height of three meters, working a "higher ground" battle mentality. It is also able to attenuate its booms to the various signals, such as that of UNSC COM channels. The sentinels are also equipped with Forerunner translation technology and can actually speak the human archaic language and root language of Latin.[5]
The Onyx Sentinels also share an attribute of a "dumb" AI in that an they can —within its respective parameters— learn from other beings, being able to learn from their opponents with just one encounter.[6]
Roles
Combat
The Onyx Sentinel is one of the deadliest sentinel variants encountered to date, and is a powerful combatant on both the ground and in space. Unlike the shields of ordinary sentinels, which can be disrupted by conventional gunfire, Onyx Sentinels are protected by a spherical gold-colored energy shield that resistant to nearly all projectiles, even the rockets of the SPNKr rocket launcher and LOTUS Mine detonations. However, whereas normal sentinel shields are constantly in a state of activation, the shields of an Onyx Sentinel only activate when the machine detects the approach of fast-moving objects, such as bullets or plasma bolts. This behavior does provide an exploitable advantage, as the Sentinel can be duped by slow-moving projectiles such as falling rocks.[7] In addition, an individual Sentinel cannot fire its weapon and activate its shields at the same time.[8]
In combat, Onyx Sentinels possess adaptive behavior that is unique among known Forerunner constructs. The Sentinels are linked to one another, with each Sentinel recording and transmitting combat footage to one another. As they process new information, they adjust their strategies and combat behavior accordingly, and broadcast the altered battle plans to all Sentinels on the planet. This makes them highly dangerous on the battlefield, as a strategy that managed to destroy a Sentinel once will almost certainly not work twice.[6]
Onyx Sentinels can also merge together, re-arranging their central spheres and orbiting booms into new, combined forms. These configurations can serve a variety of purposes; a pair of Sentinels can combine so that one can project a shield while the other fires, while a large group of Sentinels can form a cluster that can fire a single, devastatingly powerful beam of energy.[9]
Onyx Sentinels fire golden, lethal beams of energy from their central eye, which are thought to be similar in strength to the beam weapon used by Monitors. These beams are powerful enough to blast apart rock formations and vaporize organic targets on contact.[4] When multiple Sentinels merge to combine their fire, they can unleash a beam capable of destroying large starships.[10]
Other roles
Onyx Sentinels are also known to have other specific tasks beside combat, much like other types of Sentinels. Because of their modular shape, they can transform into several different types of configurations. For example, they can interlace into oblong-shaped formations, which are used for excavating and earth-moving. In the center of the worm-shaped configuration travels a continuous stream of stone. This type of configuration has been observed excavating the underground Forerunner city on Onyx, to allow access to the Shield World within. These variants are not hostile, unless provoked.[11]
Another, more original role of the Onyx Sentinels was making up the entire planetary structure of Onyx. Under the artificial and entirely terraformed surface were trillions of these machines, forming the megastructure. In the end of the battle of Onyx, as the portal to the Shield World closed, the artificial planet dissolved with the sentinels decimating a Covenant fleet.[2]
To maintain the Sentinel population of Onyx, the artificial planet had a massive Sentinel production facility that produced a new Onyx Sentinel every six seconds.[12]
List of appearances
Sources
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 175
- ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 378
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 118-119
- ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 120
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 133
- ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 252
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 134, 137
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 251
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 174
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 233
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 267
- ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 314
