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{{Title|''Halo: Epitaph'' - Halopedia Reviews}}
[[File:Brontothere3.png|thumb|300px|A brontothere in a grassy plain.]]
{{Quote|How [[Riser]]'s [[Florian|people]] would love to hunt you.|The Librarian thought of the diminutive [[florian]]s when she laid eyes on a brontothere.}}{{Ref/Reuse|HS37}}
'''Brontotheres''',{{Ref/Novel|Id=HS37|HSil|Chapter=String 37}} known to the [[Forerunner]]s as '''''kaimistro''''', and colloquially known as '''rhinok''',{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p326|Enc22|Page=362}} are [[Wikipedia:Rhinoceros|rhinoceros]]-like creatures native to [[Earth]].{{Ref/Reuse|HS37}} In the modern era, brontotheres can found across several Forerunner installations.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}}{{Ref/Game|Id=HODTRE|Halo: Outpost Discovery|The Ring Experience}}


[[File:HaloEpitaph Cover Full.jpg|thumb|300px|The full cover art of ''Halo: Epitaph''.]]
==Overview==
The staff at [[Halopedia]] are happy to present our fourth review of a ''[[Halo]]'' [[Halo novels|novel]]! In this article, we will share our thoughts on [[Kelly Gay]]'s latest novel, ''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''. While the novel was released about a month ago (at the time of publishing this article) and we allow any of its content to be posted to the site, we have ensured that the first half of this review is spoiler-free, with only a few allusions to topics covered in the Chapter 1 preview officially released prior to the novel. You can safely read the first five questions if you have yet to complete the novel yourself, but make sure to avoid the second set of questions and the summary section!
===Biology and physiology===
Large, [[Wikipedia:Rhinoceros|rhinoceros]]-like creatures, brontotheres feature bifurcated horns and rows of [[Wikipedia:Osteoderm|osteoderm]]s which run up their snouts, over their shoulders, and ending on their backs.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}} They are known to reach heights of at least two meters.{{Ref/Reuse|HS37}} They possess extremely complicated body chemistry, and evidence exists that their [[Wikipedia:Chirality#Biology|chirality]] can be easily swapped between individual generations. The [[Forerunner]]s modified the brontotheres' intestinal flora to operate in conjunction with environmental nanomachines to function as bioreactors for various useful compounds.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}}


If you would like to experience the novel for yourself, you can find it at Amazon ([https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Epitaph-32-Kelly-Gay/dp/1668017539 US] or [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Halo-Epitaph-Kelly-Gay/dp/1803369205 UK]), [https://forbiddenplanet.com/398904-halo-book-3-epitaph/ Forbidden Planet], [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Epitaph/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781668017531 Simon & Schuster], [https://www.waterstones.com/book/halo-epitaph/kelly-gay/9781803369204 Waterstones], and [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/halo-kelly-gay/1143030281?ean=9781668017531 Barnes & Noble].
[[File:HOD RingExperience Wildlife.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A herd of brontothere flee a pack of ''morolaath'' on an unidentified Halo installation.]]
===Behavior===
Brontotheres are generally bad-tempered [[Wikipedia:Herbivores|herbivores]] which feed on grasses and woody foliage, and are in turn prey to carnivores both larger and smaller than them.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}}{{Ref/Reuse|HODTRE}} On one occasion, a pack of ''[[morolaath]]'' were observed hunting a herd of brontotheres.{{Ref/Reuse|HODTRE}} The brontotheres found on Earth during the time of the [[Erde-Tyrene civilization]] were believed to fear [[human]]s,{{Ref/Reuse|HS37}} implying that humans hunted the creatures. [[Sentinel]]s of some Forerunner installations will monitor and shepherd brontotheres herds as they traverse their migratory patterns, regardless of unexpected environmental changes.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}}


Given that collaboration between people of varied opinions and backgrounds is core to the concept of a wiki, our review consists of a number of talking points with multiple editors giving their thoughts individually. This time, we’ve got Halopedia staff members X, X, [[User:Sith Venator|Sith Venator]], and [[User:TheArb1ter117|TheArb1ter117]]!
===Habitat===
Native to [[Earth]], brontotheres could be found in east [[Africa]] in [[97,445 BCE]], living among other animals such as [[Wikipedia:Gazelle|gazelle]], [[Wikipedia:Wildebeest|wildebeest]], [[Wikipedia:Buffalo|buffalo]], and [[Wikipedia:Ibex|ibexes]].{{Ref/Reuse|HS37}} Following their [[Conservation Measure|indexing]] by the Forerunners,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}} brontotheres in the modern era can be found in a variety of biomes, including desert-like regions.{{Ref/Reuse|HODTRE}} While their diet would encourage them to seek out grasslands, brontotheres were known to migrate.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}}


Please note that we were not asked by [[343 Industries]], [[Microsoft]], or any other party to produce this review, nor were we asked to promote or praise the book.
==History==
===Distant past===
{{Quote|A two-meter high brontothere nuzzles my hand, gentle but forceful, telling me I am out of place, perhaps I should move off somewhere and not bother this peaceable realm.|The Librarian shares her thoughts with a [[Catalog]] unit.}}{{Ref/Reuse|HS37}}
Brontotheres were among the creatures that were preserved as part of the [[Librarian]]'s [[Conservation Measure]].{{Ref/Reuse|HS37}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=HS2|HSil|Chapter=String 2}} In 97,445 BCE during the Librarian's last days on Earth before the [[Great Purification|firing]] of the [[Halo Array]], a two-meter-tall brontothere was one of several animals that approached her, nuzzling her hand. She surmised that they no longer had any fear since all the humans had been removed.{{Ref/Reuse|HS37}}


==Spoiler-Free Questions==
===Conservation===
===Question 1===
Among the myriad life forms indexed by the Forerunners, brontotheres can be found on several installations,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}} including at least one Halo installation.{{Ref/Reuse|HODTRE}} On one occasion, a herd of brontothere on a Halo installation were witnessed by [[OQ-45 Honeybee]] drones being hunted by a pack of ''morolaath''. Footage of the event was broadcast to Earth for viewing by civilians attending an [[Outpost Discovery]] event.{{Ref/Reuse|HODTRE}}{{Ref/Game|Id=TMOTRE|Halo: Outpost Discovery|The Making of The Ring Experience}}{{Ref/Note|''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]'', a traveling experience canonically set at some point between [[2554]] and [[2557]], includes an attraction called [[The Ring Experience|"The Ring Experience"]] which involves viewing a [[Wavespace|live]] feed from a [[OQ-45 Honeybee]] drone exploring a [[Halo ring]]. Multiple brontotheres can be seen being chased by ''morolaath'' in the environment. The planet which the ring is shown orbiting discounts the possibility that it could be [[Installation 05|Delta]] or [[Gamma Halo]], and executive producer of The Ring Experience, Jason Ambler, believes it is supposed to be [[Installation 07|Zeta Halo]]. If this is the case, the experience cannot be set any earlier than the point in [[2555]] when the [[Zeta Halo project|exploration]] of that installation began. [[000 Tragic Solitude]]'s claim in ''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' that ''morolaath'' had not been encountered by humans for some time would also suggest they had not been seen elsewhere before those who traveled to the Ark ran into some. Officially, the identity of the installation shown in The Ring Experience is presently undefined by [[343 Industries]]. It should also be noted that the canonical dating of ''Outpost Discovery'' may be able to be further narrowed by a display which claims it is believed [[343 Guilty Spark]] was destroyed in [[2552]]. It was in late [[2555]] that the [[UNSC]] first learned of this [[monitor]]'s survival, as established in Chapter 13 of ''[[Halo: Renegades]]''. However, it is very possible that the UNSC would have kept this information from the general public.}}
'''''What are your overall thoughts on ''Halo: Epitaph''? Was it what you expected?'''''


'''TheArb1ter117''': I'm a ''Halo'' fan who previously considered the [[Forerunner]]s and the [[Distant past|time period]] when they were at their height to be one of the least interesting aspects of ''Halo''{{'}}s overall story. I enjoyed [[Greg Bear]]'s Forerunner novels (particularly ''[[Halo: Silentium]]''), but there was always something keeping me from being fully engrossed in the setting and the characters. However, I can confidently state that this feeling has changed since reading ''Halo: Epitaph''. Despite previously having difficulty in connecting with the characters of the Forerunner era, this novel grabbed my attention like no other and I enjoyed every minute of it.
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
[[File:HTVS2 - Reavians plus Kaimistro.png|thumb|right|250px|Louis-036 and Riz-028 watch a documentary on brontotheres.]]
===Silver Timeline===
{{Main|Silver Timeline}}
While on [[Reach/Silver|Reach]] in [[2552]], [[SPARTAN-II program/Silver|Spartan-II]]s [[Louis-036]] and [[Riz-028/Silver|Riz-028]] watched a documentary concerning the lifecycle of brontotheres.{{Ref/Film|Id=Sword|TV|Episode=[[Sword (TV Series)|Sword]]}}


'''Sith Venator''': Since I've liked essentially all the Forerunner centered stories (Special shout out to my guy [[Defender of the Storm]]) barring ''[[Halo: Primordium]]'', I assumed correctly I would like this one as well. Though it might be a new favorite!
==Production notes==
*Outside of the [[Halo Universe|''Halo'' universe]], [[Wikipedia:Brontotheriidae|brontothere]]s are believed to have gone [[Extinction|extinct]] around 33.9 million years ago, as opposed to still existing on Earth just around 100,000 years ago.
*Brontotheres were modeled for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''{{'}}s [[Halo Infinite announcement trailer|announcement trailer]] at [[Wikipedia:Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018|E3 2018]].{{Ref/Marketing|Id=HIT|HINF|[[Halo Infinite announcement trailer|''Halo Infinite'' announcement trailer]]}} During the trailer's production, they were internally referred to as "space rhinos" by members of [[343 Industries]].{{Ref/YouTube|Id=TMOTHIAT|PTreFoLAufw|Halo|The Making of the Halo Infinite Announce Trailer}} They were ultimately cut from the final game, but were later identified as ''kaimistro'' and rhinok in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p326}}
*In ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]'' [[Halo: The Television Series Season Two|Season Two]] episode ''[[Sword (TV Series)|Sword]]'', a documentary concerning the "Lifecycle of the Brontothere" appears using footage the ''kaimistro'' from ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s announcement trailer.{{Ref/Reuse|Sword}} Though the ''kaimistro'' had already shared many similarities with real-world brontotheres, this was the first direct indication that the brontothere originally seen in ''[[Halo: Silentium]]'' and the ''kaimistro'' were officially considered to be the same creature.


===Question 2===
==Gallery==
[[File:HE10 Didact burned.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The Ur-Didact is composed at the hand of [[John-117]].]]
===Development images===
'''''Prior to ''Halo: Epitaph'', the last major appearance of the Ur-Didact was in ''Halo: Escalation''{{'}}s "The Next 72 Hours" arc, in which John-117 defeats the Forerunner. It's evident that many fans thought that this was the the end of the Ur-Didact. Without spoiling anything, how do you think his "survival" of these events was handled in ''Halo: Epitaph''?'''''
<gallery>
File:HINF SpaceRhino Concept 1.jpg|Early concept art for the brontothere.
File:HINF SpaceRhino Concept 2.jpg|Early concept art for the brontothere.
File:HINF SpaceRhino Concept 3.jpg|Early concept art for the brontothere.
File:HINF_Rhino_Concept.png|Concept art of the brontothere.{{Ref/Reuse|TMOTHIAT}}
File:HINF_Rhino_Juvenile_Concept.png|Concept art of a juvenile brontothere.{{Ref/Reuse|TMOTHIAT}}
File:HINF-Spacerhinoconcept.jpg|Finalized concept art of a brontothere for ''Halo Infinite'', later used in the 2022 ''Halo Encyclopedia''.
File:Rhinoreferences.PNG|References used for the modeling of brontothere.{{Ref/Reuse|TMOTHIAT}}
File:SpaceRhino1.PNG|Behind-the-scenes image of a brontothere from the making of the ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s announcement trailer.{{Ref/Reuse|TMOTHIAT}}
File:SpaceRhino5.jpg|3D models used in ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s announcement trailer.{{Ref/Reuse|TMOTHIAT}}
File:SpaceRhino2.PNG|Behind-the-scenes image of brontotheres from the making of the ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s announcement trailer.{{Ref/Reuse|TMOTHIAT}}
File:SpaceRhino3.PNG|Behind-the-scenes images of brontotheres from the making of the ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s announcement trailer.{{Ref/Reuse|TMOTHIAT}}
</gallery>


'''TheArb1ter117''': When a being is digitized by the [[Composer]] (or several Composers, in the case of the Didact), they are not simply killed. The essences of composed beings live on in the digital world much like [[ancilla]]s, although through a much more painful process than those typically used in the creation of ancillas. As such, it is no surprise that the Didact "survived" his composition. However, I do not blame fans for thinking this was his final fate, or even that he was killed at [[Midnight|the end]] of ''[[Halo 4]]''. I think Kelly Gay did a wonderful job of retelling important moments through the Forerunner's eyes, explaining his emotions surrounding the events. She makes it clear that while the Didact may have technically "survived," he by no means the same person he was before—and that he will never be the same again.
===Renders===
<gallery>
File:HINF Space Rhino Render 1.jpg|Render of the high res sculpt of the brontothere.
File:HINF Space Rhino Render 02.jpg|Render of the high res sculpt of the brontothere.
File:HINF Space Rhino Render 3.jpg|Render of the high res sculpt of the brontothere.
</gallery>


'''Sith Venator''': Some Halo fans really think the words contained and killed are synonyms, but that's outside the scope of this question. I was of the opinion, like several others, that the "immunity" the Ur-Didact, and likely John-117, have to the composer is actually just a resistance. I would say this story confirms that theory. So naturally I'm pretty pleased with how this is handled.
===Screenshots===
 
<gallery>
===Question 3===
File:Brontothere1.png|Detailed view of a brontothere nostril in the ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s announcement trailer.{{Ref/Reuse|HIT}}
'''''Since the reveal of the novel's official summary over a year ago, it was made clear that ''Halo: Epitaph'' would serve as the conclusion to the Ur-Didact's story. Without revealing his fate, how would do you think this major player in the ''Halo'' universe's overall storyline was handled in ''Halo: Epitaph''?'''''
File:Brontothere2.png|A brontothere begins to rise from bedding down in the grass in the ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s announcement trailer.{{Ref/Reuse|HIT}}
File:Brontothere4.png|A herd of twenty-sixth century brontothere in the ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s announcement trailer.{{Ref/Reuse|HIT}}
File:Brontothere5.png|A herd of brontothere on a Halo ring in the ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s announcement trailer.{{Ref/Reuse|HIT}}
</gallery>


'''TheArb1ter117''': It is not surprising to me at all that ''Halo: Epitaph'' would serve as the conclusion to the Didact's story, and it believe that a novel is a fitting medium for his send-off. While I loved the Didact as ''Halo 4''{{'}}s antagonist, he is a character of the novels, and I think that only a novel like ''Halo: Epitaph'' could give an appropriately deep dive in the psyche and personality of such an influential character to ''Halo''{{'}}s overall story. Kelly Gay does not waste this opportunity, crafting a final adventure and character arc for the Didact which allows him to continue to influence the greater universe in major ways while also letting him explore his own mind and personal goals.
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Silentium]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
**''[[The Ring Experience]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Sword (TV Series)|Sword]]''


'''Sith Venator''': My feelings are pretty darn similar to Arby's from above. While I would love to see the Ur-Didact again in the future I'm very content with the arc he went through in this book.
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


===Question 4===
==Sources==
'''''Is there any other ''Halo'' media that you think fans need to play, read, or watch before picking up ''Halo: Epitaph''? Or any that you think would simply enhance the reading experience?'''''
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
'''TheArb1ter117''': The late, great Greg Bear's ''[[The Forerunner Saga|Forerunner Saga]]'' is a must-read, and I would highly recommended that fans have also played ''Halo 4'', ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', and ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' prior to reading ''Epitaph''. Reading ''[[The Next 72 Hours]]'', the ''[[Rion Forge & Ace Of Spades series]]'', and ''[[Halo: Fractures]]'' (particularly ''[[Promises to Keep]]'') would also enhance the reading experience. While this is certainly a long reading list, the Didact is one of the most influential characters in ''Halo'' lore, so it is not surprising that many stories connect to him. Yet, one of my friends who read the book has only played the games and he still massively enjoyed it, so take that as you will.
 
'''Sith Venator''': Strangely enough like ''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' I feel like ''Epitaph'' could be your first piece of Halo media fairly easily. Now obviously I recommend everything Arby did above, but everything is explained so well a person could probably read ''Epitaph'' and go "Huh that was pretty neat" and decide to go play ''Halo 4'' as their first ''Halo'' game.
 
===Question 5===
'''''For fans who haven't read many (or any) of the previous ''Halo'' novels and are unsure if they should read ''Halo: Epitaph'' next (or even start their journey into the ''Halo'' novels with it), what advice would you give to them? For the fans who ''have'' read many of the previous ''Halo'' novels, which novels would you say feel most like ''Epitaph''?'''''
 
'''TheArb1ter117''': As is implied by the very name of the novel, ''Halo: Epitaph'' is an ending to a storyline. As such, I would try to dissuade any fan from making it their introduction to the ''Halo'' novels. And while I do argue that fans should at least read ''The Forerunner Saga'' prior to reading ''Epitaph'', I would not start there either. These novels are very different from the games, not focusing on action as much as they focus on characters and settings. As always, I recommend that fans who want to get into the novels start with ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''. It is difficult to compare ''Epitaph'' to any previous novels as none are really quite like it. At most, I can liken some of it to aspects of ''[[Halo: Primordium]]'' and ''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'', but I find it difficult to explain further without spoiling things.
 
'''Sith Venator''': I'm gonna' go in a slightly different direction and say fans that are unsure should simply listen to the audiobook. Keith Szarabajka's narration is excellent and it was such a treat to have the voice actor of the Ur-Didact give the character a voice yet again. As for the most similar ''Halo'' book I think Arby is right in regards to ''Point of Light''.
 
==Spoiler Questions==
{{Spoiler/begin}}
===Question 6===
{{Spoiler|1=
'''''Were there any specific moments, characters, revelations, or other elements of ''Halo: Epitaph'' that you particularly enjoyed or want to highlight?'''''
 
'''TheArb1ter117''': There were so many amazing moments throughout this book that it is impossible for me to isolate a favorite. However, one of my favorites was the implication that [[Offensive Bias]] helped [[the Weapon]] during John-117's final fight with the [[Harbinger]]. While assisting John against the Harbinger, the Weapon states ''"There's something else here. Something's helping me..."'' Given the hologram of Offensive Bias within the [[Silent Auditorium (location)|Silent Auditorium]], I had always assumed it was the ancilla helping the Weapon. When the Didact enters the Silent Auditorium, he all but confirms the presence of the [[Metarch-class ancilla]] he helped create:
 
{{Article quote|Indeed, all he could discover about the function of the chamber was its designation: the Silent Auditorium. Any further probing as to its purpose was impossible due to an aggressive firewall, created by someone or something very old, very powerful, and, oddly, very familiar. The complexity perhaps of, at minimum, a Metarch-class ancilla…}}
 
'''Sith Venator''': Hmm I think I'm gonna' go with the reveal of what the [[Warden Eternal]] is. Long was I curious about [[031 Exuberant Witness]] saying "Oh! Warden is not a robot. I thought you understood that." and had assumed the Warden Eternal was some kind of weird composition of composed minds. Ultimately I guess I wasn't too far off with the reveal that the Warden Eternal was the combination of millions of Haruspis essences. This reveal, and what ultimately what happens to the Warden Eternal, is all the more tragic given the possibly last surviving Haruspis helps the Ur-Didact defeat the Warden seemingly once and for all.
 
 
}}
 
===Question 7===
{{Spoiler|1=
'''''Many of Kelly Gay's ''Halo'' novels directly continue storylines introduced in the late, great Greg Bear's foundational works within the universe. As of yet, ''Halo: Epitaph'' is the novel which most represents this fact. What are some ways that ''Halo: Epitaph'' has expanded your appreciation of stories, characters, locations, or any other details from Greg Bear's novels?'''''
 
 
'''TheArb1ter117''': Calling out the development of the Didact's character is the obvious choice, so I'll go with a character I never expected to sympathize with: [[Faber-of-Will-and-Might]], the [[Master Builder]]. In the ''Forerunner Saga'', Faber was a character I loved to hate for how he treated the Ur-Didact and [[IsoDidact]], his recklessness with Mendicant Bias and the [[Primordial]], and his use of [[Zeta Halo]] on the [[San'Shyuum]]. When the Didact delivered the "message" from the [[Gravemind]] depicting Faber's wives and children writhing and calling out to him in agony after being assimilated by the [[Flood]], I could not help but feel sorry for Faber. While I believe it was totally justified for the Didact to punish Faber for his actions, his reaction showed just how much of a broken man Faber was, and it perhaps contributed to his decision to stay on [[Omega Halo]] as it was torn asunder by [[star road]]s.
 
'''Sith Venator''': It wasn't until ''Epitpah'' that I realized Greg Bear possibly intended Bornstellar's brevet mutation in ''[[Halo: Cryptum]]'' to be a parallel to John-117's training and augmentation. Kelly Gay adds the Ur-Didact to these parallels after establishing that his parents were executed after a failed rebellion against the Builder dominated Ecumene. After which the young Ur-Didact is taken away, sent to a military school, and later finds himself in a situation where he has to perform a brevet mutation. So three protagonists were taken away from their families when they were young, had their bodies augmented, and then are forced to serve the state in a military capacity.
 
}}
 
===Question 8===
{{Spoiler|1=
'''''Most ''Halo'' novels follow several characters throughout their stories, showing how their storylines merge, diverge, and affect each other. ''Halo: Epitaph'' follows the Ur-Didact exclusively throughout the entire book, with readers experiencing its events through his eyes alone. How do you think this style worked for ''Halo: Epitaph''? Would you have liked to see other character's perspectives?'''''
 
 
'''TheArb1ter117''': Generally, I'm a fan of ''Halo'' novels that consist of several intertwining storylines, giving the reader several perspectives. However, I think ''Halo: Epitaph'' being entirely Didact-focused was a great choice. I never felt bored with his story and I feel that spending the entire novel with the Didact allowed him the character development he deserved, especially given that ''Epitaph'' was his swan song. Kelly Gay gave the readers the clearest look into the mind of the Didact we have ever had and it was absurdly compelling watching him move from his confusion about where he was, to his conviction to get revenge for his situation, to his realization  of his manipulation and the pain he has caused, and finally to his decision to make up for his past mistakes. I think this deep of a dive into the Didact's character was entirely necessary to give him a proper send-off.
 
'''Sith Venator''': I think this was perfectly fine. It really cemented the feeling that this was the Ur-Didact's story. I wouldn't mind Kelly Gay doing it again in a future book.
}}
 
===Question 9===
{{Spoiler|1=
'''''The events of ''Halo: Epitaph'' provide additional context to the story of ''Halo Infinite'', and how things have changed since the events of ''Halo 5: Guardians''. In particular, the novel helps to explain why Cortana made the decisions that she did in ''Halo Infinite'' and how the Created has been weakened immensely. What are your thoughts on how Kelly Gay handled these topics?'''''
 
 
'''TheArb1ter117''': I think more could have been done within ''Halo Infinite'' itself to explain the absence of the [[Created]] and Cortana's seemingly sudden shift in mindset when decided to sacrifice herself to delay the [[Banished]]'s capture of Zeta Halo. However, I appreciate that the novels are continuing the Created story and giving more context to Cortana's decisions. Honestly, I was not expecting ''Epitaph'' to reveal that the Didact had a significant role in Cortana's final actions or to hint that Cortana may have indeed been affected by the [[logic plague]]. The former topic particularly surprised me given the irony of the situation; previously, the Didact would have loved nothing more than to see [[human]]ity at the mercy of their own creation, mirroring the Forerunners' own situation with Mendicant Bias. However, the Didact, having grown as a person, realized the folly in his hatred of humanity and recognized himself in Cortana's actions, and helped to steer an AI—who once had a major hand in his [[New Phoenix Incident|defeat]] at [[Earth]]—in the right direction, ultimately saving humanity from her tyranny.
 
 
}}
 
===Question 10===
{{Spoiler|1=
'''''The Domain represents one of the most influential features of the ''Halo'' universe. As ''Halo: Epitaph'' ends with the Domain on its way to being completely shut off from the inhabitants of the galaxy, what kind of ramifications do you think this might have, if any?'''''
 
 
'''TheArb1ter117''': Going into this book, I expected that the events that would unfold might change the [[Domain]] forever, but I never imagined that it would end with access to the Domain being closed off for the foreseeable future. I wonder if the galaxy will truly be entirely cut off from the Domain given how there are several locations with deep ties to the quantum repository, such as the [[Absolute Record]] and [[Maethrillian]]. The former works in tandem with the Domain, serving as a localized backup for information storage. The latter was once home of [[Abaddon]], a [[Precursor]] construct that served as the Domain's overseer. While Abaddon is missing (or possibly destroyed), I wonder how it might react to the Domain being cut off from the galaxy, if the construct does still exist. Perhaps future stories will have characters searching for information once housed within the Domain, and this will take them to the Absolute Record or even Maethrillian in an attempt to find it.
 
 
}}
 
{{Spoiler/end}}
 
==Summary==
Ultimately, we at Halopedia...
We have agreed on giving the book a rating of '''X.X/10'''!
 
This concludes our four review of a ''Halo'' novel! We will be continuing this with [[Jeremy Patenaude]]'s ''[[Halo: Empty Throne]]'' later this year, so any feedback on the format and content of this review is appreciated! In the meantime, you can check out our reviews of ''Halo: Divine Wind'' ([[News:Halopedia Reviews: Divine Wind|here]]), ''Halo: The Rubicon Protocol'' ([[News:Halopedia Reviews: The Rubicon Protocol|here]]), and ''Halo: Outcasts'' ([[News:Halopedia Reviews: Outcasts|here]]).
 
We’ll leave you with some ''Halo: Epitaph''-themed memes originating from Halopedia staff discussions about the novel, arranged in order of appearance:
 
{{Center|
<gallery widths="180px" heights="240px">
 
</gallery>


{{Small|You are what you dare.}}}}
[[Category:Animals]]

Latest revision as of 11:14, July 21, 2024

A brontothere in a grassy plain.

"How Riser's people would love to hunt you."
— The Librarian thought of the diminutive florians when she laid eyes on a brontothere.[1]

Brontotheres,[1] known to the Forerunners as kaimistro, and colloquially known as rhinok,[2] are rhinoceros-like creatures native to Earth.[1] In the modern era, brontotheres can found across several Forerunner installations.[2][3]

Overview

Biology and physiology

Large, rhinoceros-like creatures, brontotheres feature bifurcated horns and rows of osteoderms which run up their snouts, over their shoulders, and ending on their backs.[2] They are known to reach heights of at least two meters.[1] They possess extremely complicated body chemistry, and evidence exists that their chirality can be easily swapped between individual generations. The Forerunners modified the brontotheres' intestinal flora to operate in conjunction with environmental nanomachines to function as bioreactors for various useful compounds.[2]

The inner surface of a Halo, with a pack of Morolaath traversing the desert.
A herd of brontothere flee a pack of morolaath on an unidentified Halo installation.

Behavior

Brontotheres are generally bad-tempered herbivores which feed on grasses and woody foliage, and are in turn prey to carnivores both larger and smaller than them.[2][3] On one occasion, a pack of morolaath were observed hunting a herd of brontotheres.[3] The brontotheres found on Earth during the time of the Erde-Tyrene civilization were believed to fear humans,[1] implying that humans hunted the creatures. Sentinels of some Forerunner installations will monitor and shepherd brontotheres herds as they traverse their migratory patterns, regardless of unexpected environmental changes.[2]

Habitat

Native to Earth, brontotheres could be found in east Africa in 97,445 BCE, living among other animals such as gazelle, wildebeest, buffalo, and ibexes.[1] Following their indexing by the Forerunners,[2] brontotheres in the modern era can be found in a variety of biomes, including desert-like regions.[3] While their diet would encourage them to seek out grasslands, brontotheres were known to migrate.[2]

History

Distant past

"A two-meter high brontothere nuzzles my hand, gentle but forceful, telling me I am out of place, perhaps I should move off somewhere and not bother this peaceable realm."
— The Librarian shares her thoughts with a Catalog unit.[1]

Brontotheres were among the creatures that were preserved as part of the Librarian's Conservation Measure.[1][2][4] In 97,445 BCE during the Librarian's last days on Earth before the firing of the Halo Array, a two-meter-tall brontothere was one of several animals that approached her, nuzzling her hand. She surmised that they no longer had any fear since all the humans had been removed.[1]

Conservation

Among the myriad life forms indexed by the Forerunners, brontotheres can be found on several installations,[2] including at least one Halo installation.[3] On one occasion, a herd of brontothere on a Halo installation were witnessed by OQ-45 Honeybee drones being hunted by a pack of morolaath. Footage of the event was broadcast to Earth for viewing by civilians attending an Outpost Discovery event.[3][5][Note 1]

Non-canon and dubious canon appearances

Screenshot of Reavians watching a Kaimistro video
Louis-036 and Riz-028 watch a documentary on brontotheres.

Silver Timeline

Main article: Silver Timeline

While on Reach in 2552, Spartan-IIs Louis-036 and Riz-028 watched a documentary concerning the lifecycle of brontotheres.[6]

Production notes

  • Outside of the Halo universe, brontotheres are believed to have gone extinct around 33.9 million years ago, as opposed to still existing on Earth just around 100,000 years ago.
  • Brontotheres were modeled for Halo Infinite's announcement trailer at E3 2018.[7] During the trailer's production, they were internally referred to as "space rhinos" by members of 343 Industries.[8] They were ultimately cut from the final game, but were later identified as kaimistro and rhinok in the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition).[2]
  • In Halo: The Television Series Season Two episode Sword, a documentary concerning the "Lifecycle of the Brontothere" appears using footage the kaimistro from Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[6] Though the kaimistro had already shared many similarities with real-world brontotheres, this was the first direct indication that the brontothere originally seen in Halo: Silentium and the kaimistro were officially considered to be the same creature.

Gallery

Development images

  • Early concept art for the brontothere.

    Early concept art for the brontothere.

  • Early concept art for the brontothere.

    Early concept art for the brontothere.

  • Early concept art for the brontothere.

    Early concept art for the brontothere.

  • Concept art of the brontothere.[8]

    Concept art of the brontothere.[8]

  • Concept art of a juvenile brontothere.[8]

    Concept art of a juvenile brontothere.[8]

  • Finalized concept art of a brontothere for Halo Infinite, later used in the 2022 Halo Encyclopedia.

    Finalized concept art of a brontothere for Halo Infinite, later used in the 2022 Halo Encyclopedia.

  • References used for the modeling of brontothere.[8]

    References used for the modeling of brontothere.[8]

  • Behind-the-scenes image of a brontothere from the making of the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[8]

    Behind-the-scenes image of a brontothere from the making of the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[8]

  • 3D models used in Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[8]

    3D models used in Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[8]

  • Behind-the-scenes image of brontotheres from the making of the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[8]

    Behind-the-scenes image of brontotheres from the making of the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[8]

  • Behind-the-scenes images of brontotheres from the making of the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[8]

    Behind-the-scenes images of brontotheres from the making of the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[8]

Renders

  • Render of the high res sculpt of the brontothere.

    Render of the high res sculpt of the brontothere.

  • Render of the high res sculpt of the brontothere.

    Render of the high res sculpt of the brontothere.

  • Render of the high res sculpt of the brontothere.

    Render of the high res sculpt of the brontothere.

Screenshots

  • Detailed view of a brontothere nostril in the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[7]

    Detailed view of a brontothere nostril in the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[7]

  • A brontothere begins to rise from bedding down in the grass in the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[7]

    A brontothere begins to rise from bedding down in the grass in the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[7]

  • A herd of twenty-sixth century brontothere in the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[7]

    A herd of twenty-sixth century brontothere in the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[7]

  • A herd of brontothere on a Halo ring in the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[7]

    A herd of brontothere on a Halo ring in the Halo Infinite's announcement trailer.[7]

List of appearances

Notes

  1. ^ Halo: Outpost Discovery, a traveling experience canonically set at some point between 2554 and 2557, includes an attraction called "The Ring Experience" which involves viewing a live feed from a OQ-45 Honeybee drone exploring a Halo ring. Multiple brontotheres can be seen being chased by morolaath in the environment. The planet which the ring is shown orbiting discounts the possibility that it could be Delta or Gamma Halo, and executive producer of The Ring Experience, Jason Ambler, believes it is supposed to be Zeta Halo. If this is the case, the experience cannot be set any earlier than the point in 2555 when the exploration of that installation began. 000 Tragic Solitude's claim in Halo: Hunters in the Dark that morolaath had not been encountered by humans for some time would also suggest they had not been seen elsewhere before those who traveled to the Ark ran into some. Officially, the identity of the installation shown in The Ring Experience is presently undefined by 343 Industries. It should also be noted that the canonical dating of Outpost Discovery may be able to be further narrowed by a display which claims it is believed 343 Guilty Spark was destroyed in 2552. It was in late 2555 that the UNSC first learned of this monitor's survival, as established in Chapter 13 of Halo: Renegades. However, it is very possible that the UNSC would have kept this information from the general public.

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo: Silentium, String 37
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 362
  3. ^ a b c d e f Halo: Outpost Discovery, The Ring Experience
  4. ^ Halo: Silentium, String 2
  5. ^ Halo: Outpost Discovery, The Making of The Ring Experience
  6. ^ a b Halo: The Television Series, episode Sword
  7. ^ a b c d e Halo Infinite marketing, Halo Infinite announcement trailer
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h YouTube - Halo, The Making of the Halo Infinite Announce Trailer
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