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{{Era|H1|H2|H3|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|UP|RVB|HGN|HW|TCP|H3R|}}
{{Status|Canon}}
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{{Seealso|Sangheili point defense gauntlet}}
[[Image:Jackal Point Defense Gauntlet.jpg|thumb|300px|A deactivated Point Defense Gauntlet being carried by a [[Jackal]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.]]
[[File:H3 PointDefenseGauntlet Deactivated.jpg|thumb|200px|A deactivated point defense gauntlet being carried by a [[Kig-Yar|Jackal]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.]]


'''Point Defense Gauntlets'''<ref>http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3needler</ref> are arm-held energy shields mainly used by the [[Covenant]] [[Kig-Yar]] for protection from enemy fire or close to mid-range explosions. [[Elites]] are known to use their own version of an arm energy shield, the [[Sangheili Point Defense Gauntlet]].
'''Point defense gauntlets''',<ref name="bnet">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3needler '''Bungie.net:''' ''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher : 9/6/2007'']</ref> also known as '''Jackal shield units''',<ref name="GoO16">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 16''</ref> or an '''energy pavise'''<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s)'']</ref> are arm-held energy shields mainly used by the [[Kig-Yar]] serving in the [[Covenant]] for protection from enemy fire or close- to mid-range explosions. The point defense gauntlet was developed by the Covenant after they reverse-engineered [[Forerunner]] technology. The shields are approximately 1.22 meters (4&nbsp;ft) in diameter.<ref name="ENC359">'''[[Halo: Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 359''</ref>


==Summary==
==Design==
Worn on the forearm, they create a barrier that can deflect all solid projectile weaponry to a certain point, mostly [[UNSC]] [[weapon]]s; however, Jackals are also seen to attempt using the shield as protection against grenades, with rarely any success. Grenades are now the best tactic to use when confronted by an enemy with such a device. Another tactic is to fire in the right and left handed notches from which the Jackals fire from or shoot the heads that are overlapping the shields slightly. It's also possible to snipe a Jackal's feet if it is not moving. Even though only a slight portion of their foot can be seen, this will instantly kill them. Although the shield will deflect light projectiles, heavier guns; such as the [[M41 Light Anti Aircraft Gun]] or [[Gauss Cannon]], are effective against the shield.
[[File:Journal shield.png|thumb|200px|Diagrams of the inner workings of a point defense gauntlet in [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Halsey]]'s [[Dr. Halsey's personal journal|journal]].]]


== Damage Resistance ==
Worn on the forearm of the user, the gauntlet creates an "linear energy field"{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} that deflects and absorbs small arms weaponry to an extent; ballistic weapons, both human and covenant, simply bounce off the energy barrier, whereas the plasma-based weaponry is absorbed by the energy barrier, eventually collapsing it, though the shield can regenerate and be reactivated.{{Ref/Reuse|ENC359}} Heavier weaponries such as the Covenant's {{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}} and the UNSC's [[M41 rocket launcher]] and [[M68 Gauss Cannon]] are considerably effective against the gauntlet's energy barrier. Alternatively, explosions and extreme force from grenades and melee attacks will collapse the energy barrier and likely kill the wearer in the process.
[[File:Jackal Shield Taking Damage.jpg|thumb|200px|Jackal shields emit decreasing wavelength light spectrums (orange to red) as they take damage, eventually collapsing altogether. (red is the lowest part of the visible spectrum, violet is the highest.)]]
The shield of the point defense gauntlet reflects its current charge by changing color gradually from its original color to red before it deactivates completely.


In ''[[Halo 2]]'', the shield appears to have been weakened and become stronger at the same time. It is now possible (although difficult) to bring down a shield with projectile weaponry; a sniper round to the central dot will collapse it and stun the Jackal. The strong points are that the shield gives some melee protection and can still deflect Needler rounds like in ''Halo: CE'', although rapid fire may cause the rounds to stick to the actual gauntlet, therefore exploding and killing the Jackal.  
The shield of the point defense gauntlet reflects its current charge by changing color gradually from its original color to a red and then a faint shade of pink before it fades out and deactivates completely.


''[[Halo 3]]''-era Jackal shields are the strongest yet, unable to be collapsed by standard projectile UNSC weapons (even to shots to the central dot), and melees no longer instantly kill the Jackal, they just deactivate the shield. Jackals also will not flinch when ammunition hits the edges of their shields, they will only flinch when a bullet comes in contact with their body (particularly the hand exposed by the firing notch). It is more susceptible to the [[Plasma Rifle]] and [[Sentinel Beam]] now, however. A [[Plasma Pistol]] overcharged will instantly deactivate the shield, so you can then use a different weapon to kill the Jackal.  
===UNSC reverse-engineering===
Several examples of the point defence gauntlet were captured by the UNSC during the early stages of the war. During the [[First Battle of Harvest]] in [[2525]], a pair of Marines assigned to a freighter during the planet's evacuation were able to secure a batch of gauntlets from [[Kig-yar]] after a failed attempt to board their ship.{{Ref/Generic|Id=Unspoken|Heading=[[Become]]|Subheading=[[UNSC Archives]]|Detail=[[Unspoken]]}} During the [[Battle of Chi Ceti IV]] later that same year, the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]] captured a Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet, believing that [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] would be able to use it.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 151''</ref>  However, for over a decade, the secrets behind the gauntlet eluded scientists, such as Halsey herself and [[Hardy|Dr. Hardy]],<ref name="journal">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''</ref> attempting to uncover its inner workings. In [[2536]], a [[Leonard Gillespie|graduate student]] took apart an outdated gauntlet, discovering that its inner apparatus was not properly sealed. The initial tests that followed revealed to the UNSC that massive power input can help replicate and sustain small-scale energy shield surface areas. Reverse-engineering of the gauntlet helped allow the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] to develop their own [[energy shielding]] technology for the [[MJOLNIR]] armor.{{Ref/Reuse|journal}}


Although rarely seen, the Jackal's shield will be somehow almost completely dissipated when accidentally hit by a Brute Power Drain, and is unknown to be vulnerable to attack when affected.[[Image:jackal shield in power drain 2.jpg|thumb|right|Jackal shield in Power Drain.]]
===Variants===
[[File:H3 PointDefenseGauntlet Damaged.jpg|thumb|200px|Jackal shield colors increase in wavelength based on current shield strength; blue-shifted emitters being stronger and reds being weaker.]]
There are several observed models of point defense gauntlet. The most common one is mounted on a wrist strap with an oval emitter, and has two cutaways for firing. Another model seen during the [[Fall of Reach]] has also been observed, which had only one cutaway and was emitted by a full-arm gauntlet.


A third variant has been seen in use by [[Skirmisher Murmillo]]nes in the Covenant and [[Skirmisher]]s in the [[Banished]], known as the defensive energy shield bracer.<ref>'''Halo: Encyclopedia''', ''page 156''</ref>


=== UNSC Weapons ===
A fourth model is used by Kig-Yar members of the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|reformed Covenant faction]] led by [[Jul 'Mdama]]; it appears most similar to the variant used during the [[Fall of Reach]], although it has a more compact wrist-mounted emitter like that of the traditional gauntlet.<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', ''gameplay''</ref>
The Jackal Point Defense Gauntlet is completely resistant to the UNSC's metallic projectile ammunition. Most UNSC weaponry will simply bounce off the shields. Even the [[Sniper Rifle System 99D-S2 Antimatériel|SRS99D-S2 AM Sniper Rifle]]'s large 14.5mm APFSDS rounds are deflected (except when fired at the central shield emitter or the right and left handed notches in ''[[Halo 2]]'').


However continuous fire from certain weapons will cause the Jackal to momentarily drop its shield. The [[Warthog]]'s [[M41 LAAG]], [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] (and curiously [[MA5B]] and [[SMG]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2'') rounds will cause the Jackal to flinch, allowing the rest of the weapon's bullets to eliminate the Jackal. This may be due to the physical weakness of the Jackal as the bullets themselves are deflected. Only the Gauss Cannon round is not deflected by the Jackal's shield, although the [[M41 LAAG]], after long enough, will deplete the shield.
===Usage===
Point Defense Gauntlets have been historically employed by the Kig-Yar, serving in the Covenant and its remnants. They are most commonly employed by Kig-Yar support infantry, with higher Kig-Yar ranks such as [[Kig-Yar Major|Majors]], [[Kig-Yar Heavy|Heavies]], and [[Kig-Yar Raider|Raiders]] being equipped with stronger shields than their [[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]], [[Kig-Yar Storm|Storm]], and [[Kig-Yar Freebooter|Freebooter]] brethren, usually denoted by red or orange colouration as opposed to blue/ purple colouration. They are also carried by [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s, though are not always employed. Nonetheless, the use of two-handed weapons such as {{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}s does not seem to be a significant hindrance to Defense Gauntlet Usage.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]'''</ref> [[Kig-Yar Ranger]]s have also been known to employ gauntlets, though their use is sporadic.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''' - ''[[Warzone]]''</ref> Common tactic with the shield is for Kig-Yar to crouch behind them and advanced while firing their weapons through the cutout on the side, though they are also capable of overlapping the shields to form a shield wall.<ref>'''[[Halo 2 E3 demo]]'''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Ground Command]]'''</ref>


The few Human weapons that can penetrate the shield are explosive weapons such as the [[Rocket Launcher]], [[Missile Pod]], [[Spartan Laser]], or vehicle mounted ones such as [[Gauss Cannon]] and normal Warthog [[turret]].
During the War, [[SPARTAN-II]] personnel were known to retrieve Point Defense Gauntlets when possible to augment their defense, in particular those of the [[SPARTAN-III program]] whose [[SPI]] armor did not have energy shield capabilities.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 14''</ref> A group of [[Sangheili]] were also given point defense gauntlets in addition to their [[Sangheili Personal Energy Shield|existing energy shields]] on at least [[Onyx Conflict|one occasion]], an action which many of them felt was dishonorable.{{Ref/Reuse|GoO16}}
{{clear}}


=== Covenant Weapons ===
== Gameplay ==
Alternatively, the Point Defense Gauntlet has very low resistance towards Covenant [[Plasma]]-based weaponry. Plasma fire will deplete the shield's strength until they completely collapse. A few shots from a Plasma Rifle or a [[Plasma Pistol]] overcharged shot will successfully collapse the shield and may also cause the Jackal to flee.
=== Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2'' ===
*Shields now slowly turn a red color as they take more damage.
*[[Kig-Yar Minor]]s have turquoise shields instead of purple, while Majors keep their orange color.
*[[Kig-Yar Major]]s are indicated by an orange shield and orange armor, rather than brownish skin.
*The gaps for firing weapons are slightly smaller.


Strangely the [[Covenant Carbine]], a projectile weapon, can also deplete the shield. This, however, may be due to the fact the Carbine operates in a smaller but similar fashion like a [[Fuel Rod Gun]], as stated by the Halo 2 game manual, unlike human projectile weaponry.
=== Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' ===
*Kig-Yar Majors are indicated by a purple-blue color in their shield, rather than orange.
*Unlike the first two games, the gauntlet protects against melee attacks. A melee collapses the shield on lower difficulties with one hit, while it takes a couple on [[Legendary]] (melee weaponry such as the [[energy sword]] will cut through it instantly, regardless of the difficulty).
*Shields will recharge significantly faster than in the first two games.
*Small gap for the firing weapon is slightly larger and can more easily be exploited by the player.


=== Grenades ===
=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' to ''Halo: Reach'' ===
[[Image:Jackal Shield Cover.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Point Defense Gauntlets provide cover for the whole body of a well positioned Jackal.]]
*There is now only one cutaway for return-fire as opposed to two in previous games.
Explosions from [[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade|grenades]] can collapse the shield and kill the Jackal, instantly if its  close enough. It should be noted that the [[Plasma Grenade]] and the [[Spike Grenade]] will not stick to shield (though in pre-production it was planned for the [[Spike Grenade]] to have this ability) but can still destroy the shield and the Jackal if it's near the explosion.
*The shield is now more rounded and much larger, making it harder for the player to get around it.
*Kig-Yar now wield the shield with their left arm and fire with the right hand.
*High-ranked [[Skirmisher]]s also use a variant of the shield gauntlet on each wrist.
*The shield now floats in front of the gauntlet, as opposed to being attached to a circular emitter.
*Higher-ranked Kig-Yar have shields that start red and turn blue as they deplete, the opposite of previous games blue-to-red.


=== Melee ===
=== Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
*The shield of a [[Kig-Yar Storm]] has a purple tone to it.
*Shields of a Kig-Yar Storm turn a dark red as they deplete.
*The shield is slightly smaller in comparison to the Kig-Yar, making it easier for the player to get around it.
*It now takes two hits with the energy sword to cut through the shield.
*The shield is once again attached to a circular emitter.


In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', a direct hit to the shield will knock it backwards into the [[Jackal]], sending a power surge through the Jackal's body, thus killing it. However, on [[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]], it will often take more than one attack. Similar to most enemies, Jackals flinch when hit with a melee attack. In ''Halo 2'', the shield now provides the Jackals with limited melee protection, but in ''Halo 3'', a melee attack will just collapse the shield.
===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
[[Image:1220238203 Gauntlet.png|thumb|right|The Jackal's Point Defense Gauntlet in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.]]
{{Expand-section}}
* Kig-Yar now use their shield to bash opponents in melee.
* A Spartan charge temporarily stuns a Kig-Yar carrying shields


== Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2''==
===Changes from ''Halo 5: Guardians'' to ''Halo Infinite''===
*Shields now slowly turn a red color as they take more and more damage.
*[[Kig-Yar Freebooter]]s have blue shields, while [[Kig-Yar Raider]]s have orange ones.
*Jackal Majors are indicated by orange shield and orange armor, rather than brownish skin.
*The shield's emitter is oval again.
*Gaps for firing weapons is slightly smaller.
*The shield's design resembles the design from ''Halo 3'' with two openings, though it is still worn on the left arm.
* A [[Grappleshot]] temporarily stuns a Kig-Yar carrying shields instead of a Spartan charge.


==Changes from ''Halo 2'' to ''Halo 3''==
===''Halo Wars''===
*In ''Halo 3'', [[Jackal Major]]s are indicated by a purple-blue color in their shield, rather than orange.
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', point defense gauntlets are equipped for the Covenant's Jackal units. The initial Jackal does not spawn with a shield, but can be given one with the Defense Gauntlet upgrade. These initial shields are prone to collapse under enemy fire, however, though this can be mitigated with the Supreme Gauntlet upgrade, which allows the shield to absorb fire indefinitely. These shields are equipped and operated by snipers operating two-handed carbines and [[Sulok-pattern beam rifle|beam rifles]], a departure from typical ''Halo'' games.
*Unlike the first two games, a Jackal's shield protects against melee attacks. A melee collapses the shield on lower difficulties with one hit, while it takes a couple on [[Legendary]] (weapons like the [[Energy Sword]] will cut through it instantly, no matter the difficulty).
*Shields will recharge significantly faster than in the first two games.
*Small gap for the firing weapon is slightly larger and can more easily be exploited by the player.
[[Image:Shield drop 1.jpg|thumb|right|A Jackal's shield disintegrating.]]


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
*The Jackal shield is only available for use by players through mods.
*In the original Xbox version of Halo: Combat Evolved, Kig-Yar shields turn red when hit by energy weapons, while in all subsequent ports of the game, the shields do not change color at all, as with other broken textures.
*In the first teaser of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', a group of [[UNSC Marines]] that were inside a [[Forerunner]] complex, engage with a [[Major Domo Elite]] with a triple-layered personal arm shield similar to the Jackal's. This was later replaced with the [[Energy Shield]].
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|''Halo: Combat Evolved'' for PC]]'', the coloring for the Kig-Yar's personal energy shield will not be of the correct color. In the original Xbox version, the Kig-Yar Major has an orange energy shield whereas the Minor has cyan energy shield. The PC version, however, has a light green-blue energy shield coloring for all of the Kig-Yar, regardless of ranks.
*In ''Halo 2'', the [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]]'s zoom outline resembles that of a horizontal Jackal Energy Shield from ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
*Originally, in ''Halo 2'', [[Shielded Flood Carriers|some Carrier Forms]] were intended to utilize Kig-Yar point defense gauntlets.
*[[Sniper Jackal]]s wear Point Defense Gauntlets but never use them, even after dropping their [[Beam Rifle|rifles]] or [[Covenant Carbine|carbines]] and fleeing.
 
*It seems that [[Rtas 'Vadum]] has his own personal arm shield. This can be seen in the ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''.
==Gallery==
*Point Defense Gauntlets were often used by [[Spartan]]s and Elites who wanted enhanced shielding. They are commonly used by [[Spartan-III]]s, as their [[SPI]] armor doesn't include a built-in energy shield.
<gallery>
*The early [[MJOLNIR]] armor's [[shield]] system was reverse engineered from a Point Defense Gauntlet but due to the shield being stretched, projectile weapons will collapse it.
File:HCE Gauntlet.png|The Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet in the [[Halo: Combat Evolved (PC port)|PC version]] of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
*The shield seems to be a dual-wieldable item, as Jackals are never seen holding a weapon in their shield hand, as this would interfere with their shield, aim, and posture, and the shield may get in the way of their weapon (one exception is in a ''Halo 2'' [[glitch]] where the Arbiter could give shield bearing Jackals two-handed weapons). In ''Halo Wars'', they can hold a Covenant Carbine or Beam Rifle, along with the gauntlet, with ease.
File:HCE Gauntlet Deactivated.png|A Kig-Yar with a deactivated point defense gauntlet.
*Jackals are the only ''[[Halo]]'' characters, other than [[Rtas' Vadum]], that are left-handed, as their shield is in their right hand.
File:Jackal.jpg|A Kig-Yar Minor with a point defense gauntlet in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
*Apparently, Jackal shields in the novels run out of energy where as in the game it is rechargeable.
File:Jackal Shield Cover.jpg|Point defense gauntlets provide cover for the whole body of a well positioned Jackal in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
*In ''Halo 3'', the Point Defense Gauntlets will recharge (reactivate) after collapsing in approximately 12 seconds.
File:Jackalshield.jpg|A Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet's shield disintegrating.
*Kig-Yar Point Defense Gauntlets appear to be slide-on with size adjustments.
File:jackal shield in power drain 2.jpg|A Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet collapsing when exposed to a Power Drain.
*If you look in Theater, a Marksman's shield will float while he reaches for his weapon.
File:H3ODST ChargedPlasmaPistol.png|A Kig-Yar Major and Minor with their point defense gauntlets in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
*[[Jackal Sniper]]s and Jackal Marksmen do carry these Gauntlets as others do, but do not activate them as their weapons ([[Carbine]]s and [[Beam Rifle]]s) are too heavy for one handed operation.
File:Jackal shield.jpg|The shape of the point defense gauntlet's shield in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
*In ''[[Halo PC]]'' the coloring for the Jackal's personal energy shield will not be the correct color. Normally the Major is yellow and the Minor is blue, however in the PC version it is a light green-blue for all of them. This may be because that jackal shields were plasma and plasma was light green.
File:HReach - Skirmisher.png|A Skirmisher Murmillo with two point defense gauntlet variant in ''Halo: Reach''.
*Originally in ''Halo 2'', some Carrier Forms would have an Energy Shield that looked similar to the Jackal shield (see [[Shielded Flood Carriers]]).
File:HR JackalMinor&Major.png|A Kig-Yar Major and Minor with their point defense gauntlets in ''Halo: Reach''.
*If you shoot a jackal with a shield, and kill them, even without shooting their shield, it collapses, probably due to a fail-safe, and is likely reactivated when it is picked up again.
File:Halseys Journal Covenant IRIS symbol.png|Another look at the inner working of a point defense gauntlet by Dr. Halsey, with a symbol similar to a Forerunner symbol.
File:Threshold2.png|A Kig-Yar Major with a point defense gauntlet in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:H4 ApexSite Concept 1.jpg|Concept art for ''[[Halo 4]]'' of [[Unggoy Storm]] using defense gauntlets.
File:H4 profile - KigYar.png|The point defense gauntlet in ''Halo 4''.
File:Superstructure Assault.png|Kig-Yar minors with point defense gauntlets in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:H5G-KigYarStormWF.png|The point defense gauntlet in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G - Kig-Yar deactivated gauntlet.png|A deactivated gauntlet in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HINF HangarFreebooters.jpg|[[Kig-Yar Freebooter]]s' gauntlets in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF JackalGauntlets 1.png|The gauntlets on a Freebooter and a Raider in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF JackalGauntlets 2.png|The gauntlets illuminating their users in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]'' {{C|Flashback only}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
**''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
*''[[Become]]''
**''[[Unspoken]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
{{col-end}}


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


==Links==
{{Armor|Covenant}}
===Internal===
[[Category:Shield technology]]
*[[Sangheili Point Defense Gauntlet]]
[[Category:Covenant armor]]
*[[Energy Shield]]s
*[[Overshield]]
*[[Elite Personal Energy Shield]]
*[[Jackals]]
*[[Shielded Flood Carriers]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Latest revision as of 06:42, July 5, 2024

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A deactivated point defense gauntlet being carried by a Jackal in Halo 3.

Point defense gauntlets,[1] also known as Jackal shield units,[2] or an energy pavise[3] are arm-held energy shields mainly used by the Kig-Yar serving in the Covenant for protection from enemy fire or close- to mid-range explosions. The point defense gauntlet was developed by the Covenant after they reverse-engineered Forerunner technology. The shields are approximately 1.22 meters (4 ft) in diameter.[4]

Design[edit]

Diagrams of the inner workings of a point defense gauntlet in Dr. Halsey's journal.

Worn on the forearm of the user, the gauntlet creates an "linear energy field"[1] that deflects and absorbs small arms weaponry to an extent; ballistic weapons, both human and covenant, simply bounce off the energy barrier, whereas the plasma-based weaponry is absorbed by the energy barrier, eventually collapsing it, though the shield can regenerate and be reactivated.[4] Heavier weaponries such as the Covenant's Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun and the UNSC's M41 rocket launcher and M68 Gauss Cannon are considerably effective against the gauntlet's energy barrier. Alternatively, explosions and extreme force from grenades and melee attacks will collapse the energy barrier and likely kill the wearer in the process.

The shield of the point defense gauntlet reflects its current charge by changing color gradually from its original color to a red and then a faint shade of pink before it fades out and deactivates completely.

UNSC reverse-engineering[edit]

Several examples of the point defence gauntlet were captured by the UNSC during the early stages of the war. During the First Battle of Harvest in 2525, a pair of Marines assigned to a freighter during the planet's evacuation were able to secure a batch of gauntlets from Kig-yar after a failed attempt to board their ship.[5] During the Battle of Chi Ceti IV later that same year, the Spartan-IIs captured a Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet, believing that Dr. Catherine Halsey would be able to use it.[6] However, for over a decade, the secrets behind the gauntlet eluded scientists, such as Halsey herself and Dr. Hardy,[7] attempting to uncover its inner workings. In 2536, a graduate student took apart an outdated gauntlet, discovering that its inner apparatus was not properly sealed. The initial tests that followed revealed to the UNSC that massive power input can help replicate and sustain small-scale energy shield surface areas. Reverse-engineering of the gauntlet helped allow the Office of Naval Intelligence to develop their own energy shielding technology for the MJOLNIR armor.[7]

Variants[edit]

Jackal shield colors increase in wavelength based on current shield strength; blue-shifted emitters being stronger and reds being weaker.

There are several observed models of point defense gauntlet. The most common one is mounted on a wrist strap with an oval emitter, and has two cutaways for firing. Another model seen during the Fall of Reach has also been observed, which had only one cutaway and was emitted by a full-arm gauntlet.

A third variant has been seen in use by Skirmisher Murmillones in the Covenant and Skirmishers in the Banished, known as the defensive energy shield bracer.[8]

A fourth model is used by Kig-Yar members of the reformed Covenant faction led by Jul 'Mdama; it appears most similar to the variant used during the Fall of Reach, although it has a more compact wrist-mounted emitter like that of the traditional gauntlet.[9]

Usage[edit]

Point Defense Gauntlets have been historically employed by the Kig-Yar, serving in the Covenant and its remnants. They are most commonly employed by Kig-Yar support infantry, with higher Kig-Yar ranks such as Majors, Heavies, and Raiders being equipped with stronger shields than their Minor, Storm, and Freebooter brethren, usually denoted by red or orange colouration as opposed to blue/ purple colouration. They are also carried by Kig-Yar Snipers, though are not always employed. Nonetheless, the use of two-handed weapons such as Vostu-pattern carbines does not seem to be a significant hindrance to Defense Gauntlet Usage.[10] Kig-Yar Rangers have also been known to employ gauntlets, though their use is sporadic.[11] Common tactic with the shield is for Kig-Yar to crouch behind them and advanced while firing their weapons through the cutout on the side, though they are also capable of overlapping the shields to form a shield wall.[12][13]

During the War, SPARTAN-II personnel were known to retrieve Point Defense Gauntlets when possible to augment their defense, in particular those of the SPARTAN-III program whose SPI armor did not have energy shield capabilities.[14] A group of Sangheili were also given point defense gauntlets in addition to their existing energy shields on at least one occasion, an action which many of them felt was dishonorable.[2]

Gameplay[edit]

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2[edit]

  • Shields now slowly turn a red color as they take more damage.
  • Kig-Yar Minors have turquoise shields instead of purple, while Majors keep their orange color.
  • Kig-Yar Majors are indicated by an orange shield and orange armor, rather than brownish skin.
  • The gaps for firing weapons are slightly smaller.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST[edit]

  • Kig-Yar Majors are indicated by a purple-blue color in their shield, rather than orange.
  • Unlike the first two games, the gauntlet protects against melee attacks. A melee collapses the shield on lower difficulties with one hit, while it takes a couple on Legendary (melee weaponry such as the energy sword will cut through it instantly, regardless of the difficulty).
  • Shields will recharge significantly faster than in the first two games.
  • Small gap for the firing weapon is slightly larger and can more easily be exploited by the player.

Changes from Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST to Halo: Reach[edit]

  • There is now only one cutaway for return-fire as opposed to two in previous games.
  • The shield is now more rounded and much larger, making it harder for the player to get around it.
  • Kig-Yar now wield the shield with their left arm and fire with the right hand.
  • High-ranked Skirmishers also use a variant of the shield gauntlet on each wrist.
  • The shield now floats in front of the gauntlet, as opposed to being attached to a circular emitter.
  • Higher-ranked Kig-Yar have shields that start red and turn blue as they deplete, the opposite of previous games blue-to-red.

Changes from Halo: Reach to Halo 4[edit]

  • The shield of a Kig-Yar Storm has a purple tone to it.
  • Shields of a Kig-Yar Storm turn a dark red as they deplete.
  • The shield is slightly smaller in comparison to the Kig-Yar, making it easier for the player to get around it.
  • It now takes two hits with the energy sword to cut through the shield.
  • The shield is once again attached to a circular emitter.

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

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  • Kig-Yar now use their shield to bash opponents in melee.
  • A Spartan charge temporarily stuns a Kig-Yar carrying shields

Changes from Halo 5: Guardians to Halo Infinite[edit]

  • Kig-Yar Freebooters have blue shields, while Kig-Yar Raiders have orange ones.
  • The shield's emitter is oval again.
  • The shield's design resembles the design from Halo 3 with two openings, though it is still worn on the left arm.
  • A Grappleshot temporarily stuns a Kig-Yar carrying shields instead of a Spartan charge.

Halo Wars[edit]

In Halo Wars, point defense gauntlets are equipped for the Covenant's Jackal units. The initial Jackal does not spawn with a shield, but can be given one with the Defense Gauntlet upgrade. These initial shields are prone to collapse under enemy fire, however, though this can be mitigated with the Supreme Gauntlet upgrade, which allows the shield to absorb fire indefinitely. These shields are equipped and operated by snipers operating two-handed carbines and beam rifles, a departure from typical Halo games.

Trivia[edit]

  • In the original Xbox version of Halo: Combat Evolved, Kig-Yar shields turn red when hit by energy weapons, while in all subsequent ports of the game, the shields do not change color at all, as with other broken textures.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved for PC, the coloring for the Kig-Yar's personal energy shield will not be of the correct color. In the original Xbox version, the Kig-Yar Major has an orange energy shield whereas the Minor has cyan energy shield. The PC version, however, has a light green-blue energy shield coloring for all of the Kig-Yar, regardless of ranks.
  • Originally, in Halo 2, some Carrier Forms were intended to utilize Kig-Yar point defense gauntlets.

Gallery[edit]

  • The Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet in the PC version of Halo: Combat Evolved.

    The Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet in the PC version of Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • A Kig-Yar with a deactivated point defense gauntlet.

    A Kig-Yar with a deactivated point defense gauntlet.

  • A Kig-Yar Minor with a point defense gauntlet in Halo 2.

    A Kig-Yar Minor with a point defense gauntlet in Halo 2.

  • Point defense gauntlets provide cover for the whole body of a well positioned Jackal in Halo 3.

    Point defense gauntlets provide cover for the whole body of a well positioned Jackal in Halo 3.

  • A Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet's shield disintegrating.

    A Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet's shield disintegrating.

  • A Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet collapsing when exposed to a Power Drain.

    A Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet collapsing when exposed to a Power Drain.

  • A Kig-Yar Major and Minor with their point defense gauntlets in Halo 3: ODST.

    A Kig-Yar Major and Minor with their point defense gauntlets in Halo 3: ODST.

  • The shape of the point defense gauntlet's shield in Halo: Reach.

    The shape of the point defense gauntlet's shield in Halo: Reach.

  • A Skirmisher Murmillo with two point defense gauntlet variant in Halo: Reach.

    A Skirmisher Murmillo with two point defense gauntlet variant in Halo: Reach.

  • A Kig-Yar Major and Minor with their point defense gauntlets in Halo: Reach.

    A Kig-Yar Major and Minor with their point defense gauntlets in Halo: Reach.

  • Another look at the inner working of a point defense gauntlet by Dr. Halsey, with a symbol similar to a Forerunner symbol.

    Another look at the inner working of a point defense gauntlet by Dr. Halsey, with a symbol similar to a Forerunner symbol.

  • A Kig-Yar Major with a point defense gauntlet in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    A Kig-Yar Major with a point defense gauntlet in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • Concept art for Halo 4 of Unggoy Storm using defense gauntlets.

    Concept art for Halo 4 of Unggoy Storm using defense gauntlets.

  • The point defense gauntlet in Halo 4.

    The point defense gauntlet in Halo 4.

  • Kig-Yar minors with point defense gauntlets in Halo: Spartan Assault.

    Kig-Yar minors with point defense gauntlets in Halo: Spartan Assault.

  • The point defense gauntlet in Halo 5: Guardians.

    The point defense gauntlet in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A deactivated gauntlet in Halo 5: Guardians.

    A deactivated gauntlet in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • The gauntlets on a Freebooter and a Raider in Halo Infinite.

    The gauntlets on a Freebooter and a Raider in Halo Infinite.

  • The gauntlets illuminating their users in Halo Infinite.

    The gauntlets illuminating their users in Halo Infinite.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Bungie.net: Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher : 9/6/2007
  2. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 16
  3. ^ Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s)
  4. ^ a b Halo: Encyclopedia, page 359
  5. ^ Become - UNSC Archives: Unspoken
  6. ^ Halo: Fall of Reach, page 151
  7. ^ a b Halo: Reach, Dr. Halsey's personal journal
  8. ^ Halo: Encyclopedia, page 156
  9. ^ Halo 4, gameplay
  10. ^ Halo Wars
  11. ^ Halo 5: Guardians - Warzone
  12. ^ Halo 2 E3 demo
  13. ^ Halo: Ground Command
  14. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 14

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