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{{Era|H1|H2|H3|FA|RE}}
{{Status|Canon}}
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[[File:HR Tempest Comm Node.png|300px|thumb|A Spike of Obeisance on [[Tempest]].]]
[[Image:Communications Array.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A Communication Node as seen in Halo 3]]
'''Covenant comm nodes''',{{Ref/Mode|Id=Forge|H3|Forge/Halo 3|Forge}} also known as '''Covenant comm relays'''{{Ref/Site|Id=Spartan Games|URL=http://www.spartangames.co.uk/make-your-halo-table-look-awesome|Site=Spartan Games|Page=Make your Halo table look awesome!|D=21|M=11|Y=2016}} or '''''Spikes of Obeisance''''',{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Games}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Announcement|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/into-the-storm|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Community Update - Into the Storm|D=19|M=10|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Note|Id=hld|Text=The name "Spikes of Obeisance" was attributed to the 'Covenant comm relay' modeled after its identical appearances in [[Halo 3]] and [[Halo: Reach]]. Whether or not this title applies to other depictions (such as those featured in [[Halo: CE]], [[Halo 2]], Halo: Reach, and [[Halo 4]]) is unspecified.}} are mobile communication devices employed by the [[Covenant]] for strategic ground command and control.{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Games}}


'''Covenant Communication Node''' was a global term encompassing any of the [[Covenant]]'s mobile communication antennas used on the battlefield.
==Overview==
===Design details===
The comm nodes come in several different variants, with the most common Spikes of Obeisance{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Games}} depicted as tall devices, consisting of a stalk protruding from a round central structure, supported by a trio of 'legs'. They are primarily magenta, black, and silver in color.{{Ref/Level|Id=TotS|HR|Tip of the Spear}} Some comm nodes feature a tall antenna, but with a single large base structure,{{Ref/Game|H2|Covenant comm node in-game model}} while others are similar in appearance to the [[Covenant supply case]], bearing three equilateral antennas and a keyboard extending from within the base.{{Ref/Game|Id=HCE|HCE|Covenant comm node in-game model}}


== Halo: Combat Evolved ==
===Usage===
[[Image:Mugshot.jpg||thumb|200px|The controls on a Comm Node as seen in ''Halo PC'']]
Comm nodes are primarily deployed on ground in areas requiring tactical communication between separate Covenant operators. They were used by the Covenant as a means to interlink their [[proselytization network|battle network]] and functioned as a combination of proselytism, network up-links, communication hubs, and sensor relay nodes.{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Games}}{{Ref/Reuse|Announcement}}
An early version of the Comm Node was a  specialized variant of the standard [[Covenant Supply Case]]. The Covenant used these large portable crates to connect to the [[Battlenet]] for communication. Although extremely similar in appearance to the supply case, their sides appear to have folded outwards, producing a small screen and keyboard for Battlenet interface. Their range is unknown and they may be able to function in many types of environment, as they have been seen in use in a wide variety of locations. It is speculated that their primary use is for relaying information from planet surfaces to Covenant ships in orbit, although it is equally possible that they are simply used for ground communications. One time, during the game the player will encounter an unfortunate [[Elite]] distracted using one of these, just ripe for being [[assassination|assassinated]] from behind.<ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', level [[The Silent Cartographer (Level)|The Silent Cartographer]]</ref>


=== Appearance and Function ===
==Operational history==
[[Image:Uplink Crate.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A Comm Node in ''Halo PC'']]
Covenant comm relays were used extensively during the Covenant's vicious [[Fall of Reach|assault]] on the planet [[Reach]],{{Ref/Reuse|TotS}} and the follow-up [[Battle of Installation 04]]{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} as well as during the [[Battle for Earth]]{{Ref/Level|H3|Sierra 117}} the [[Battle of Installation 05]],{{Ref/Level|H2|Uprising}} and the [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Level|H3|The Covenant (level)|The Covenant}}
The Comm Node appears to be either a modified storage crate or a similar device based on the same framework. It stands approximately eight feet tall and the three antennae on top add about five feet of height. It has several fold out controls on it, but they are in the [[Covenant language]] and are completely useless to the player. It is notable however, that the screens on uplink crates usually contain readouts on a planetary surface and links to orbiting spacecraft. This too is interesting, as uplink crates are seen exclusively on the surfaces of the [[Halo]]s, which are in fact, ring shaped, not spherical shaped. The uplink crate emits a loud, random chirping noise and static when active. Its dark purple color affords it no camouflage whatsoever, tending to make it stand out. The only exception to this rule is when they are located in the interiors of Covenant vessels for transport. In this event, they provide extremely good cover, often blending into the background.


In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the Comm Node is impervious to all forms of firepower or impact. They can be neither damaged nor moved, for which reason they make excellent cover. They are never seen knocked over or even tipped in any of the levels, suggesting the [[Flood]] are either capable of utilizing them, or cannot move their bulk.<ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', [[343 Guilty Spark (Level)]]</ref> However, the first possibility seems more likely, as Flood are able to effortlessly move heavy machinery, up to and including armored vehicles. Nonetheless, the [[John-117|Master Chief]], who can flip over an [[M12 LRV]], is unable to budge the nodes an inch, suggesting that they are either fixed to the ground in some way or far heavier than they look. Even a direct impact from the 90mm shell of a [[Scorpion Tank]] can not scratch the heavily engraved metal alloy that protects the machine. In fact, a [[Warthog]] may even flip over on impact with a crate, thus making them rather dangerous obstacles. It is also possible that this could just be game mechanics because the nodes could be modified [[Covenant Supply Case|Supply Cases]], which are also immobile. The objects are also considered scenery objects by the game, just as rocks and the like are, and are therefore made immobile by the game itself.
==Trivia==
*The comm will remain active if one of its legs has been broken off, and can still be picked up in [[Forge]]. To completely destroy it, one must break the tower from the base.{{Ref/Reuse|Forge}}
*On the main body of the node, something resembling the [[List of Marathon references in the Halo series|Marathon]] symbol can clearly be seen.{{Ref/Reuse|TotS}}


=== Appearances ===
==Gallery==
*[[The Silent Cartographer (Level)|Silent Cartographer]] - A pair of comm crates may be found in both the security sub system and in the Silent Cartographer itself. Additionally, several of them are found at the [[Pelican]]s' landing zone, mixed in with the normal supply crates.
<gallery>
*[[343 Guilty Spark (Level)|343 Guilty Spark]] - In the swamp, they broadcast the same message as [[Victor 933]]'s crash message, suggesting that V933's pilot was desperate enough to broadcast on all channels, even those occupied by the Covenant Battlenet.
File:HCE CovenantCommNode.jpg|The ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' comm node.
*The multiplayer map [[Death Island]], based on Silent Cartographer, contains several. Also, several may be found in the multi-player map [[Damnation]]; this makes sense, as Damnation takes place in a Covenant hydro-processing facility.
File:HCE CovenantCommNode Closeup.jpg|A closeup of the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' comm node, bearing more resemblance to the Covenant supply case.
File:HCE-CovenantComNode.png|Cutout of the ''Combat Evolved'' comm node.
File:HCEA SilentCartographer CommNode.jpg|The Covenant comm node as depicted in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA Comm Node Keyboard.jpg|Closeup view of the comm node control pads.
File:H2 Communications Module.png|A comm node in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H3 Communications Module.jpeg|A comm node in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3 CovenantCommNode.jpg|A comm node next to a [[Covenant supply case]] on [[Installation 00]].


=== Dimensions ===
File:HReach Communications Module.jpg|A comm node in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''
Height: 13.8 feet
File:HR TipOfTheSpear Comm Node.png|A Comm Node on the mission [[Tip of the Spear]].
File:HR CovenantCommAntenna Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Covenant communication antenna in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR-CovenantComNode.png|A communications antenna in ''Reach''.
File:H4-Concept-Covenant-Uplink.jpg|Concept art of a comm node in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A_CovenantCommNode.png|The ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' comm node on [[High Charity]].
File:H2A_CovenantCommNode_Side.png|A comm node beside several Covenant supply cases.
</gallery>


== Halo 2 ==
==List of appearances==
In ''Halo 2'', they are similar to Covenant visual recording devices, but have large metal antennae protruding from the top of the casing. If the Crate is functioning, the antenna will be encased in a purple energy field. However, if the player shoots the crate, the charge over the antenna will flicker and disappear.<ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', level [[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]]</ref>
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]] {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'' {{Mo}}


=== Appearance and Function ===
==Notes==
In ''Halo 2'', the Comm Node received a complete overhaul. It is now a small device at the bottom, that looks like Covenant Visual Recording devices, with tall, large antennae protruding from the top. They can now be moved, and appear to be destructible.
{{Ref/Notes}}


=== Appearances ===
==Sources==
*[[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]] - There are several of these scattered throughout the level.
{{Ref/Sources}}
*[[Gravemind (Level)|Gravemind]]
*[[Uprising (Level)|Uprising]] - Some are seen across the battlefield and especially at the Brute encampment.
*[[Sacred Icon (Level)|Sacred Icon]] - Right at the beginning of the level.
*[[High Charity (Level)|High Charity]]
*[[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]] - One can be seen on the bridge where you fight [[Jackal]]s.


== Halo 3 ==
[[Category:Covenant technology]]
In ''Halo 3'', the Communication Nodes were redesigned to have a more elegant shape. Again, they can be destroyed, in which case the bluish energy field will disappear.
[[Category:Communications technology]]
 
=== Appearance and Function ===
They now have a more rounded and updated look. It still has the same basic shape as the ''Halo 2'' model, with a device at the bottom and antennae at the top. It is now seen more frequently.
 
=== Appearances ===
Campaign:
*[[Tsavo Highway (Level)|Tsavo Highway]]
*[[The Ark (Level)|The Ark]] - Several can be seen scattered across the battlefield.
*[[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]] - They are especially noticeable on this level, and many can be seen across the battlefield.
Multiplayer:
*[[Snowbound (Level)|Snowbound]] - Located near the [[Shotgun]] spawn next to two Plasma Batteries.
 
''Note: They are also one of the available items in Forge on Snowbound and [[Heretic]].''
 
== History ==
The Comm Node has been a part of the Covenant for a relatively long time. Wherever Covenant are encamped, a comm node can be seen nearby. Often, they tend to serve as obstacles for the player, should they be driving a Warthog. However this is balanced by the excellent cover they provide (however, bullets from the Warthogs' mounted gun can be seen to pierce Comm Nodes, hitting objects and characters behind them). They are seen in the proximity of [[The Silent Cartographer]] and even the [[Flood Containment Facility]]. This denotes their importance to the continuity and smooth operation of ground and naval forces within the Covenant.
 
It appears that the Comm Nodes have undergone a series of refits, seeing as how the shape, color, and height of the units vary between games. They most likely are similar to human technology, where when one model becomes outdated, another, more updated model takes its place.
 
== Trivia ==
*It is the only item in [[Forge]] that can be damaged and still operate normally.
*If you were to break off one of its legs, the comm will still be active, and you can still pick it up in Forge.
*To deactivate the node, just shoot it once in the tower. It can still be forged, but the tower won't reactivate again.
*To fully destroy it, you must break the tower off the base. That's when you will have to wait for it to respawn in order to Forge it.
*If you break off the leg and place it on the side with the broken leg and destroy it, when it respawns, the leg will be back, but will protrude through the floor, causing the node to shake uncontrollably.
*The nodes also appear to be portable, as there is no fracture mark when the tower breaks off the base, implying there is "some assembly required", and the base of the legs are hinged. If you melee the legs once they will collapse and not break. However, if you melee them twice they will break.
*On the main body of the node, something resembling the marathon symbol can clearly be seen.
*The ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' communication nodes not only appear to be modified supply cases, but supply cases that are upside-down.
 
== Sources ==
<references/>
 
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Scenery]]

Latest revision as of 09:34, August 30, 2023

A Covenant comm node in a cave on the multiplayer map Tempest
A Spike of Obeisance on Tempest.

Covenant comm nodes,[1] also known as Covenant comm relays[2] or Spikes of Obeisance,[2][3][Note 1] are mobile communication devices employed by the Covenant for strategic ground command and control.[2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The comm nodes come in several different variants, with the most common Spikes of Obeisance[2] depicted as tall devices, consisting of a stalk protruding from a round central structure, supported by a trio of 'legs'. They are primarily magenta, black, and silver in color.[4] Some comm nodes feature a tall antenna, but with a single large base structure,[5] while others are similar in appearance to the Covenant supply case, bearing three equilateral antennas and a keyboard extending from within the base.[6]

Usage[edit]

Comm nodes are primarily deployed on ground in areas requiring tactical communication between separate Covenant operators. They were used by the Covenant as a means to interlink their battle network and functioned as a combination of proselytism, network up-links, communication hubs, and sensor relay nodes.[2][3]

Operational history[edit]

Covenant comm relays were used extensively during the Covenant's vicious assault on the planet Reach,[4] and the follow-up Battle of Installation 04[6] as well as during the Battle for Earth[7] the Battle of Installation 05,[8] and the Battle of Installation 00.[9]

Trivia[edit]

  • The comm will remain active if one of its legs has been broken off, and can still be picked up in Forge. To completely destroy it, one must break the tower from the base.[1]
  • On the main body of the node, something resembling the Marathon symbol can clearly be seen.[4]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The name "Spikes of Obeisance" was attributed to the 'Covenant comm relay' modeled after its identical appearances in Halo 3 and Halo: Reach. Whether or not this title applies to other depictions (such as those featured in Halo: CE, Halo 2, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4) is unspecified.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo 3, gamemode Forge
  2. ^ a b c d e Spartan Games, Make your Halo table look awesome! (Retrieved on Nov 21, 2016) [archive]
  3. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Community Update - Into the Storm (Retrieved on Oct 19, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ a b c Halo: Reach, campaign level Tip of the Spear
  5. ^ Halo 2, Covenant comm node in-game model
  6. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, Covenant comm node in-game model
  7. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Sierra 117
  8. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Uprising
  9. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
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