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{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{disambig header|the ''[[Halo Wars]]'' character|the ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' gameplay mode|Forge}}
{{Disambig header|the Marine|the gameplay mode|Forge}}
{{Character Infobox|variant=Human
{{Character infobox
|image=[[File:Sergeant Forge on Harvest.png|250px]]
|variant=Human
|name=
|image=[[File:HW2 JohnForge.png|300px]]
|homeworld=[[Earth]]
|homeworld=[[Earth]]
|birth=[[2501|May 29, 2501]]<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page ???''</ref>
|birth=[[2501|May 29, 2501]]<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 72''</ref><ref name="Waypoint">[https://web.archive.org/web/20160413005932/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/john-forge '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''John Forge'' (archived)]</ref>
|death=[[2531#February|February 25th, 2531]] (aged 29)
|death=[[2531#February|February 25, 2531]]{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
|causeofdeath=
|parents=
|siblings=
|spouses=[[Laine Forge]] {{C|wife}}
|children=[[Rion Forge]] {{C|daughter}}
|species=[[Human]]
|species=[[Human]]
|gender=Male
|gender=Male
|height=6'3" (190.5 cm)<ref name="EVG"/>
|height={{Convert|190.5|cm|ftin}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
|mass=215 lbs (97.5 kg)<ref name="EVG"/>
|mass={{Convert|97.5|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
|hair= Brown
|hair=Brown
|eyes= Brown
|eyes=Brown
|affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]]
|affiliation=[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
|rank=[[Sergeant]]
|rank=Sergeant{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
|sn=63292-94758-JF
|sn=63292-94758-JF{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}
|notable=
|notable=Killed [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] in single combat<br>Destroyed [[Trove]] [[Shield World]]
*Has a personal [[combat knife]] nicknamed "Lucy"
}}
}}
{{quote|He’s the guy you want in the foxhole next to yours...but you’d never introduce him to your sister.|Common saying among Marines under Forge's command}}
{{Quote|The cocky grin on his face always made her smile. Even now, as a grown woman, he seemed larger than life. He'd been her hero, her protector, a rugged, capable kind of man, and marine through and through.|[[Rion Forge]] remembering her father<ref name="F304">'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', ''[[Into the Fire]]'', ''page 304''</ref>}}
'''Sergeant John Forge''' ([[service number]]: 63292-94758-JF) was a veteran [[Sergeant|non-commissioned officer]] in Foxtrot Company, [[Thirteenth Battalion]] of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]].<ref name="EVG"/><ref name = "Field Trip">'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Field Trip To Harvest]]''</ref><ref>[http://www.gamerzines.com/360zine/halo-wars.html '''Gamerzines''' - ''Accessed on 2009-02-17'']</ref> Although he excelled in tactics and combat, his repeated acts of insubordination caused him to receive three demotions, with infractions such as fighting with an officer, which resulted in 2.4 years in jail time, and striking a superior officer. He sported an ace of spades playing card attached to his left shoulder pauldron, and also carried a [[combat knife]] he named "Lucy".<ref name = "Viral">[http://halo.xbox.com/halowars/index.html?fbid=DJFJt_O2sq7 '''Xbox-Halo Wars''' - ''Accessed on 2009-02-02'']</ref><ref>[http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/halo-wars-character-profiles-forge-and-the-arbiter/?page=8 '''GameDaily''' - ''Halo Wars Character Profiles'']</ref>
'''Sergeant John Forge''' ([[service number]] '''63292-94758-JF''') was a veteran non-commissioned officer in [[Foxtrot Company]], [[13th Battalion]], in an unknown regiment of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref> Although he excelled in tactics and combat, Forge's repeated acts of insubordination caused him to receive three demotions, with infractions such as fighting with an officer, which resulted in 2.4 years in jail time, and striking a superior officer.<ref name="Prima">'''[[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]]''', Factions, UNSC Leaders, ''pages 22-23''</ref><ref name = "Viral">[http://halo.xbox.com/halowars/index.html?fbid=DJFJt_O2sq7 '''Xbox-Halo Wars''' - ''Accessed on 2009-02-02'']</ref>


==Biography==
==Biography==
===Early career===
===Early life and military career===
Born on [[Earth]] on [[2501|May 29, 2501]],<ref name="EVG"/>' Forge's life revolved around the military. His [[Forge family|family lineage]] had been a part of the military for generations, dating back to at least [[World War II]]. He signed up for boot camp at the minimum age of 16.
Born on [[Earth]] on [[2501|May 29, 2501]],{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}} Forge's life revolved around the military. His [[Forge family|family lineage]] had been a part of the military for generations, dating as far back as World War II. He joined boot camp at the minimum age of 16, where his superiors remarked there was "something special" about him.{{Ref/Reuse|Prima}} Forge's wife, [[Laine Forge|Laine]], gave birth to a daughter, [[Rion Forge|Lucy Orion "Rion" Forge]], around [[2525]]. Although John's marriage was strained even before the birth of his child, he and Rion would always remain on good terms.<ref name="smoke">'''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]'''</ref>


Although not physically gifted, Forge was strong for his size and weight. He displayed desire and toughness in nearly everything he did and was incredibly competitive and driven to succeed. These qualities made him a lifetime member of the Corps. His training and discipline had left him with a "unique" personality and method of getting things done. Those under his command trusted him greatly, despite the fact that he failed his last psychological exam.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]]''',''Forge leader card''</ref>
Forge worked a stint as a [[military police]]man on [[Mars]] and did some "grunt work" on [[Epsilon Eridani IV]] during the [[Insurrection]]. However, he hated policing and jumped at the chance to be assigned to [[Fort Marshall]].{{Ref/Reuse|Prima}}


Forge was a born warrior, but had difficulty coping with life outside the military. His wife was a distant shadow in his mind, but his daughter had never really given up on him, though it had been only months since they had talked. Forge has been decorated numerous times for valor and gallantry on the battlefield, but just as many counts for insubordination, conduct unbecoming, and striking a superior officer.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]]'''</ref>
Forge was arrested twice during his service. His first arrest was for directly disobeying orders and disorderly conduct. Even though his actions saved four members of his squad,{{Ref/Reuse|Prima}} Forge spent a total of 2.4 years in prison, an infraction that removed any chance of moving through [[Officer Candidate School]] or even progressing beyond the rank of sergeant.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}


He spent 2.4 years in prison, an infraction that removed any chance of moving through [[Officer Candidate School]] or even progressing beyond the rank of sergeant.<ref>'''Gamepro''' - ''Issue 245, February 2008'', ''page 59''</ref> In 2531, Lieutenant [[Prosser]] assaulted a woman in a bar, in which Sergeant Forge stopped and confronted the lieutenant. They engaged in a fist fight, with charges brought upon the sergeant. Luckily for Forge, the woman who had been attacked proclaimed him as a hero and all charges were dropped, where he was later reassigned to the {{UNSCship|Spirit of Fire}} by [[Admiral]] [[Preston Jeremiah Cole|Preston Cole]] personally.
His second arrest occurred around [[2530|August 17, 2530]]. Forge's then-five-year-old daughter, Rion, and her aunt [[Jillian]] were waiting for John in a bar when Lieutenant [[Prosser]] started making sexual advances on Jillian. When the lieutenant made a suggestive comment toward Rion, Jillian struck Prosser, prompting him to shove her against a wall.{{Ref/Reuse|smoke}} At this point John arrived and confronted the lieutenant. They engaged in a fist fight, with charges brought upon the sergeant. However, Rion proclaimed her father as a hero and all charges were dropped, where he was later reassigned to the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} by [[Admiral]] [[Preston Cole]] himself.{{Ref/Reuse|Prima}}{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s commanding officer, Captain [[James Cutter]], came to trust Forge so thoroughly that he granted the sergeant a degree of authority significantly exceeding that afforded by his rank.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}


===Securing the ''Prophecy''===
===Reclamation of Harvest===
{{Main|Harvest Campaign}}
{{Main|Harvest campaign}}
In February 2531, the ''Spirit of Fire'' was sent to assist the crippled [[Marathon-class Cruiser|cruiser]] {{UNSCship|Prophecy}} in the [[Epsilon Indi system]]. [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[James Gregory Cutter|James Cutter]] ordered the ''Prophecy's'' navigation database and survivors to be recovered, sending Forge and multiple [[fireteam]]s on board the vessel while the ''Spirit of Fire'' engaged several Covenant ships. Forge's Pelican was hit by a Phantom and crash landed upon the ''Prophecy'''s hull. Forge and [[Team Lima]] breached and entered the ''Prophecy''.Inside, they were attacked by [[Kig-yar Ranger]]s: during this engagement, Forge's ankle was broken. With the guidance of [[Serina]], the Spirit of Fire's [["Smart" AI]], he was able to find the a terminal to recover the ship's black box and wipe its navigation core, while the rest of Team Lima rescued the survivors. Serina warned Forge that the Prophecy's AI may "act peculiar" due to high radiation levels.<ref name="genesis">'''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'''</ref>
{{quote|Well, well. Lookee here, the Covenant built themselves a little base.|Forge discovering a Covenant base{{Ref/Reuse|RA}}}}
[[File:Anders and Forge in the Relic.png|thumb|300px|left|Professor Ellen Anders and Sergeant Forge in the Relic on Harvest.]]
In February 2531, ''Spirit of Fire'' was sent to assist the crippled {{Class|Marathon|heavy cruiser}} {{UNSCShip|Prophecy}} in the [[Epsilon Indi system]]. Captain Cutter ordered the ''Prophecy's'' navigation database and survivors to be recovered, sending Forge and multiple Marine [[fireteam]]s on board the vessel while ''Spirit of Fire'' engaged several Covenant ships. Forge's [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican dropship]] was hit by enemy fire and crash landed on the ''Prophecy'''s hull. Forge and [[Team Lima]] breached and boarded the ''Prophecy'' by deploying a "[[soft-seal]]", whereupon they were attacked by [[Kig-Yar Ranger]]s. Forge's ankle was broken during the engagement. With the guidance of [[Serina]], ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s AI, he was able to find the a terminal to recover the ship's black box and wipe its navigation core while the rest of Team Lima rescued the ship's survivors. Serina warned Forge that the ''Prophecy''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s AI may "act peculiar" due to high radiation levels.<ref name="genesis">'''Halo Wars: Genesis'''</ref>


Upon scanning his retinae to gain access to the terminal, Forge was halted by the ship's AI, [[FitzGibbon]], who explained he could not allow him to enter due to the latter's [[Career Service Vitae|service record]]. Forge reminded the AI of the [[United Nations Space Command Emergency Priority Order 098831A-1|Cole Protocol]], stating that he was aboard the vessel to ensure the protocol would not to be violated. FitzGibbon then allowed Forge into the terminal room and enabled radiation repair routines. Forge purged the navigation database and returned to the Pelicans as FitzGibbon activated the ''Prophecy'''s self-destruct sequence, which soon scuttled the ship. After the Marines and Forge escaped with the survivors, they were taken to the medical bay of the ''Spirit of Fire''. When Forge asked how the survivors were doing, Serina told him that there were no survivors, that they had suffered too much radiation poisoning when aboard the ''Prophecy'' to survive: according to Serina, all the Spirit of Fire's crew could do was watch them die. Forge was angered by the AI's indifference towards the survivors and comforted them in their final moments, believing that even if they would soon be dead, they were still people and so deserved better.<ref name="genesis"/>
Upon [[Retinal scanner|scanning his retina]] to gain access to the terminal, Forge was halted by the ship's AI, [[FitzGibbon]], who explained he could not allow him to enter due to the latter's poor [[Career Service Vitae|service record]]. Forge reminded the AI of the [[Cole Protocol]], stating that he was aboard the vessel to ensure the protocol would not to be violated. FitzGibbon then reluctantly allowed Forge into the terminal room and enabled radiation repair routines. Forge purged the navigation database and returned to the Pelicans as FitzGibbon activated ''Prophecy'''s self-destruct sequence, which soon scuttled the ship. After the Marines and Forge escaped with the survivors, they were taken to ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s medical bay. When Forge asked how the survivors were doing, Serina told him that they would all soon die due to all of them suffering extensive radiation poisoning. Forge was angered by the AI's indifference towards the survivors and comforted them in their final moments, believing that even if they would soon be dead, they were still people and so deserved better.{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}}


===Reclamation of Harvest===
Forge was sent to the surface of [[Harvest]] on his first mission to scout out Covenant activity in the northern polar region of the planet. He drove through [[Quadrant 4]] to find a battalion of Sangheili that an [[AV-14 Hornet]] squadron had spotted earlier.<ref name = "Viral"/> Reporting the Covenant activity to his superiors, as to how the aliens had found a [[Relic (location)|a Forerunner structure]] buried within the ice, he returned to the overrun UNSC [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]], and helped organize scattered Marine units along the way.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Alpha Base (Halo Wars level)|Alpha Base]]''</ref> Forge and his rag-tag assault force were able to retake Alpha Base a short-time later. Before the Relic was demolished by the Covenant, the Forerunner site is captured by Forge and Marine forces. [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] was then sent to the planet's surface to personally investigate the relic, and Forge reluctantly escorted her inside.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Relic Approach (level)|Relic Approach]]''</ref> He was present when Anders activated a Forerunner holographic projection of a star map, and protected her when they were ambushed by a team of Sangheili warriors. ''Spirit of Fire'' then evacuated most of her ground troops, including Forge, and set course for [[Arcadia]], a UNSC colony planet to which the star map had pointed.<ref name="RA">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Relic Interior]]''</ref>
Forge was sent to the surface of [[Harvest]] on his first mission under to scout out Covenant activity in the northern polar region of the planet. He drove through [[Quadrant 4]] to find a battalion of Sangheili that a [[AV-14 Attack VTOL|Hornet]] squadron had spotted earlier.<ref name = "Viral"/> Reporting the Covenant activity to his superiors, as to how the aliens had found a relic buried in the ice<ref name = "Field Trip"/>, he returned to an overrun [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]], and helped organize UNSC forces along the way.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', campaign level, ''[[Alpha Base (level)|Alpha Base]]''</ref> Forge and his rag-tag assault force were able to retake Alpha Base. He then commanded the Marine forces responsible for the capture of [[Relic|a Forerunner structure]] from the Covenant before it could be demolished. [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]] was then sent to the planet's surface to investigate the relic, and Forge reluctantly escorted her inside.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Relic Approach (level)|Relic Approach]]''</ref> He was present when Anders activated the Forerunner star map, and protected her when they were ambushed by a team of Sangheili. The ''Spirit of Fire'' then evacuated most of its ground troops, including Forge, and set course for [[Arcadia]], a UNSC colony planet to which the star map had pointed.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Relic Interior]]''</ref>


===Arcadia===
===Arcadia===
{{Main|Battle of Arcadia}}
[[File:HW Anders captured.png|thumb|300px|Forge aiming his handgun at [[Ripa 'Moramee]], who is taking Ellen Anders hostage.]]
After arriving at Arcadia, Forge was one of the first UNSC troops to set foot in the besieged capital of [[Pirth City]], where he aided the evacuation of civilians via three [[Human Cargo Ship|cargo vessels]]. When the civilian transports took off, Forge and his men abandoned the Covenant-infested city, and fell back to the outskirts.<ref>'''Halo Wars''',campaign level, ''[[Arcadia City]]''</ref> There, he took part in the destruction of a Covenant base, assisted by [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] teams [[Red Team|Red]] and [[Team Omega|Omega]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Arcadia Outskirts]]''</ref> He also participated in the battle to destroy a Covenant energy dome<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Dome of Light]]''</ref>which was protecting an unfinished [[Type-47_Ultra_Heavy_Assault_Platform#Super_Scarab|Scarab]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> While he and Anders were surveying the area, [[Ripa 'Moramee]], an [[Arbiter]], ambushed them. Forge was swiftly defeated and was about to be killed, until Anders stopped the Arbiter by agreeing to go with him without incident. After SPARTAN Red Team unsuccessfully tried to stop the Arbiter from escaping, they immediately retreated back to the ''Spirit of Fire''. He was aboard the ship when it made a [[Slipstream Space|Slipspace jump]] in pursuit of 'Moramee's retreating vessel.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', ''cutscene [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAwbJN6DzL4&feature=player_embedded "She is Not My Girlfriend"]''</ref>
{{Main|Battle for Arcadia}}
{{quote|Why don't we put the lady down and talk about this ''man'' to ''freak''?|Forge to Ripa 'Moramee}}
After arriving at Arcadia, Forge was among the first UNSC troops to set foot in the besieged capital of [[Pirth City]], where he aided the evacuation of civilians aboard three [[Banta-class transport|cargo vessels]].{{Ref/Reuse|Arcadia City}} One such civilian was a young boy named [[Adam Andrews]] whose encounter with Forge would stick in his mind for the rest of his life.{{Ref/Reuse|Hippo}} When the civilian transports took off, Forge and his men abandoned the besieged city and fell back to the outskirts.<ref name="Arcadia City">'''Halo Wars''',campaign level, ''[[Arcadia City]]''</ref> There, he took part in the destruction of a nearby Covenant base, assisted by [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] teams [[Red Team|Red]] and [[Team Omega|Omega]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Arcadia Outskirts]]''</ref> He also participated in the battle to destroy a Covenant energy dome<ref name="Dome of Light">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Dome of Light]]''</ref> which was protecting an unfinished {{Pattern|R'awuw|Scarab}}. After a short battle, the UNSC forces succeeded in destroying the Scarab.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> While he and Anders were surveying the area, [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] ambushed them. Forge was swiftly defeated and was about to be killed, until Anders stopped the Arbiter by agreeing to go with him without incident. After Spartan Red Team's unsuccessful attempt to stop the Arbiter from escaping, they immediately retreated back to the ''Spirit of Fire''. ''Spirit of Fire'' then made a [[slipspace]] jump in pursuit of 'Moramee's retreating vessel.<ref name="Girlfriend">'''Halo Wars''', ''cutscene [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAwbJN6DzL4&feature=player_embedded "She is Not My Girlfriend"]''</ref>


===Shield World===
===Trove===
{{Main|Battle of Shield 0459}}
[[File:Hw-prima-blog-01-01-crop.jpg|thumb|300px|Forge with Red Team at the Apex Site.]]
After [[Douglas-042]] recommended destroying 'Moramee's ship and killing Anders rather than let classified information fall into Covenant hands, Forge confronted the SPARTAN. The altercation resulted in a broken chair, a seal malfunction on a bulkhead and a stern interruption from [[Serina]]. From then on, Forge and Douglas always ate together in the mess hall.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events]]'''</ref>
{{Main|Battle of the Etran Harborage}}
{{quote|Son, I've a feeling before this is over, we'll need every last Spartan in the fight. I can do this. Report back to the ship.|Forge informing Jerome-092 of his intention to stay behind{{Ref/Reuse|Monsters}}}}
After Spartan [[Jerome-092]] recommended destroying 'Moramee's ship and killing Anders rather than let classified information fall into Covenant hands, Forge confronted the Spartan. The altercation resulted in a broken chair, a seal malfunction on a bulkhead and a stern interruption from [[Serina]]. From then on, Forge and Jerome always ate together in the mess hall.<ref name="Timeline">'''[[Halo Wars Timeline Events]]'''</ref>{{Ref/Note|The in-game timeline states that [[Douglas-042]] made the suggestion to destroy 'Moramee's vessel, that he fought Sergeant Forge over the suggestion, and that the two later bonded over meals. However, Red Team's leader, Jerome-092, clearly makes the suggestion in the game proper. Jerome is also the only Spartan seen to interact directly with Forge during the campaign. More importantly, Forge later takes Jerome's place in the suicidal attempt to destroy the shield world's star, suggesting the camaraderie said to have developed between Forge and the Spartan in question.}}


Upon arriving at a [[Shield 0459|mysterious planet]], Forge was sent down to the planet's surface, and was subsequently one of the first human beings to encounter [[the Flood]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Anders' Signal]]''</ref> It was soon discovered that the "planet" was not a planet at all, but a [[Forerunner]] [[Shield World]]. Immediately following this revelation, he was put in charge of the evacuation of the ''Spirit'''s ground troops and the scouring of Flood from the ship's hull.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Cleansing]]''</ref> Through a strange stroke of luck, he came upon the recently escaped Ellen Anders in the Shield World's interior, and escorted her back to the ''Spirit of Fire''.<ref>'''Halo Wars''' ''cutscene [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXZbTCmSeSI&feature=player_embedded "Judgement Day"]''</ref> He was then put in charge of the strike team that would deliver the ''Spirit'' 's [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] to [[the Apex]], to destroy the Shield World and its armada of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner ships]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Reactor (level)|Reactor]]''</ref> Atop the Apex, he once again faced 'Moramee in battle, while the SPARTANs of Red Team eliminated the Arbiter's comrades. Although Forge was nearly killed, he overcame his foe at the last minute by tricking the Arbiter to look him in the eye, and then stabbing him in the neck with his prized combat knife, "Lucy". He then proceeded to pick up the Arbiter's [[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|energy sword]], and drove it through the Sangheili's stomach, killing him. As [[Alice-130]] rolled the Arbiter's corpse off the platform, [[Jerome-092]] examined the Translight Engine, realizing that it had been damaged.<ref name="monsters">'''Halo Wars''', ''cutscene [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlNHT57SbkA&feature=player_embedded "Monsters"]''</ref>
Upon arriving at a [[Trove|mysterious planet]], Forge was sent to the planet's surface, where he and his forces encountered the [[Flood]]. Forge aided Red Team in killing the [[Proto-Gravemind]] that commanded all of the Flood forces.<ref name="Anders' Signal">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Anders' Signal]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[The Flood (level)|The Flood]]''</ref> It was soon discovered that the world was not a planet at all, but a Forerunner [[shield world]]. Immediately following this revelation, Forge was put in charge of the evacuation of the ''Spirit's'' ground troops<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', campaign level, ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]''</ref> and the decontamination of Flood from the ship's dorsal surface.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', campaign level, ''[[Cleansing]]''</ref> He then led teams in protecting the ship from Covenant forces during repairs to the power core after it collided with the {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}} ''[[Proclamation's Tithe]]''.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', campaign level, ''[[Repairs]]''</ref>


When it became clear that the damaged Translight Engine would have to be detonated manually, Forge realized that the SPARTANs would play a far greater role in the war than he ever could, and volunteered to take the FTL drive into the Shield World's sun. He gave the ''Spirit'''s crew the time they needed to escape the hollow planet and then detonated the drive, sacrificing his own life, but dealing the Covenant a massive blow in the process.<ref name="monsters"/>
Shortly after arriving in the shield world's interior, Forge located Anders who had managed to escape by [[translocation grid|teleporting]] from the [[Apex Site]]. Forge saved Anders from three [[pod infector]]s and escorted Anders to a Pelican for evac. Under Cutter's orders, Forge proceeded to destroy four [[Covenant citadel]]s and build [[firebase]]s in their stead, establishing a beachhead in the shield world's interior.<ref name="Beachhead">'''[[Halo Wars]]''', campaign level, ''[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]''</ref>


==Gameplay==
Following Anders' rescue, she revealed that the Covenant had used her to activate a fleet of [[Forerunner]] {{Class|Sojourner|dreadnought}}s. To stop the Covenant from using the ships, Anders decided that they must destroy Etran Harborage by using the reactor from the ''Spirit of Fire's'' [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] to induce a [[supernova]] in the shield world's artificial sun. To this end, Forge was assigned to escort the reactor to the [[Apex Site]] where an elevator existed that led into the sun. After two Pelicans were shot down while carrying the reactor, Forge was ordered to escort the reactor up a series of ramps using an [[M312 Elephant]] to tow the reactor to the Apex Base Site. Forge's target was a teleporter pad that could send the reactor to the Apex Site. Despite heavy resistance from Covenant and Flood forces, Forge succeeded in sending the reactor to the Apex Site.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Reactor (Halo Wars level)|Reactor]]''</ref>
Sergeant Forge serves as a [[Hero Unit]] in ''Halo Wars''. His special abilities include:


===Abilities===
[[File:HW Ripa is killed.png|thumb|300px|left|Forge after killing Ripa 'Moramee.]]
*'''"[[Hero Unit]] Ability'''":
Joined by a Marine lieutenant and Red Team, Forge attempted to move the reactor onto the elevator only to come under attack by the [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] and several [[Stealth Sangheili]]. Forge ordered Red Team to take care of the other Sanghelli while he dealt with the Arbiter himself. Forge put up a good fight, but lost his weapons and was ultimately defeated by the Arbiter. Forge challenged the Arbiter to kill him face to face and once the Arbiter picked him up, Forge stabbed the Sangheili in the neck with his prized [[combat knife]], "Lucy." With the Arbiter stunned by the attack, Forge impaled the Arbiter through the stomach with the Arbiter's own [[energy sword]], killing him. His body was then rolled off the platform by [[Alice-130]].
**Ram — Forge initially mounts a [[M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle|Gauss Warthog]] which has the ability to ram enemies
**Shotgun Barrage — When Forge's Warthog is destroyed, he will be revived on foot and armed with an [[M90 Close Assault Weapon System|M90 shotgun]] which he can unload quickly upon a target until empty.
*'''"Leader Power'''": [[Carpet Bomb]] — A bombing run with a long range that deals devastating damage to ground units.
*'''"Unique Unit'''": [[Cyclops]] — A powerful exoskeleton that can punch enemy ground units, throw wreckage, and repair buildings.


===Upgrades===
After the death of the Arbiter, Forge and Jerome-092 discovered that the reactor had been damaged and would need to be manually detonated. Forge chose to undertake the suicide mission himself, stating that he believed they would need all the SPARTANs they could get before the war was over. After exchanging a nod of respect with Jerome, Forge ascended in the elevator.<ref name="Monsters">'''[[Halo Wars]]''' cutscene [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLGoPIjE-OQ ''"Monsters"'']</ref> Forge would then contact Captain Cutter to state his estimate of thirty minutes until he reached the detonation site. After getting into the sun, Forge reported that he would give the ''Spirit of Fire'' ten minutes to escape before detonating the reactor.
*'''"Super Upgrade'''": [[M850 Main Battle Tank|Grizzly]] — a superior version of the [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion tank]] which has dual cannons and an additional mounted machine gun.
 
*'''"Economy Bonus'''": All [[Supply Pad]]s on Forge's bases start as Heavy Supply Pads.
After being informed that the ''Spirit of Fire'' had succeeded in opening the exit portal, Forge detonated the reactor, sacrificing himself but causing the shield world's sun to go supernova. While the ''Spirit of Fire'' managed to escape, Forge's sacrifice destroyed Etran Harborage, all Covenant and Flood forces upon it and the Forerunner ships, thus depriving the Covenant of a major advantage in the ongoing war.<ref name="Escape">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level, ''[[Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape]]''</ref>
 
===Legacy===
''Spirit of Fire'' was declared lost with all hands on [[2534|February 10, 2534]],<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 71''</ref> though many bereaved family members refused to accept the official statement. On his deathbed, Forge's father encouraged Rion to keep up the search for the truth regarding the ship's disappearance. Rion spent the ensuing years seeking closure for her father's disappearance, eventually becoming a scavenger. In [[2557#January|January 2557]], she followed a series of leads that pointed to the [[log buoy]] ''Spirit of Fire'' had dropped at Arcadia, which in turn took her to the remains of [[Trove]]. There she encountered what remained of the former caretaker of the facility, a fragmentary [[ancilla]] she later dubbed "[[Little Bit]]", which provided her the trajectory ''Spirit of Fire'' had followed when escaping the shield world.{{Ref/Reuse|smoke}}
 
Rion eventually discovered the truth about her father's demise from [[343 Guilty Spark]] who revealed that Forge had left a message for Rion that [[Serina]] and Cutter had promised to leave behind in the ''Spirit of Fire's'' preprogramed maintenance sheds and data drops that the ship left behind in hopes of leaving a trail. Having gained access to the message during his time with the UNSC, Spark was able to provide the message to Rion and explain her father's sacrifice to her.<ref>'''[[Halo: Renegades]]''', ''pages 312-316''</ref> Despite knowing the truth about Forge's death and holding a funeral for him on [[Earth]], Rion and her crew decided to continue the search for the ''Spirit of Fire''{{'}}s crew Forge had sacrificed himself for. With Little Bit's projections, the fully functional Spark and the upgraded ''Ace of Spades'', the crew believed that they could complete their mission.<ref>'''[[Halo: Renegades]]'''</ref>
 
In [[2560]], while preparing to trade with [[Kig-Yar]] scavengers at the [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins]], [[Adam Andrews]] recalled how Forge had rescued him as a kid during the [[Battle for Arcadia]], in particular the ace of spades on Forge's armor and how the Marine had told Adam that it was the ticket to get Lady Luck on their side. Having never learned Forge's name, Adam referred to him as the magician and in the years since, had learned of the ''Spirit of Fire's'' role in the battle and its subsequent disappearance. However, Adam believed that the ship was still out there somewhere.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Hippo|Halo: Hippocratica}}
 
==Personality and traits==
[[File:ForgeM6C.jpg|thumb|300px|A born troublemaker.]]
{{Quote|He’s the guy you want in the foxhole next to yours ... but you’d never introduce him to your sister.|Common saying among Marines under Forge's command<ref>'''Halo Wars''' ''instruction manual''</ref>}}
Although not particularly physically gifted, Forge was strong for his size and weight. He displayed desire and toughness in nearly everything he did and was incredibly competitive and driven to succeed. These qualities made him a lifetime member of the Marine Corps. His training and discipline had left him with a "unique" personality and method of getting things done. Those under his command trusted him greatly, despite the fact that he failed his last psychological exam.<ref name="Card">'''[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]]''', ''Forge leader card''</ref>
 
Forge was a born warrior but had difficulty coping with life outside the military. Though his wife remained a distant shadow in his mind while he was on deployment, his daughter Rion never gave up on him. Forge was decorated numerous times for valor and gallantry on the battlefield, though he received just as many demerits for insubordination, conduct unbecoming, and striking a superior officer.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|Prima}}
 
According to an [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] psych evaluation, Forge exceled at tactics and combat, where he was considered indispensable to their current needs. However it recommended denying all promotions due to his predicable pattern of insubordination.{{Ref/Site|Id=HWLS|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/halowars/index.html?fbid=0eK_L23l9WQ|Site=halo.xbox.com|Page=Halo Wars Launch Site|Detail=(Defunct)|D=12|M=8|Year=2010|NoArchive=Yes|LocalArchive=Halo Wars Launch Site}}
 
In combat, Forge appreciated a strong ground force able to turn a messy situation around,{{Ref/Reuse|Card}} and had a special fondness for the [[M850 Grizzly]] tank. In what [[Serina]] described as his "pet project", Forge arranged for an unusually high number of Grizzlies to be added to the ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s complement. The means by which he accomplished this were convoluted and known only to Forge himself.<ref>'''Halo Wars 2''', ''[[Phoenix Logs]] - Grizzly''</ref> During engagements, he would insist that Grizzly tanks be requested when [[M808B Scorpion]]s fall short, and a supply of [[HRUNTING Mark III (B) Cyclops]]es be available via any [[Firebase|command center]] for demolition of enemy structures.{{Ref/Reuse|Card}} Forge was also fond of the [[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]], and frequently operated one during his operations to the point that he kept his own [[John Forge's Warthog|personal vehicle]] out of the motor pool circulation so he could tinker and upgrade as needed.<ref>'''Halo Wars 2''', ''[[Phoenix Logs]] - John Forge's Warthog''</ref>
 
When faced with [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]], Forge showed himself to be a skilled hand-to-hand combatant, holding his own briefly against the skilled warlord in their first fight before being taken down, 'Moramee having had the advantage of energy shields and cloaking.{{Ref/Reuse|Girlfriend}} In their second fight, Forge proved capable of holding his own even longer, utilizing a combination of his weapons and hand-to-hand. Notably, Forge detected the cloaked Arbiter's initial attack and was able to dodge it and even landed a few hits on the Arbiter, tackling him to the ground at one point and using his pistol to disarm the Arbiter by firing into his right hand. Afterwards, 'Moramee would wield the energy sword that was once in his right hand with his left hand instead, suggesting that Forge succeeded in damaging his right hand beyond use. Though Forge was ultimately outmatched, he won by challenging the Arbiter to look him in the eyes as he killed Forge and then taking the opportunity to stab 'Moramee in the neck with "Lucy" before finishing him off with the Arbiter's own [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]] and taunted that he would've won the first time had Anders not intervened.{{Ref/Reuse|Monsters}}
 
Forge wore an Ace of Spades playing card (which Rion insisted he take with him after a game of [[Wikipedia:War (card game)|War]]) on his left shoulder pauldron.{{Ref/Reuse|Viral}} He also carried a [[combat knife]] which he called "Lucy",<ref name="gd">[http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/halo-wars-character-profiles-forge-and-the-arbiter/?page=8 '''GameDaily''' - ''Halo Wars Character Profiles (defunct)'']</ref> presumably after his daughter's given name.{{Ref/Reuse|smoke}} His breastplate was painted with nine Sangheili skulls arranged with combat knives in a skull-and-crossbones motif.
 
Assigned to protect Professor [[Ellen Anders]], Forge was often exasperated by her desire to be on the front lines and the fact that he was essentially a glorified babysitter, something that Anders took pleasure in taunting him with at times.{{Ref/Reuse|Dome of Light}} However, Forge did genuinely care for Anders and advocated chasing after Anders to rescue Anders when [[Ripa 'Moramee]] kidnapped her on [[Arcadia]] and was already waiting in a Pelican for Cutter's command to go when the ''Spirit of Fire'' arrived at [[Trove]].{{Ref/Reuse|Girlfriend}} Additionally, Forge reacted badly to [[Jerome-092]]'s suggestion that they eliminate Anders rather than rescue her.{{Ref/Reuse|Timeline}} After rescuing Anders from three [[pod infector]]s following her escape from the Covenant, Forge took the opportunity to tease her about the rescue and her lack of initial thanks.{{Ref/Reuse|Beachhead}}
 
==Production notes==
In the earliest stages of the [[Development of Halo Wars|development]] of ''Halo Wars'', Sergeant Forge was originally meant to be a [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]], before he was changed into a Marine Corps NCO.{{Ref/Twitter|zaphodgjd|1318335436431872001|Graeme Devine|Y=2020|M=10|D=20|Quote=Yeah. If you look in that original concept poster Cutter used to be younger and Forge used to be a Spartan before re-writes. I far prefer the final versions we went with, Forge’s sacrifice is meaningful because of who is he is and what he was.}} Lead writer Graeme Devine also outlined some thoughts for a potential [[Halo Wars sequel (Ensemble)|''Halo Wars'' sequel]], in which it would be revealed that Forge had survived the events of the shield world; The core of Shield World 0459 transported Forge to another location, thus saving him from the shield world's destruction. Anders, who had programmed to release herself from her cryo chamber shortly after Cutter entered cryostasis, followed Forge's signal and directed ''Spirit of Fire'' to his location. After three years and 107 days, Cutter was awakened by Serina, Anders, and Forge.{{Ref/Site|Id=RedditScript|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.reddit.com/r/HaloWars/comments/2nro3o/halo_wars_ama_with_graeme_devine_is_here/cmg8pcs/|Site=Reddit|Page=Halo Wars AMA with Graeme Devine is here!|Detail=Graeme Devine's Halo Wars 2 transcript}}
 
Forge is voiced by [[Nolan North]] in ''Halo Wars'' and ''Halo Wars 2'', who had previously voiced Marine NPCs in ''Halo 3'' and who later voiced [[Kojo Agu|Kojo "Romeo" Agu]] in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*He has nine [[Legendary]] symbols on his right breast plate. This could be a tally of enemy kills of some sort. It may also be a count of battles he has fought in or won.
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
*John Forge has had five promotions, but also three demotions, including one for striking a superior officer, despite the fact that this would have made him a [[Lance Corporal]].
*While on foot, Forge will occasionally shout "Yipee-kai-yay!" in reference to protagonist John McClane's catchphrase from the [[wikipedia:Die Hard (film series)|''Die Hard'' film series]].
*Despite being only a Sergeant, he is given many of the responsibilities of a Gunnery Sergeant or higher being that he takes orders directly from Captain Cutter.
*Forge's death was notably similar to that of Spartan [[Jorge-052]]. Both died by manually detonating slipspace drives that had been converted to bombs in order to end a Covenant threat, having to stay behind because the bomb was damaged and would not detonate autonomously at the right time. They both voluntarily gave their lives to save a Spartan: Jerome-092 in Forge's case and [[SPARTAN-B312]]'s in Jorge's. This similarity has been noted on ''[[Halo Waypoint]]''.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/herosacrifice/46c5c9b9-8ca9-404b-b948-60840e167d5f '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Hero-Sacrifice'']</ref>
*John Forge, as of February 2531, is the only human who isn't a SPARTAN ever noted to have used a [[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword]], a [[Sangheili]] weapon. Additionally, he is the only known human to have ever killed an [[Arbiter]].
*Jerome-092 occasionally addresses Forge as "Sir" in cutscenes despite outranking the sergeant by three grades.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/jerome-092 '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Jerome-092'']</ref> Its possible that this is merely a sign of respect by Jerome.
*He was voiced by [[Nolan North]], who was known for voicing one of the AI marines in ''Halo 3'' and [[Kojo Agu|Romeo]] in ''Halo 3: ODST''<ref>[http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/08/halo-odsts-creative-director-interview.ars '''Arstechnica.com''' - Joseph Staten interview'']</ref>, as well as Nathan Drake in the ''[[Wikipedia:Uncharted (series)|Uncharted]]'' series of video games and Desmond Miles in the ''Assassin's Creed'' series of video games.
*In ''Halo Wars'', Forge’s left shoulder armor has the unit crest of the [[Wikipedia:48th Chemical Brigade|U.S. Army’s 110th CBRNE Battalion]].
*While on foot, he will occasionally shout "Yipee-kai-yay!", in reference to the film [[w:Die Hard|Die Hard]].
*In ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', the "Calling Card" helmet attachment has the description "Forging ahead" and consists of an Ace of Spades playing card, references to John Forge and the playing card he wore on his shoulder pauldron, respectively.
*Even though in some cutscenes he is seen using an assault rifle, he always uses a shotgun in combat. This can be seen in the cutscene before [[Beachhead (Halo Wars Level)|Beachhead]].
*In the cutscene ''Monsters'', the back of Forge's head is clearly seen, yet his [[neural interface]] is not visible. This is considered a simple oversight on part of [[Blur Studios]], the company that animated the scene. This oversight has carried over to his action figure from [[McFarlane Toys]].
*Forge rides into battle on an upgraded [[M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle|Gauss Warthog]] with greater defense and attack power. If his Warthog is destroyed and he is revived, he attacks with a [[M90 Close Assault Weapon System|M90 shotgun]] with a special attack that causes him to quick-shuffle his shotgun until empty.
*Forge's death was notably similar to that of SPARTAN [[Jorge-052]]. Both died by manually detonating slipspace drives that had been converted to bombs in order to end a Covenant threat, having to stay behind because the bomb was damaged and would not detonate autonomously at the right time. They both voluntarily gave their lives to save a Spartan: Jerome-092 in Forge's case and [[SPARTAN-B312]]'s in Jorge's. This similarity has been noted on ''[[Halo Waypoint]]''.<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/herosacrifice/46c5c9b9-8ca9-404b-b948-60840e167d5f '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Hero-Sacrifice'']</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="120" orientation="portrait">
<gallery>
File:Sgt.JohnForge-fullbody-transparent.png|A full body render of Sgt. John Forge in his armor in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW_Forge_Concept_1.jpg|An early render of Forge, when he was intended to be a Spartan.
File:Forge in EVA.png|Forge as he appears in ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''.
File:HW_Forge_Concept_2.jpg|An early render of Forge, when he was intended to be a Spartan.
File:IMG_0001.jpg|Front of John Forge's Leader Card.
File:HW Concept Poster.jpg|An old concept poster for ''Halo Wars'' showing early designs for the main cast. Forge, still a Spartan, can be seen second-from-left.
File:IMG_0002.jpg|Back of John Forge's Leader Card.
File:HW SgtForge Concept Variation.jpg|Various concept variations on Forge.
File:Anders and Forge in the Relic.png|Professor Ellen Anders and Sergeant Forge in the Relic on Harvest.
File:HW_Forge_Ripa_Concept.jpg|Concept art of Forge facing off with Ripa 'Moramee.
File:Anderssignal2.png|Forge and Anders at the ruin site on Arcadia.
File:HW - Sergeant Forge.jpg|A render of Forge used in marketing for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW3.png|Forge aiming his handgun at [[Ripa 'Moramee]], who is taking Ellen Anders hostage.
File:HWG EVAForge.png|Forge in ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
File:ForgeM6.jpg|Sergeant Forge firing his M6C sidearm.
File:HW-SgtJohnForge-FullBody.png|A full body render of Sgt. John Forge in his armor in ''Halo Wars''
File:Anderssignal1.png|Captain Cutter, Sergeant Forge, and SPARTAN-092 discuss how to proceed after Professor Anders' abduction.
File:HWDE_Forge_LeaderProfile.jpg|Forge's [[Personnel profile]].
File:Arbiterhwdead.png|Forge after killing Ripa 'Moramee.
File:Sergeant Forge on Harvest.png|Forge inside the Relic on Harvest
File:Anderssignal2.png|Forge and Anders at the ruin site on Arcadia
File:HaloWars-Forge-Shotgun.jpg|Sgt. Forge wielding an M90 Shotgun.
File:ForgeM6.jpg|Sgt. Forge firing his M6C sidearm.
File:Anderssignal1.png|Captain Cutter, Sgt. Forge, and Jerome-092 discuss how to proceed after Professor Anders' abduction.
File:HM-Forge&Anders.png|John Forge with Ellen Anders in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''
File:HW2 Concept Forgehog.jpg|Concept art of John Forge standing in front of his Warthog for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2 Blitz Forge's Warthog.png|Forge on his Warthog in a [[Blitz]] card.
File:HW2 Forge Symbol.png|John Forge's leader symbol as it appeared in ''Halo Wars 2'' message of the day.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Into the Fire]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo: Hippocratica]]''
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Ref/Sources|2}}
 
{{HW Leaders}}


[[Category:UNSC Marine Corps Personnel|Forge]]
[[Category:Human characters|Forge, John]]
[[Category:UNSC Marine Corps enlisted personnel|Forge, John]]
[[Category:Halo Wars 2 DLC]]

Latest revision as of 11:32, July 2, 2024

This article is about the Marine. For the gameplay mode, see Forge.
John Forge
HW2 JohnForge.png
Biographical information

Homeworld:

Earth

Born:

May 29, 2501[1][2]

Died:

February 25, 2531[2] (aged 29)

Spouse(s):

Laine Forge (wife)

Children:

Rion Forge (daughter)

Personal details

Species:

Human

Gender:

Male

Height:

190.5 centimetres (6 ft 3.0 in)[1][2]

Weight:

97.5 kilograms (215 lb)[1][2]

Hair color:

Brown

Eye color:

Brown

Political and military information

Affiliation:

UNSC Marine Corps

Rank:

Sergeant[1][2]

Service number:

63292-94758-JF[2]

Notable info:

Killed Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee in single combat
Destroyed Trove Shield World

 

"The cocky grin on his face always made her smile. Even now, as a grown woman, he seemed larger than life. He'd been her hero, her protector, a rugged, capable kind of man, and marine through and through."
— Rion Forge remembering her father[3]

Sergeant John Forge (service number 63292-94758-JF) was a veteran non-commissioned officer in Foxtrot Company, 13th Battalion, in an unknown regiment of the UNSC Marine Corps.[1][4] Although he excelled in tactics and combat, Forge's repeated acts of insubordination caused him to receive three demotions, with infractions such as fighting with an officer, which resulted in 2.4 years in jail time, and striking a superior officer.[5][6]

Biography[edit]

Early life and military career[edit]

Born on Earth on May 29, 2501,[1] Forge's life revolved around the military. His family lineage had been a part of the military for generations, dating as far back as World War II. He joined boot camp at the minimum age of 16, where his superiors remarked there was "something special" about him.[5] Forge's wife, Laine, gave birth to a daughter, Lucy Orion "Rion" Forge, around 2525. Although John's marriage was strained even before the birth of his child, he and Rion would always remain on good terms.[7]

Forge worked a stint as a military policeman on Mars and did some "grunt work" on Epsilon Eridani IV during the Insurrection. However, he hated policing and jumped at the chance to be assigned to Fort Marshall.[5]

Forge was arrested twice during his service. His first arrest was for directly disobeying orders and disorderly conduct. Even though his actions saved four members of his squad,[5] Forge spent a total of 2.4 years in prison, an infraction that removed any chance of moving through Officer Candidate School or even progressing beyond the rank of sergeant.[1]

His second arrest occurred around August 17, 2530. Forge's then-five-year-old daughter, Rion, and her aunt Jillian were waiting for John in a bar when Lieutenant Prosser started making sexual advances on Jillian. When the lieutenant made a suggestive comment toward Rion, Jillian struck Prosser, prompting him to shove her against a wall.[7] At this point John arrived and confronted the lieutenant. They engaged in a fist fight, with charges brought upon the sergeant. However, Rion proclaimed her father as a hero and all charges were dropped, where he was later reassigned to the UNSC Spirit of Fire by Admiral Preston Cole himself.[5][8] Spirit of Fire's commanding officer, Captain James Cutter, came to trust Forge so thoroughly that he granted the sergeant a degree of authority significantly exceeding that afforded by his rank.[2]

Reclamation of Harvest[edit]

Main article: Harvest campaign

"Well, well. Lookee here, the Covenant built themselves a little base."
— Forge discovering a Covenant base[9]
Professor Ellen Anders and Sergeant Forge in the Relic on Harvest.

In February 2531, Spirit of Fire was sent to assist the crippled Marathon-class heavy cruiser UNSC Prophecy in the Epsilon Indi system. Captain Cutter ordered the Prophecy's navigation database and survivors to be recovered, sending Forge and multiple Marine fireteams on board the vessel while Spirit of Fire engaged several Covenant ships. Forge's Pelican dropship was hit by enemy fire and crash landed on the Prophecy's hull. Forge and Team Lima breached and boarded the Prophecy by deploying a "soft-seal", whereupon they were attacked by Kig-Yar Rangers. Forge's ankle was broken during the engagement. With the guidance of Serina, Spirit of Fire's AI, he was able to find the a terminal to recover the ship's black box and wipe its navigation core while the rest of Team Lima rescued the ship's survivors. Serina warned Forge that the Prophecy's AI may "act peculiar" due to high radiation levels.[8]

Upon scanning his retina to gain access to the terminal, Forge was halted by the ship's AI, FitzGibbon, who explained he could not allow him to enter due to the latter's poor service record. Forge reminded the AI of the Cole Protocol, stating that he was aboard the vessel to ensure the protocol would not to be violated. FitzGibbon then reluctantly allowed Forge into the terminal room and enabled radiation repair routines. Forge purged the navigation database and returned to the Pelicans as FitzGibbon activated Prophecy's self-destruct sequence, which soon scuttled the ship. After the Marines and Forge escaped with the survivors, they were taken to Spirit of Fire's medical bay. When Forge asked how the survivors were doing, Serina told him that they would all soon die due to all of them suffering extensive radiation poisoning. Forge was angered by the AI's indifference towards the survivors and comforted them in their final moments, believing that even if they would soon be dead, they were still people and so deserved better.[8]

Forge was sent to the surface of Harvest on his first mission to scout out Covenant activity in the northern polar region of the planet. He drove through Quadrant 4 to find a battalion of Sangheili that an AV-14 Hornet squadron had spotted earlier.[6] Reporting the Covenant activity to his superiors, as to how the aliens had found a a Forerunner structure buried within the ice, he returned to the overrun UNSC Alpha Base, and helped organize scattered Marine units along the way.[10] Forge and his rag-tag assault force were able to retake Alpha Base a short-time later. Before the Relic was demolished by the Covenant, the Forerunner site is captured by Forge and Marine forces. Professor Ellen Anders was then sent to the planet's surface to personally investigate the relic, and Forge reluctantly escorted her inside.[11] He was present when Anders activated a Forerunner holographic projection of a star map, and protected her when they were ambushed by a team of Sangheili warriors. Spirit of Fire then evacuated most of her ground troops, including Forge, and set course for Arcadia, a UNSC colony planet to which the star map had pointed.[9]

Arcadia[edit]

Forge aiming his handgun at Ripa 'Moramee, who is taking Ellen Anders hostage.
Main article: Battle for Arcadia

"Why don't we put the lady down and talk about this man to freak?"
— Forge to Ripa 'Moramee

After arriving at Arcadia, Forge was among the first UNSC troops to set foot in the besieged capital of Pirth City, where he aided the evacuation of civilians aboard three cargo vessels.[12] One such civilian was a young boy named Adam Andrews whose encounter with Forge would stick in his mind for the rest of his life.[13] When the civilian transports took off, Forge and his men abandoned the besieged city and fell back to the outskirts.[12] There, he took part in the destruction of a nearby Covenant base, assisted by Spartan teams Red and Omega.[14] He also participated in the battle to destroy a Covenant energy dome[15] which was protecting an unfinished R'awuw-pattern Scarab. After a short battle, the UNSC forces succeeded in destroying the Scarab.[16] While he and Anders were surveying the area, Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee ambushed them. Forge was swiftly defeated and was about to be killed, until Anders stopped the Arbiter by agreeing to go with him without incident. After Spartan Red Team's unsuccessful attempt to stop the Arbiter from escaping, they immediately retreated back to the Spirit of Fire. Spirit of Fire then made a slipspace jump in pursuit of 'Moramee's retreating vessel.[17]

Trove[edit]

Forge with Red Team at the Apex Site.
Main article: Battle of the Etran Harborage

"Son, I've a feeling before this is over, we'll need every last Spartan in the fight. I can do this. Report back to the ship."
— Forge informing Jerome-092 of his intention to stay behind[18]

After Spartan Jerome-092 recommended destroying 'Moramee's ship and killing Anders rather than let classified information fall into Covenant hands, Forge confronted the Spartan. The altercation resulted in a broken chair, a seal malfunction on a bulkhead and a stern interruption from Serina. From then on, Forge and Jerome always ate together in the mess hall.[19][Note 1]

Upon arriving at a mysterious planet, Forge was sent to the planet's surface, where he and his forces encountered the Flood. Forge aided Red Team in killing the Proto-Gravemind that commanded all of the Flood forces.[20][21] It was soon discovered that the world was not a planet at all, but a Forerunner shield world. Immediately following this revelation, Forge was put in charge of the evacuation of the Spirit's ground troops[22] and the decontamination of Flood from the ship's dorsal surface.[23] He then led teams in protecting the ship from Covenant forces during repairs to the power core after it collided with the Sinaris-pattern heavy destroyer Proclamation's Tithe.[24]

Shortly after arriving in the shield world's interior, Forge located Anders who had managed to escape by teleporting from the Apex Site. Forge saved Anders from three pod infectors and escorted Anders to a Pelican for evac. Under Cutter's orders, Forge proceeded to destroy four Covenant citadels and build firebases in their stead, establishing a beachhead in the shield world's interior.[25]

Following Anders' rescue, she revealed that the Covenant had used her to activate a fleet of Forerunner Sojourner-class dreadnoughts. To stop the Covenant from using the ships, Anders decided that they must destroy Etran Harborage by using the reactor from the Spirit of Fire's Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine to induce a supernova in the shield world's artificial sun. To this end, Forge was assigned to escort the reactor to the Apex Site where an elevator existed that led into the sun. After two Pelicans were shot down while carrying the reactor, Forge was ordered to escort the reactor up a series of ramps using an M312 Elephant to tow the reactor to the Apex Base Site. Forge's target was a teleporter pad that could send the reactor to the Apex Site. Despite heavy resistance from Covenant and Flood forces, Forge succeeded in sending the reactor to the Apex Site.[26]

Forge after killing Ripa 'Moramee.

Joined by a Marine lieutenant and Red Team, Forge attempted to move the reactor onto the elevator only to come under attack by the Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee and several Stealth Sangheili. Forge ordered Red Team to take care of the other Sanghelli while he dealt with the Arbiter himself. Forge put up a good fight, but lost his weapons and was ultimately defeated by the Arbiter. Forge challenged the Arbiter to kill him face to face and once the Arbiter picked him up, Forge stabbed the Sangheili in the neck with his prized combat knife, "Lucy." With the Arbiter stunned by the attack, Forge impaled the Arbiter through the stomach with the Arbiter's own energy sword, killing him. His body was then rolled off the platform by Alice-130.

After the death of the Arbiter, Forge and Jerome-092 discovered that the reactor had been damaged and would need to be manually detonated. Forge chose to undertake the suicide mission himself, stating that he believed they would need all the SPARTANs they could get before the war was over. After exchanging a nod of respect with Jerome, Forge ascended in the elevator.[18] Forge would then contact Captain Cutter to state his estimate of thirty minutes until he reached the detonation site. After getting into the sun, Forge reported that he would give the Spirit of Fire ten minutes to escape before detonating the reactor.

After being informed that the Spirit of Fire had succeeded in opening the exit portal, Forge detonated the reactor, sacrificing himself but causing the shield world's sun to go supernova. While the Spirit of Fire managed to escape, Forge's sacrifice destroyed Etran Harborage, all Covenant and Flood forces upon it and the Forerunner ships, thus depriving the Covenant of a major advantage in the ongoing war.[27]

Legacy[edit]

Spirit of Fire was declared lost with all hands on February 10, 2534,[28] though many bereaved family members refused to accept the official statement. On his deathbed, Forge's father encouraged Rion to keep up the search for the truth regarding the ship's disappearance. Rion spent the ensuing years seeking closure for her father's disappearance, eventually becoming a scavenger. In January 2557, she followed a series of leads that pointed to the log buoy Spirit of Fire had dropped at Arcadia, which in turn took her to the remains of Trove. There she encountered what remained of the former caretaker of the facility, a fragmentary ancilla she later dubbed "Little Bit", which provided her the trajectory Spirit of Fire had followed when escaping the shield world.[7]

Rion eventually discovered the truth about her father's demise from 343 Guilty Spark who revealed that Forge had left a message for Rion that Serina and Cutter had promised to leave behind in the Spirit of Fire's preprogramed maintenance sheds and data drops that the ship left behind in hopes of leaving a trail. Having gained access to the message during his time with the UNSC, Spark was able to provide the message to Rion and explain her father's sacrifice to her.[29] Despite knowing the truth about Forge's death and holding a funeral for him on Earth, Rion and her crew decided to continue the search for the Spirit of Fire's crew Forge had sacrificed himself for. With Little Bit's projections, the fully functional Spark and the upgraded Ace of Spades, the crew believed that they could complete their mission.[30]

In 2560, while preparing to trade with Kig-Yar scavengers at the Arcadia Forerunner ruins, Adam Andrews recalled how Forge had rescued him as a kid during the Battle for Arcadia, in particular the ace of spades on Forge's armor and how the Marine had told Adam that it was the ticket to get Lady Luck on their side. Having never learned Forge's name, Adam referred to him as the magician and in the years since, had learned of the Spirit of Fire's role in the battle and its subsequent disappearance. However, Adam believed that the ship was still out there somewhere.[13]

Personality and traits[edit]

A born troublemaker.

"He’s the guy you want in the foxhole next to yours ... but you’d never introduce him to your sister."
— Common saying among Marines under Forge's command[31]

Although not particularly physically gifted, Forge was strong for his size and weight. He displayed desire and toughness in nearly everything he did and was incredibly competitive and driven to succeed. These qualities made him a lifetime member of the Marine Corps. His training and discipline had left him with a "unique" personality and method of getting things done. Those under his command trusted him greatly, despite the fact that he failed his last psychological exam.[32]

Forge was a born warrior but had difficulty coping with life outside the military. Though his wife remained a distant shadow in his mind while he was on deployment, his daughter Rion never gave up on him. Forge was decorated numerous times for valor and gallantry on the battlefield, though he received just as many demerits for insubordination, conduct unbecoming, and striking a superior officer.[1][5]

According to an Office of Naval Intelligence psych evaluation, Forge exceled at tactics and combat, where he was considered indispensable to their current needs. However it recommended denying all promotions due to his predicable pattern of insubordination.[33]

In combat, Forge appreciated a strong ground force able to turn a messy situation around,[32] and had a special fondness for the M850 Grizzly tank. In what Serina described as his "pet project", Forge arranged for an unusually high number of Grizzlies to be added to the Spirit of Fire's complement. The means by which he accomplished this were convoluted and known only to Forge himself.[34] During engagements, he would insist that Grizzly tanks be requested when M808B Scorpions fall short, and a supply of HRUNTING Mark III (B) Cyclopses be available via any command center for demolition of enemy structures.[32] Forge was also fond of the M12G1 Gauss Warthog, and frequently operated one during his operations to the point that he kept his own personal vehicle out of the motor pool circulation so he could tinker and upgrade as needed.[35]

When faced with Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee, Forge showed himself to be a skilled hand-to-hand combatant, holding his own briefly against the skilled warlord in their first fight before being taken down, 'Moramee having had the advantage of energy shields and cloaking.[17] In their second fight, Forge proved capable of holding his own even longer, utilizing a combination of his weapons and hand-to-hand. Notably, Forge detected the cloaked Arbiter's initial attack and was able to dodge it and even landed a few hits on the Arbiter, tackling him to the ground at one point and using his pistol to disarm the Arbiter by firing into his right hand. Afterwards, 'Moramee would wield the energy sword that was once in his right hand with his left hand instead, suggesting that Forge succeeded in damaging his right hand beyond use. Though Forge was ultimately outmatched, he won by challenging the Arbiter to look him in the eyes as he killed Forge and then taking the opportunity to stab 'Moramee in the neck with "Lucy" before finishing him off with the Arbiter's own energy sword and taunted that he would've won the first time had Anders not intervened.[18]

Forge wore an Ace of Spades playing card (which Rion insisted he take with him after a game of War) on his left shoulder pauldron.[6] He also carried a combat knife which he called "Lucy",[36] presumably after his daughter's given name.[7] His breastplate was painted with nine Sangheili skulls arranged with combat knives in a skull-and-crossbones motif.

Assigned to protect Professor Ellen Anders, Forge was often exasperated by her desire to be on the front lines and the fact that he was essentially a glorified babysitter, something that Anders took pleasure in taunting him with at times.[15] However, Forge did genuinely care for Anders and advocated chasing after Anders to rescue Anders when Ripa 'Moramee kidnapped her on Arcadia and was already waiting in a Pelican for Cutter's command to go when the Spirit of Fire arrived at Trove.[17] Additionally, Forge reacted badly to Jerome-092's suggestion that they eliminate Anders rather than rescue her.[19] After rescuing Anders from three pod infectors following her escape from the Covenant, Forge took the opportunity to tease her about the rescue and her lack of initial thanks.[25]

Production notes[edit]

In the earliest stages of the development of Halo Wars, Sergeant Forge was originally meant to be a Spartan, before he was changed into a Marine Corps NCO.[37] Lead writer Graeme Devine also outlined some thoughts for a potential Halo Wars sequel, in which it would be revealed that Forge had survived the events of the shield world; The core of Shield World 0459 transported Forge to another location, thus saving him from the shield world's destruction. Anders, who had programmed to release herself from her cryo chamber shortly after Cutter entered cryostasis, followed Forge's signal and directed Spirit of Fire to his location. After three years and 107 days, Cutter was awakened by Serina, Anders, and Forge.[38]

Forge is voiced by Nolan North in Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2, who had previously voiced Marine NPCs in Halo 3 and who later voiced Kojo "Romeo" Agu in Halo 3: ODST.

Trivia[edit]

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to John Forge on its gameplay page.
Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • While on foot, Forge will occasionally shout "Yipee-kai-yay!" in reference to protagonist John McClane's catchphrase from the Die Hard film series.
  • Forge's death was notably similar to that of Spartan Jorge-052. Both died by manually detonating slipspace drives that had been converted to bombs in order to end a Covenant threat, having to stay behind because the bomb was damaged and would not detonate autonomously at the right time. They both voluntarily gave their lives to save a Spartan: Jerome-092 in Forge's case and SPARTAN-B312's in Jorge's. This similarity has been noted on Halo Waypoint.[39]
  • Jerome-092 occasionally addresses Forge as "Sir" in cutscenes despite outranking the sergeant by three grades.[2][40] Its possible that this is merely a sign of respect by Jerome.
  • In Halo Wars, Forge’s left shoulder armor has the unit crest of the U.S. Army’s 110th CBRNE Battalion.
  • In Halo Infinite, the "Calling Card" helmet attachment has the description "Forging ahead" and consists of an Ace of Spades playing card, references to John Forge and the playing card he wore on his shoulder pauldron, respectively.

Gallery[edit]

  • An early render of Forge, when he was intended to be a Spartan.

    An early render of Forge, when he was intended to be a Spartan.

  • An early render of Forge, when he was intended to be a Spartan.

    An early render of Forge, when he was intended to be a Spartan.

  • An old concept poster for Halo Wars showing early designs for the main cast. Forge, still a Spartan, can be seen second-from-left.

    An old concept poster for Halo Wars showing early designs for the main cast. Forge, still a Spartan, can be seen second-from-left.

  • Various concept variations on Forge.

    Various concept variations on Forge.

  • Concept art of Forge facing off with Ripa 'Moramee.

    Concept art of Forge facing off with Ripa 'Moramee.

  • A render of Forge used in marketing for Halo Wars.

    A render of Forge used in marketing for Halo Wars.

  • A full body render of Sgt. John Forge in his armor in Halo Wars

    A full body render of Sgt. John Forge in his armor in Halo Wars

  • Forge inside the Relic on Harvest

    Forge inside the Relic on Harvest

  • Forge and Anders at the ruin site on Arcadia

    Forge and Anders at the ruin site on Arcadia

  • Sgt. Forge wielding an M90 Shotgun.

    Sgt. Forge wielding an M90 Shotgun.

  • Sgt. Forge firing his M6C sidearm.

    Sgt. Forge firing his M6C sidearm.

  • Captain Cutter, Sgt. Forge, and Jerome-092 discuss how to proceed after Professor Anders' abduction.

    Captain Cutter, Sgt. Forge, and Jerome-092 discuss how to proceed after Professor Anders' abduction.

  • John Forge with Ellen Anders in Halo Mythos

    John Forge with Ellen Anders in Halo Mythos

  • Concept art of John Forge standing in front of his Warthog for Halo Wars 2.

    Concept art of John Forge standing in front of his Warthog for Halo Wars 2.

  • Forge on his Warthog in a Blitz card.

    Forge on his Warthog in a Blitz card.

  • John Forge's leader symbol as it appeared in Halo Wars 2 message of the day.

    John Forge's leader symbol as it appeared in Halo Wars 2 message of the day.

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The in-game timeline states that Douglas-042 made the suggestion to destroy 'Moramee's vessel, that he fought Sergeant Forge over the suggestion, and that the two later bonded over meals. However, Red Team's leader, Jerome-092, clearly makes the suggestion in the game proper. Jerome is also the only Spartan seen to interact directly with Forge during the campaign. More importantly, Forge later takes Jerome's place in the suicidal attempt to destroy the shield world's star, suggesting the camaraderie said to have developed between Forge and the Spartan in question.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 72
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Waypoint - John Forge (archived)
  3. ^ Halo: Fractures, Into the Fire, page 304
  4. ^ Halo Wars
  5. ^ a b c d e f Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide, Factions, UNSC Leaders, pages 22-23
  6. ^ a b c Xbox-Halo Wars - Accessed on 2009-02-02
  7. ^ a b c d Halo: Smoke and Shadow
  8. ^ a b c Halo Wars: Genesis
  9. ^ a b Halo Wars, campaign level, Relic Interior
  10. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Alpha Base
  11. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, Relic Approach
  12. ^ a b Halo Wars,campaign level, Arcadia City
  13. ^ a b Halo: Hippocratica
  14. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, Arcadia Outskirts
  15. ^ a b Halo Wars, campaign level, Dome of Light
  16. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, Scarab
  17. ^ a b c Halo Wars, cutscene "She is Not My Girlfriend"
  18. ^ a b c Halo Wars cutscene "Monsters"
  19. ^ a b Halo Wars Timeline Events
  20. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, Anders' Signal
  21. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, The Flood
  22. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, Shield World
  23. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, Cleansing
  24. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, Repairs
  25. ^ a b Halo Wars, campaign level, Beachhead
  26. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, Reactor
  27. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level, Escape
  28. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 71
  29. ^ Halo: Renegades, pages 312-316
  30. ^ Halo: Renegades
  31. ^ Halo Wars instruction manual
  32. ^ a b c Halo Wars: Limited Edition, Forge leader card
  33. ^ halo.xbox.com, Halo Wars Launch Site: (Defunct) (Retrieved on Aug 12, 2010) [archive]
  34. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Grizzly
  35. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - John Forge's Warthog
  36. ^ GameDaily - Halo Wars Character Profiles (defunct)
  37. ^ Twitter, Graeme Devine (@zaphodgjd): "Yeah. If you look in that original concept poster Cutter used to be younger and Forge used to be a Spartan before re-writes. I far prefer the final versions we went with, Forge’s sacrifice is meaningful because of who is he is and what he was." (Retrieved on Oct 20, 2020) [archive]
  38. ^ Reddit, Halo Wars AMA with Graeme Devine is here!: Graeme Devine's Halo Wars 2 transcript (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  39. ^ Halo Waypoint: Hero-Sacrifice
  40. ^ Halo Waypoint - Jerome-092

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