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Energy sword (fiction): Difference between revisions
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|name= Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword | |name= Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword | ||
|image= [[File:H4-EnergySword.png|350px]] | |image= [[File:H4-EnergySword.png|350px]] | ||
|manufacturer= [[Merchants of Qikost]]<ref name="essential">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 63''</ref> | |manufacturer=[[Assembly Forges]] {{C|Pre-Great Schism}}<ref name="CF">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-clarity-grace '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder'': ''Clarity and Grace'']</ref> | ||
<br>[[Merchants of Qikost]]<ref name="essential">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 63''</ref> | |||
|model= Type-1 | |model= Type-1 | ||
|type= Handheld, single-handed sword | |type= Handheld, single-handed sword | ||
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The energy sword is the signature weapon of the Sangheili and has been their chief weapon of nobility since its creation during one of the [[Ages of Discovery]].<ref>'''[http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/ancient_tablets/Tablet4.gif The Covenant Hall of Murals]'''</ref> The Sangheili pride themselves on their skills with the weapon,<ref>'''Halo Graphic Novel''' ''page 12 - 14''</ref> which they regard as holy,<ref name="enyc127">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' ''page 127''</ref> and believe that it is better for a Sangheili to fall on his sword to redeem his honor than to die dishonorably.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''' ''page 53''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''' ''page 141''</ref><ref name="enyc127"/> The Sangheili are very strict on who can be trained in the art of swordsmanship; in civilian life only [[aristocrat]]s are permitted to wield energy swords.<!-- Note that The Essential Visual Guide confirms that non-aristocratic use of the energy sword is forbidden only within civilian society. This policy is not upheld within the military.--><ref name="essential"/> Sword wielders are not eligible for marriage, though they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure successful transmission of "swordsman" genes.<ref>'''[[Bestiarum]]''' ''Sangheili section''</ref><ref name="Waypoint"/> | The energy sword is the signature weapon of the Sangheili and has been their chief weapon of nobility since its creation during one of the [[Ages of Discovery]].<ref>'''[http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/ancient_tablets/Tablet4.gif The Covenant Hall of Murals]'''</ref> The Sangheili pride themselves on their skills with the weapon,<ref>'''Halo Graphic Novel''' ''page 12 - 14''</ref> which they regard as holy,<ref name="enyc127">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' ''page 127''</ref> and believe that it is better for a Sangheili to fall on his sword to redeem his honor than to die dishonorably.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''' ''page 53''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''' ''page 141''</ref><ref name="enyc127"/> The Sangheili are very strict on who can be trained in the art of swordsmanship; in civilian life only [[aristocrat]]s are permitted to wield energy swords.<!-- Note that The Essential Visual Guide confirms that non-aristocratic use of the energy sword is forbidden only within civilian society. This policy is not upheld within the military.--><ref name="essential"/> Sword wielders are not eligible for marriage, though they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure successful transmission of "swordsman" genes.<ref>'''[[Bestiarum]]''' ''Sangheili section''</ref><ref name="Waypoint"/> | ||
Within the [[Covenant military]], use of the energy sword is not restricted to aristocrats.<ref name="essential"/> [[Sangheili Minor]]s are generally not permitted to wield the sword because of the high regard in which it is held,<ref name="enyc127"/> though exceptions have been witnessed. | Within the [[Covenant military]], use of the energy sword is not restricted to aristocrats.<ref name="essential"/> [[Sangheili Minor]]s are generally not permitted to wield the sword because of the high regard in which it is held,<ref name="enyc127"/> though exceptions have been witnessed.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', ''introductory cinematic''</ref><ref name="Package">'''Halo Legends''', ''The Package''</ref> It is unknown whether this extends to [[Sangheili Major|Majors]], as at least one has been witnessed using an energy sword.<ref name="Package"/> [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]], [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]], [[Sangheili General|Generals]], [[Special Operations Sangheili|special operations]], [[Stealth Sangheili|stealth troops]], and [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|honor guardsmen]] commonly use energy swords. Contrary to the original Covenant, [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed sect]] seems less stringent about traditional wielding protocol; as such, members of the [[Sangheili Storm|Storm]] class (analogous to Minors) are quite often seen wielding energy swords.<ref>''[[Halo 4]]''</ref> | ||
== Design details == | == Design details == | ||
The energy sword's design is seen as the logical evolution of an ancient lineage of traditional Sangheili weapons, most notably the twin-scythe and the [[curveblade]];<ref name="H4EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 92''</ref><ref name="Waypoint"/> superficially, the twin-scythe's influence on the energy sword's design is unmistakable.<ref>'''Halo Legends''': ''The Package''</ref> Modern energy swords are manufactured by the [[Merchants of Qikost]], a prominent group of arms makers from one of [[Sanghelios]]' [[Qikost|moons]].<ref name="essential"/> The energy sword consists of a curved hilt, which houses an energy storage and generation device, as well as the blade projector; that forms a blade of superheated [[plasma]], stabilized by two small magnetic field generators built into the handle of the weapon—this forms and contains the oval shaped, ionized blades for which the weapon is recognized.<ref name="BungieReach"/> The weapon is powered by a small battery that supplies power to the plasma generation device and magnetic field generators which generate and contain the plasma needed to form the blade.<ref name="enyc">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' ''page 335''</ref> The battery's energy is reduced for each successful strike. Each strike from the sword will drain the battery by 10% of its maximum energy output. Once the battery power is fully depleted, the sword will deactivate unless recharged. The horizontal hilt forces the wielder to use a punching motion to stab rather than the thrusting motion of most knives and swords. | The energy sword's design is seen as the logical evolution of an ancient lineage of traditional Sangheili weapons, most notably the twin-scythe and the [[curveblade]];<ref name="H4EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 92''</ref><ref name="Waypoint"/> superficially, the twin-scythe's influence on the energy sword's design is unmistakable.<ref>'''Halo Legends''': ''The Package''</ref> Modern energy swords are manufactured by the [[Merchants of Qikost]], a prominent group of arms makers from one of [[Sanghelios]]' [[Qikost|moons]].<ref name="essential"/> The energy sword consists of a curved hilt, which houses an energy storage and generation device, as well as the blade projector; that forms a blade of superheated [[plasma]], stabilized by two small magnetic field generators built into the handle of the weapon—this forms and contains the oval shaped, ionized blades for which the weapon is recognized.<ref name="BungieReach"/> The weapon is powered by a small battery that supplies power to the plasma generation device and magnetic field generators which generate and contain the plasma needed to form the blade.<ref name="enyc">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' ''page 335''</ref> The battery's energy is reduced for each successful strike. Each strike from the sword will drain the battery by 10% of its maximum energy output. Once the battery power is fully depleted, the sword will deactivate unless recharged. The horizontal hilt forces the wielder to use a punching motion to stab rather than the thrusting motion of most knives and swords. | ||
Mass-produced energy swords feature a roughly "W"-shaped hilt and have little variation in blade design. Specifically, some models have more rounded blades in lieu of the more common angular style. However, more drastic variations exist. For example, [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]]'s matching pair of custom-designed<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 10''</ref> swords had basket-style hilt guards and radiated a high degree of ionized plasma,<ref>''Halo Wars''</ref> whereas most energy swords contain the blades' plasma with greater efficiency. Members of the [[Commando Unit]] wield blood red-colored energy swords which (ironically, despite their color) burn hotter than more common models.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', ''Headhunters''</ref> | Mass-produced energy swords feature a roughly "W"-shaped hilt and have little variation in blade design. Specifically, some models have more rounded blades in lieu of the more common angular style. However, more drastic variations exist. For example, [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]]'s matching pair of custom-designed<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 10''</ref> swords had basket-style hilt guards and radiated a high degree of ionized plasma,<ref>''Halo Wars''</ref> whereas most energy swords contain the blades' plasma with greater efficiency. Members of the [[Commando Unit]] wield blood red-colored energy swords which (ironically, despite their color) burn hotter than more common models.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', ''Headhunters''</ref> Arbiter [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s personal sword, the [[Prophets' Bane]], was salmon-colored and had a wider blade compared to mass-produced swords.<ref name="CF"/><ref>''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''</ref> | ||
The energy sword contains a fail-safe mechanism that can permanently disable the weapon if the Sangheili wielding it drops it.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''' ''page 74''</ref> When dropped, the failsafe engages by deactivating the magnetic field before dispersing the plasma. The plasma then consumes the handle and thus destroys the weapon.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved'''</ref> The fail-safe is included to prevent enemy infantry from acquiring the weapon and using it, and gives insight to Sangheili tactics. | The energy sword contains a fail-safe mechanism that can permanently disable the weapon if the Sangheili wielding it drops it.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''' ''page 74''</ref> When dropped, the failsafe engages by deactivating the magnetic field before dispersing the plasma. The plasma then consumes the handle and thus destroys the weapon.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved'''</ref> The fail-safe is included to prevent enemy infantry from acquiring the weapon and using it, and gives insight to Sangheili tactics. | ||
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[[File:EnergySword-HUD.png|right|150px|thumb|HUD icon of the energy sword in ''Halo 4''.]] | [[File:EnergySword-HUD.png|right|150px|thumb|HUD icon of the energy sword in ''Halo 4''.]] | ||
Contrary to ''Halo: Reach'', ''Halo 4'' does not feature the possibility to block a sword lunge with a simple melee. Killing an opponent with an energy sword no longer rewards the player with a [[Bone Cracker|Pummel]] medal, it is instead replaced by the [[Sword Kill]] medal. The battery is also drained with every hit, so it's far less viable against Hunters and other powerful enemies. | Contrary to ''Halo: Reach'', ''Halo 4'' does not feature the possibility to block a sword lunge with a simple melee. Killing an opponent with an energy sword no longer rewards the player with a [[Bone Cracker|Pummel]] medal, it is instead replaced by the [[Sword Kill]] medal. The battery is also drained with every hit, so it's far less viable against Hunters and other powerful enemies. | ||
{{Clear}} | |||
===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 2 Anniversary''=== | |||
Like the original ''Halo 2'' players cannot parry with the sword. An alternate version of the sword with a red-colored blade, called the ''Infected Energy Sword'', can be used. | |||
{{Clear}} | |||
===Changes from ''Halo 2 Anniversary'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians''=== | |||
The ''Halo 5: Guardians'' sword retains the ability to parry from ''Halo 4''. Unlike in past titles players are able to aim with the sword to increase its effective range. A unique version of the energy sword called the ''Prophets' Bane'' can be found on [[Truth]] as a [[Legendary weapon]]. | |||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
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==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File: | File:Swordelite.jpg|A Zealot with an Energy Sword as it appears in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. | ||
File:Halo2-EnergySword.png|A profile view of the Energy Sword from ''Halo 2''. | File:Halo2-EnergySword.png|A profile view of the Energy Sword from ''Halo 2''. | ||
File:H3-EnergySwordHilt.png|A view of the hilt of the Energy Sword in ''Halo 3''. | File:H3-EnergySwordHilt.png|A view of the hilt of the Energy Sword in ''Halo 3''. | ||
File:H3-EnergySwordProfile.png|An in-game profile view of the Energy Sword from ''Halo 3''. | File:H3-EnergySwordProfile.png|An in-game profile view of the Energy Sword from ''Halo 3''. | ||
File:H3 DLC RatsNest 1stPerson-02.jpg|First-person view of the Energy Sword in ''Halo 3''. | File:H3 DLC RatsNest 1stPerson-02.jpg|First-person view of the Energy Sword in ''Halo 3''. | ||
File:79621875-Medium.jpg|Two Spartans parrying in the air on [[Foundry (level)|Foundry]]. | File:79621875-Medium.jpg|Two Spartans parrying in the air on [[Foundry (level)|Foundry]]. | ||
File:Swordstrike.JPG|A sword lunge in ''Halo 3''. | File:Swordstrike.JPG|A sword lunge in ''Halo 3''. | ||
File:Sword Study2.jpg|A study of the Energy Sword from ''Halo 3''. | |||
File:HaloWars-EnergySword-PlasmaBleed.png|An Energy Sword as seen in the ''Halo Wars'' announcement trailer. | |||
File:ArbiterHWSword.jpg|A study of [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]]'s custom Energy Swords in ''Halo Wars''. | |||
File:LegendsPackage-John117-EnergySword.jpg|[[John-117]] wielding an energy sword against Thel 'Lodamee in ''Halo Legends: The Package''. | |||
File:HEvol - Elite SpecOps Sword.png|A red-colored energy sword variant being used by active camouflaged [[Special Operations Sangheili]] from ''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]'' motion comic. | |||
File:Type_1_Energy_Sword_Reticle.jpg|An Energy Sword's crosshair as seen in the ''[[Halo: Reach Beta]]''. | File:Type_1_Energy_Sword_Reticle.jpg|An Energy Sword's crosshair as seen in the ''[[Halo: Reach Beta]]''. | ||
File:Sword Study HRB 1.jpg|A study of the Energy Sword as seen in the game ''Halo: Reach''. | |||
File:HR-T1EWS-EnergySword-RefChart.jpg|Reference chart of the Energy Sword seen in ''Halo: Reach'' | |||
File:H4-EnergySword-FirstPerson.jpg|First-person view of the Energy Sword in ''Halo 4''. | File:H4-EnergySword-FirstPerson.jpg|First-person view of the Energy Sword in ''Halo 4''. | ||
File:News2_1.jpg|Hal's sword, a downloadable bonus in the Fable 2 Collector's Edition (note the more traditional grip). | File:News2_1.jpg|Hal's sword, a downloadable bonus in the Fable 2 Collector's Edition (note the more traditional grip). | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||