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Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Center|''Looking for the [[Sangheili point defense gauntlet]]?''}}
{{Center|''Looking for the [[Sangheili point defense gauntlet]]?''}}
[[File:Jackal Point Defense Gauntlet.jpg|thumb|200px|A deactivated point defense gauntlet being carried by a [[Kig-Yar|Jackal]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.]]
[[File:H3 PointDefenseGauntlet Deactivated.jpg|thumb|200px|A deactivated point defense gauntlet being carried by a [[Kig-Yar|Jackal]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.]]


'''Point defense gauntlets''',<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3needler '''Bungie.net:''' ''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher : 9/6/2007'']</ref> also known as '''Jackal shield units''',<ref name="GoO16">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 16''</ref> are arm-held energy shields mainly used by the [[Kig-Yar]] serving in the [[Covenant]] for protection from enemy fire or close- to mid-range explosions. The point defense gauntlet was developed by the Covenant after they reverse-engineered [[Forerunner]] technology. The shields are approximately 1.22 meters (4 ft) in diameter.<ref name="ENC359">'''[[Halo: Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 359''</ref>  
'''Point defense gauntlets''',<ref name="bnet">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3needler '''Bungie.net:''' ''Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher : 9/6/2007'']</ref> also known as '''Jackal shield units''',<ref name="GoO16">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 16''</ref> are arm-held energy shields mainly used by the [[Kig-Yar]] serving in the [[Covenant]] for protection from enemy fire or close- to mid-range explosions. The point defense gauntlet was developed by the Covenant after they reverse-engineered [[Forerunner]] technology. The shields are approximately 1.22 meters (4 ft) in diameter.<ref name="ENC359">'''[[Halo: Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 359''</ref>


==Description==
==Design==
[[File:Jackal Shield Taking Damage.jpg|thumb|200px|Jackal shield colors increase in wavelength based on current shield strength; blue-shifted emitters being stronger and reds being weaker.]]
[[File:Journal_shield.png|thumb|200px|Diagrams of the inner workings of a point defense gauntlet in [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Halsey]]'s [[Dr. Halsey's personal journal|journal]].]]
Worn on the forearm of the user, the gauntlet creates an energy barrier that deflects and absorbs small arms weaponry to an extent; UNSC ballistic weapons and the [[Type-33 needler]] simply bounce off the energy barrier, whereas the Covenant's plasma-based weaponry is absorbed by the energy barrier, eventually collapsing it, though the shield is regenerative.<ref name="ENC359"/> Heavier weaponries such as the Covenant's [[Type-33 fuel rod gun]] and the UNSC's [[M41 rocket launcher]] and [[M68 Gauss Cannon]] are considerably effective against the gauntlet's energy barrier. Alternatively, explosions and extreme force from grenades and melee attacks will collapse the energy barrier and likely kill the wearer in the process.
 
The gauntlet is worn on the forearm of the user, the gauntlet creates an "linear energy field"<ref name="bnet"/> that deflects and absorbs small arms weaponry to an extent; UNSC ballistic weapons and the [[Type-33 needler]] simply bounce off the energy barrier, whereas the Covenant's plasma-based weaponry is absorbed by the energy barrier, eventually collapsing it, though the shield is regenerative.<ref name="ENC359"/> Heavier weaponries such as the Covenant's [[Type-33 fuel rod gun]] and the UNSC's [[M41 rocket launcher]] and [[M68 Gauss Cannon]] are considerably effective against the gauntlet's energy barrier. Alternatively, explosions and extreme force from grenades and melee attacks will collapse the energy barrier and likely kill the wearer in the process.


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


===UNSC reverse-engineering===
During the [[Battle of Chi Ceti IV]] in [[2525]], the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]] captured a Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet, believing that [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] would be able to use it.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 151''</ref> However, for over a decade, the secrets behind the gauntlet eluded scientists, such as Halsey herself and [[Hardy|Dr. Hardy]]<ref name="journal">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''</ref>, attempting to uncover its inner workings. In [[2536]], a [[Leonard Gillespie|graduate student]] took apart an outdated gauntlet, discovering that its inner apparatus was not properly sealed. The initial tests that followed revealed to the UNSC that massive power input can help replicate and sustain small-scale energy shield surface areas. Reverse-engineering of the gauntlet helped allow the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] to develop their own [[energy shielding]] technology for the [[MJOLNIR]] armor.<ref name="journal"/>
During the [[Battle of Chi Ceti IV]] in [[2525]], the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]] captured a Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet, believing that [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] would be able to use it.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 151''</ref> However, for over a decade, the secrets behind the gauntlet eluded scientists, such as Halsey herself and [[Hardy|Dr. Hardy]]<ref name="journal">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''</ref>, attempting to uncover its inner workings. In [[2536]], a [[Leonard Gillespie|graduate student]] took apart an outdated gauntlet, discovering that its inner apparatus was not properly sealed. The initial tests that followed revealed to the UNSC that massive power input can help replicate and sustain small-scale energy shield surface areas. Reverse-engineering of the gauntlet helped allow the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] to develop their own [[energy shielding]] technology for the [[MJOLNIR]] armor.<ref name="journal"/>


==Models==
===Variants===
There are several models of point defense gauntlets. The most common one is mounted on a wrist strap with an oval emitter, and has two cutaways for firing. A newer, more advanced model was first seen during the Battle of Reach, which had only one cutaway and was emitted by a full-arm gauntlet. A third variant has been seen in use by [[Skirmisher Murmillo]]nes, known as the defensive energy shield bracer.<ref>'''Halo: Encyclopedia''', ''page 156''</ref>  
[[File:H3 PointDefenseGauntlet Damaged.jpg|thumb|200px|Jackal shield colors increase in wavelength based on current shield strength; blue-shifted emitters being stronger and reds being weaker.]]
There are several observed models of point defense gauntlet. The most common one is mounted on a wrist strap with an oval emitter, and has two cutaways for firing. Another model seen during the [[Fall of Reach]] has also been observed, which had only one cutaway and was emitted by a full-arm gauntlet.
 
A third variant has been seen in use by [[Skirmisher Murmillo]]nes, known as the defensive energy shield bracer.<ref>'''Halo: Encyclopedia''', ''page 156''</ref>  


A fourth model is used by Kig-Yar members of the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|reformed Covenant faction]] led by [[Jul 'Mdama]]; it appears most similar to the variant used during the [[Fall of Reach]], although it has a more compact wrist-mounted emitter like that of the traditional gauntlet.<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', ''gameplay''</ref>
A fourth model is used by Kig-Yar members of the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|reformed Covenant faction]] led by [[Jul 'Mdama]]; it appears most similar to the variant used during the [[Fall of Reach]], although it has a more compact wrist-mounted emitter like that of the traditional gauntlet.<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', ''gameplay''</ref>


== Changes ==
===Usage===
Point Defense Gauntlets have been historically employed by the Kig-Yar, serving in the Covenant and its remnants. They are most commonly employed by Kig-Yar support infantry, with higher Kig-Yar ranks such as [[Kig-Yar Major|Majors]] and [[Kig-Yar Heavy|Heavies]] being equipped with stronger shields than their [[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]] and [[Kig-Yar Storm|Storm]] brethren, usually denoted by red or orange colouration as opposed to blue/ purple colouration. They are also carried by [[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s, though are not always employed. Nonetheless, the use of two-handed weapons such as [[Type-51 carbine]]s does not seem to be a significant hindrance to Defense Gauntlet Usage.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]'''</ref> [[Kig-Yar Ranger]]s have also been known to employ gauntlets, though their use is sporadic.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''' - ''[[Warzone]]''</ref>
 
During the War, [[SPARTAN-II]] personnel were to known to retrieve Point Defense Gauntlets when possible to augment their defense, in particular those of the [[SPARTAN-III program]] whose [[SPI]] armor did not have energy shield capabilities.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 14''</ref> A group of [[Sangheili]] were also given point defense gauntlets in addition to their [[Sangheili Personal Energy Shield|existing energy shields]] on at least [[Onyx Conflict|one occasion]], an action which many of them felt was dishonorable.<ref name="GoO16"/>
 
== Gameplay ==
=== Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2'' ===
=== Changes from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' to ''Halo 2'' ===
*Shields now slowly turn a red color as they take more damage.
*Shields now slowly turn a red color as they take more damage.
Line 47: Line 57:
===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
===Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians''===
{{Expand-section}}
{{Expand-section}}
===''Halo Wars''===
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', point defense gauntlets are equipped for the Covenant's Jackal units. The initial Jackal does not spawn with a shield, but can be given one with the Defense Gauntlet upgrade. These initial shieldsare prone to collapse under enemy fire, however, though this can be mitigated with the Supreme Gauntlet upgrade, which allows the shield to absorb fire indefinitely. These shields are equipped and operated by snipers operating two-handed carbines and [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|beam rifles]], a departure from typical ''Halo'' games.


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
*The Kig-Yar point defense gauntlets were often used by [[SPARTAN Program|Spartans]] who wanted enhanced shielding. They are commonly used by [[SPARTAN-III]]s, as their [[Semi-Powered Infiltration Armor|SPI]] armor doesn't include a built-in energy shield projector,<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 14''</ref> similar to the way they were utilized by the SPARTAN-IIs before they were given the energy-shielded [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|MJOLNIR Mark V]]. A group of [[Sangheili]] were also given point defense gauntlets in addition to their [[Sangheili Personal Energy Shield|existing energy shields]] on at least [[Onyx Conflict|one occasion]], an action which many of them felt was dishonorable.<ref name="GoO16"/>
*The early [[MJOLNIR]] armor's [[shield]] system was reverse engineered from a Point Defense Gauntlet, but due to the way the shield being stretched, projectile weapons will collapse it.
*[[Kig-Yar Sniper]]s and marksmen do carry these point defense gauntlets just as other Kig-Yar do, but do not activate them, as the brightly colored lights will reveal their location to the enemy. Canonically, they would possibly be used in case an enemy came in close.
*In ''[[Halo PC]]'', the coloring for the Kig-Yar's personal energy shield will not be of the correct color. In the original Xbox version, the Kig-Yar Major has an orange energy shield whereas the Minor has cyan energy shield. The PC version, however, has a light green-blue energy shield coloring for all of the Kig-Yar, regardless of ranks.
*In ''[[Halo PC]]'', the coloring for the Kig-Yar's personal energy shield will not be of the correct color. In the original Xbox version, the Kig-Yar Major has an orange energy shield whereas the Minor has cyan energy shield. The PC version, however, has a light green-blue energy shield coloring for all of the Kig-Yar, regardless of ranks.
*Originally, in ''Halo 2'', [[Shielded Flood Carriers|some Carrier Forms]] were intended to utilize Kig-Yar point defense gauntlets.
*Originally, in ''Halo 2'', [[Shielded Flood Carriers|some Carrier Forms]] were intended to utilize Kig-Yar point defense gauntlets.
*The shield seems to be a dual-wieldable item, as Jackals are never seen holding a weapon in their shield hand, as this would interfere with their shield, aim, and posture (one exception is in a ''Halo 2'' [[glitch]] where the Arbiter could give shield bearing Jackals two-handed weapons). In ''Halo Wars'', they can hold a Covenant Carbine or Beam Rifle, along with the gauntlet, with ease.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
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File:Jackal shield.jpg|The shape of the point defense gauntlet's shield in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:Jackal shield.jpg|The shape of the point defense gauntlet's shield in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HReach - Skirmisher.png|A Skirmisher Murmillo with two point defense gauntlet variant in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach - Skirmisher.png|A Skirmisher Murmillo with two point defense gauntlet variant in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Journal_shield.png|Diagrams of the inner workings of a point defense gauntlet in [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Halsey]]'s [[Dr. Halsey's personal journal|journal]].
File:Halseys Journal Covenant IRIS symbol.png|Another look at the inner working of a point defense gauntlet by Dr. Halsey, with a symbol similar to a Forerunner symbol.
File:Halseys Journal Covenant IRIS symbol.png|Another look at the inner working of a point defense gauntlet by Dr. Halsey, with a symbol similar to a Forerunner symbol.
File:Threshold2.png|A Kig-Yar Major with a point defense gauntlet in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:Threshold2.png|A Kig-Yar Major with a point defense gauntlet in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.

Revision as of 08:51, August 1, 2019

Looking for the Sangheili point defense gauntlet?
A deactivated point defense gauntlet being carried by a Jackal in Halo 3.

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

Design

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

The gauntlet is worn on the forearm of the user, the gauntlet creates an "linear energy field"[1] that deflects and absorbs small arms weaponry to an extent; UNSC ballistic weapons and the Type-33 needler simply bounce off the energy barrier, whereas the Covenant's plasma-based weaponry is absorbed by the energy barrier, eventually collapsing it, though the shield is regenerative.[3] Heavier weaponries such as the Covenant's Type-33 fuel rod gun and the UNSC's M41 rocket launcher and M68 Gauss Cannon are considerably effective against the gauntlet's energy barrier. Alternatively, explosions and extreme force from grenades and melee attacks will collapse the energy barrier and likely kill the wearer in the process.

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

UNSC reverse-engineering

During the Battle of Chi Ceti IV in 2525, the Spartan-IIs captured a Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet, believing that Dr. Catherine Halsey would be able to use it.[4] However, for over a decade, the secrets behind the gauntlet eluded scientists, such as Halsey herself and Dr. Hardy[5], attempting to uncover its inner workings. In 2536, a graduate student took apart an outdated gauntlet, discovering that its inner apparatus was not properly sealed. The initial tests that followed revealed to the UNSC that massive power input can help replicate and sustain small-scale energy shield surface areas. Reverse-engineering of the gauntlet helped allow the Office of Naval Intelligence to develop their own energy shielding technology for the MJOLNIR armor.[5]

Variants

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

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

A third variant has been seen in use by Skirmisher Murmillones, known as the defensive energy shield bracer.[6]

A fourth model is used by Kig-Yar members of the reformed Covenant faction led by Jul 'Mdama; it appears most similar to the variant used during the Fall of Reach, although it has a more compact wrist-mounted emitter like that of the traditional gauntlet.[7]

Usage

Point Defense Gauntlets have been historically employed by the Kig-Yar, serving in the Covenant and its remnants. They are most commonly employed by Kig-Yar support infantry, with higher Kig-Yar ranks such as Majors and Heavies being equipped with stronger shields than their Minor and Storm brethren, usually denoted by red or orange colouration as opposed to blue/ purple colouration. They are also carried by Kig-Yar Snipers, though are not always employed. Nonetheless, the use of two-handed weapons such as Type-51 carbines does not seem to be a significant hindrance to Defense Gauntlet Usage.[8] Kig-Yar Rangers have also been known to employ gauntlets, though their use is sporadic.[9]

During the War, SPARTAN-II personnel were to known to retrieve Point Defense Gauntlets when possible to augment their defense, in particular those of the SPARTAN-III program whose SPI armor did not have energy shield capabilities.[10] A group of Sangheili were also given point defense gauntlets in addition to their existing energy shields on at least one occasion, an action which many of them felt was dishonorable.[2]

Gameplay

Changes from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 2

  • Shields now slowly turn a red color as they take more damage.
  • Kig-Yar Majors are indicated by an orange shield and orange armor, rather than brownish skin.
  • The gaps for firing weapons are slightly smaller.

Changes from Halo 2 to Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST

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

Changes from Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST to Halo: Reach

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

Changes from Halo: Reach to Halo 4

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

Changes from Halo 4 to Halo 5: Guardians

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Halo Wars

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

Trivia

  • In Halo PC, the coloring for the Kig-Yar's personal energy shield will not be of the correct color. In the original Xbox version, the Kig-Yar Major has an orange energy shield whereas the Minor has cyan energy shield. The PC version, however, has a light green-blue energy shield coloring for all of the Kig-Yar, regardless of ranks.
  • Originally, in Halo 2, some Carrier Forms were intended to utilize Kig-Yar point defense gauntlets.

Gallery

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

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

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

    A Kig-Yar with a deactivated point defense gauntlet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • H4C-Unggoywithshields.png

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

  • The point defense gauntlet in Halo 4.

    The point defense gauntlet in Halo 4.

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

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

  • The point defense gauntlet in Halo 5: Guardians.

    The point defense gauntlet in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A deactivated gauntlet in Halo 5: Guardians.

    A deactivated gauntlet in Halo 5: Guardians.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Bungie.net: Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher : 9/6/2007
  2. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 16
  3. ^ a b Halo: Encyclopedia, page 359
  4. ^ Halo: Fall of Reach, page 151
  5. ^ a b Halo: Reach, Dr. Halsey's personal journal
  6. ^ Halo: Encyclopedia, page 156
  7. ^ Halo 4, gameplay
  8. ^ Halo Wars
  9. ^ Halo 5: Guardians - Warzone
  10. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 14
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