Deutoros-pattern Scarab: Difference between revisions

The '''Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform''', more commonly known as the '''Scarab''', is a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] mobile mining platform adapted for use in combat. It is used to attack heavily defended structures and emplacements and to provide nigh-unstoppable combat support to Covenant ground forces.<ref name="Waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/gallery/scarab/ea02cb6c-58ae-44e2-aacf-3eadd73fb6f9 '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Scarab'']</ref><ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 244''</ref>

At least two models of the Scarab exist: the V1 and the V2.<ref name="ENC"/> Both models are extremely powerful, possessing potent armament and armor. Although the Scarab appears to be a traditional vehicle, it is actually a biological construct, a [[Mgalekgolo]],<!-- Remember that the term Mgalekgolo refers to all Lekgolo assemblages, not just the Hunter; the Hunter is actually one of the least common Mgalekgolo forms.--> that is controlled by thousands of [[Lekgolo]] "eels". The chassis is built around the eels and a critical central core in specialized facilities, such as the [[Assembly Forges]] on the now-destroyed Covenant capital ''[[High Charity]]''. The Lekgolo are quite capable of maneuvering the construct on their own; however, each platform includes a pilot who "guides" the Scarab and several warriors who are stationed to repel boarders and, with the V2, to operate its deck-mounted [[Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon|plasma cannons]].<ref name="Waypoint"/>  

Despite its enormous strength, the Scarab is quite vulnerable to being boarded; the platform's central core is protected only by the vehicle's external armor, so attacking the core is easy once a hostile boards the craft. A Scarab will also be temporarily stalled if its legs sustain enough damage, allowing a would-be boarder to jump into the vehicle's troop bay. To counter this, Scarabs typically carry squads of [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-yar]], as well as some [[Jiralhanae]] and [[Sangheili]]. On the V1, an energy shield can be emitted in front of the corridor leading to the cockpit in order to hamper boarding actions.<ref name="TGJ">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>

Unlike most Covenant vehicles, the Scarab does not use anti-gravity propulsion to move; it instead uses a quadrupedal "leg" assembly for locomotion. These jointed legs are very powerful, capable of crushing vehicles ranging from civilian cargo trucks to [[M808B Main Battle Tank]]s; they are strong enough to even withstand the shock of low-orbital drop.<ref name="The Covenant">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant]]''</ref><ref name="TPoA">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref> The legs are also very nimble, affording the Scarab a surprising degree of maneuverability. For example, the V2 Scarab can mantle inclines in excess of forty-five degrees<ref name="Highway">Halo 3: ODST, campaign level ''[[Coastal Highway]]''</ref> and can attempt to right itself if it is knocked off balance.<ref name="TPoA"/> The V2 Scarab, and possibly the V1 as well, is capable of operating underwater, if only for brief periods.<ref name="Highway"/>

The Scarab's primary armament is a focus cannon mounted on the "head" at the front of the platform. The weapon fires a stream of superheated [[plasma]]. In both the V1 and V2 designs, the cannon is housed in a cradle that is protected by flaps, which open before firing. The focus cannon has a relatively low rate of fire and is typically discharged in brief bursts; however, it can also be fired for extended periods.<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref><ref name="HW Scarab">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> As the weapon is fired, it releases a green-glowing liquid, which may be coolant. The effective range of the focus cannon is rather short, being about 650 meters, and the blast can easily be evaded at a distance, but Scarabs have exceptional target-spotting capabilities.<ref group="note">On the ''Halo 3'' level ''The Covenant'', even if the player glitches out of the invisible barriers with a Hornet and flies until he or she can barely see a Scarab, it will still shoot at them.</ref>

While the V1 and the V2 both use a focus cannon as their primary weapon, their secondary and tertiary armaments vary. Both models mount secondary turrets which have greater effective range than the focus cannon. The V1 Scarab carries two, while the V2 carries one. In both cases, these turrets are used primarily in an anti-aircraft role.