Needle-based weaponry: Difference between revisions
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==Operation== | ==Operation== | ||
[[File:Journal Needler.png|thumb|200px|An exploded view of a needler, drawn by Dr. Halsey.]] | |||
Needle-based weaponry are characterized by Subanese crystals, a pink crystalline substance mined from Suban, one of the [[Sangheilios]]' two [[moon]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p294}} Upon impaling a target, the crystalline shards become chemically reactive, and detonate after a few seconds.{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p479|Enc22|Page=479}} Subsequently, a blade that contains Subanese crystalline properties can be made to explode when it is embedded in soft flesh.{{Ref/Book|Enc11|Page=349}} If multiple shards from a projectile weapon make contact, then a chain reaction occurs—their chemical properties supercombine and the shards detonate simultaneously, causing an immediate and violent explosion.{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p479}} While the shards are devastating against living tissue, they are relatively ineffective against [[energy shielding]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/needler|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page= Universe - Weapons - Needler|D=21|M=04|Y=2021}} | Needle-based weaponry are characterized by Subanese crystals, a pink crystalline substance mined from Suban, one of the [[Sangheilios]]' two [[moon]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p294}} Upon impaling a target, the crystalline shards become chemically reactive, and detonate after a few seconds.{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p479|Enc22|Page=479}} Subsequently, a blade that contains Subanese crystalline properties can be made to explode when it is embedded in soft flesh.{{Ref/Book|Enc11|Page=349}} If multiple shards from a projectile weapon make contact, then a chain reaction occurs—their chemical properties supercombine and the shards detonate simultaneously, causing an immediate and violent explosion.{{Ref/Reuse|evg128}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p479}} While the shards are devastating against living tissue, they are relatively ineffective against [[energy shielding]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/needler|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page= Universe - Weapons - Needler|D=21|M=04|Y=2021}} | ||
Covenant needle-based weapons break the crystals into needle-like shards, then launch the shards from the weapon. The [[needler]], the most popular class of needle-based weaponry, features an additional magnetic auger within the weapon that catalyzes the shards, which then become capable of tracking heat signatures.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p294}} In contrast, the {{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}} was not designed to charge its crystalline shards with the ability to home in on a living target,{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=127}} so it likely lacks a magnetic auger. Instead, when fired, the crystalline shards snap off into individual charged projectiles which are launched linearly at the intended target.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/needle-rifle|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page= Universe - Weapons - Needle Rifle|D=14|M=05|Y=2021}} | Covenant needle-based weapons break the crystals into needle-like shards, then launch the shards from the weapon. The [[needler]], the most popular class of needle-based weaponry, features an additional magnetic auger within the weapon that catalyzes the shards, which then become capable of tracking heat signatures.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p294}} In contrast, the {{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}} was not designed to charge its crystalline shards with the ability to home in on a living target,{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=127}} so it likely lacks a magnetic auger. Instead, when fired, the crystalline shards snap off into individual charged projectiles which are launched linearly at the intended target.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/needle-rifle|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page= Universe - Weapons - Needle Rifle|D=14|M=05|Y=2021}} | ||
==List of needle-based weapons== | ==List of needle-based weapons== | ||
Revision as of 16:34, April 10, 2023
Needle-based weaponry refers to weapons that incorporate explosive Subanese crystal in their properties. Although there are melee weapons that were derived from the crystal,[1] the most common needle-based weaponry are projectile weapons that launch the Subanese crystalline shards.[2][3] While the Forerunners have developed at least one class of needle-based weapon, the Covenant most likely reverse-engineered the technology,[4] leading to its widespread use in the Covenant and its remnants, particularly among their specialized infantry and vehicles.[5][6][7]
Operation
Needle-based weaponry are characterized by Subanese crystals, a pink crystalline substance mined from Suban, one of the Sangheilios' two moons.[5] Upon impaling a target, the crystalline shards become chemically reactive, and detonate after a few seconds.[2][8] Subsequently, a blade that contains Subanese crystalline properties can be made to explode when it is embedded in soft flesh.[9] If multiple shards from a projectile weapon make contact, then a chain reaction occurs—their chemical properties supercombine and the shards detonate simultaneously, causing an immediate and violent explosion.[2][8] While the shards are devastating against living tissue, they are relatively ineffective against energy shielding.[10]
Covenant needle-based weapons break the crystals into needle-like shards, then launch the shards from the weapon. The needler, the most popular class of needle-based weaponry, features an additional magnetic auger within the weapon that catalyzes the shards, which then become capable of tracking heat signatures.[5] In contrast, the Gadulo-pattern needle rifle was not designed to charge its crystalline shards with the ability to home in on a living target,[11] so it likely lacks a magnetic auger. Instead, when fired, the crystalline shards snap off into individual charged projectiles which are launched linearly at the intended target.[12]
List of needle-based weapons
Handheld projectile weapons
- Blood of Suban variant of the Mosa-pattern carbine
- Needler
- Gadulo-pattern needle rifle
Melee weapons
Mounted weapons
- Modified M49 Vulcan
- Needle cannon
- Heavy needle cannon
- Shard cannon
- Shardstorm launcher
Sources
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 307
- ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 128
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 230
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 237
- ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 294
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 289
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 277
- ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 479
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 349
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - Needler (Retrieved on Apr 21, 2021) [archive]
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 127
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - Needle Rifle (Retrieved on May 14, 2021) [archive]
