Guardian Custode

This article is about the Forerunner construct. For other uses, see Guardian (disambiguation).

Guardians are Forerunner constructs.^[1]

Description

Guardians have a segmented body and elaborate, phoenix-like wings consisting of multiple segments. They possess a head that is vertically roughly elliptical, topped with a broad, vaguely conical protrusion and a roughly humanoid face similar to that of the Promethean constructs. The Guardians are enormous, being over 1.4 kilometers in height. They are capable of concealing themselves underwater and under lava, and can produce powerful shockwaves capable of demolishing buildings and destroying Covenant aircraft.^[2]

History

In October 2558, Guardians begin to emerge in human colonies. Five of these colonies, including Meridian and Conrad's Point, suffered greatly from the devastation brought from the constructs' activations.^[3] When Blue Team was seen in Meridian during the Guardian's activation, the UNSC placed its leader, John-117, responsible for the attacks. Thus, they put Fireteam Osiris, led by Jameson Locke, to hunt him down.^[4] During the Battle of Sunaion, a Guardian encountered forces of the Swords of Sanghelios, led by Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, and Fireteam Osiris.^[2]

Behind the scenes

First seen in the Halo Xbox One announcement trailer and later in the bookend cinematics of Halo 2 Anniversary as well as Halo 5: Guardians promotional artwork, there was considerable speculation as to the nature of the constructs prior to the confirmation of them as the titular Guardians in Game Informer's June 2015 issue. When asked about the construct seen in the Halo 5: Guardians key art on Twitter, the game's Creative Director Josh Holmes alluded to the name by replying that "The answer is in plain sight."^[5]

Gallery

A Guardian in the Halo Xbox One announcement trailer
The Guardian rising from the sands in the Halo Xbox One announcement trailer
Thel 'Vadam studying a holographic render of the Guardian in Halo 2: Anniversary's prologue
Another view of the holographic render of the Guardian from Halo 2: Anniversary's prologue
A Forerunner symbol resembling the Guardian featured in the final message of Hunt the Signal
Cover art featuring a Guardian
Game Informer Halo 5: Guardians cover art with a Guardian in the background
Jameson Locke observing a Guardian during the Battle of Sunaion
A human city on Meridian being destroyed by a Guardian in merely seconds
A Guardian shown to scale with the Master Chief, several Promethean constructs, and the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington
The aftermath of a Guardian at Conrad's Point.