Halo Lore AMA

[BaconShelf]

Why is Blue team not wearing Mark VI armour but Chief is?

None of them are wearing MKVI.

 

John is wearing a GEN2 variant stylised after the upgrades given to him by Cortana after his original was more or less destroyed on installation 03. The rest of Blue also wear a GEN2 set, rather than GEN1.

[Ranger Intel]

What ranking system is used in the Spartan branch, formed in 2553? Are the commissioned Navy ranks still used?

 

None of them are wearing MKVI.

 

John is wearing a GEN2 variant stylised after the upgrades given to him by Cortana after his original was more or less destroyed on installation 03. The rest of Blue also wear a GEN2 set, rather than GEN1.

 

So John was in GEN1 armour during Halo 4, but upgraded to GEN2 (whilst with the UNSC) before Halo 5 with the rest of Blue Team?

 

And if many different variants were made for different purposes when GEN2 was released, why wasn't the Mark VI abandoned? I personally love it, but it makes no sense for John to still wear it considering it has no unique purpose.

 

Also, do we ever see any other Spartans using the GEN1 variants seen in Halo 3 and Halo: Reach?

[BaconShelf]

What ranking system is used in the Spartan branch, formed in 2553? Are the commissioned Navy ranks still used?

Aside from palmer being the spartan commander, it seems that there's squad leaders and then everyone else in Spartan branch is the same rank. Take that as you will.

 

So John was in GEN1 armour during Halo 4, but upgraded to GEN2 (whilst with the UNSC) before Halo 5 with the rest of Blue Team?

 

He upgraded after fighting derderct on installation 03, when his GEN 1 got REQ'd

 

 

 

And if many different variants were made for different purposes when GEN2 was released, why wasn't the Mark VI abandoned? I personally love it, but it makes no sense for John to still wear it considering it has no unique purpose.

 

 

Cortana upgraded his GEN1 suit to match currently available UNSC specs via space magic nanobots. His GEN2 armour design was then esigned to emulate his previous suit.

 

 

 

Also, do we ever see any other Spartans using the GEN1 variants seen in Halo 3 and Halo: Reach?

 

 

Black Team (WIP MK6 version)

Blue Team (limited use at the end of the war, GoO)

Maria (Tested John's armour shortly before Halo 2)

Naomi (Used GEN1 MK7)

 

Most used MKIV and MKV at some point, but many were't alive by 2552 when both MKV and MKVI were introduced.

Edited October 27, 2015 by BaconShelf

[Ranger Intel]

 

Cortana upgraded his GEN1 suit to match currently available UNSC specs via space magic nanobots. His GEN2 armour design was then esigned to emulate his previous suit.

 

 

Black Team (WIP MK6 version)

Blue Team (limited use at the end of the war, GoO)

Maria (Tested John's armour shortly before Halo 2)

Naomi (Used GEN1 MK7)

 

Most used MKIV and MKV at some point, but many were't alive by 2552 when both MKV and MKVI were introduced.

 

I don't see how that explains why the Mark VI wasn't abandoned. It's not specifically suited for a purpose. Fred, Linda, and Kelly have all moved onto different variants, why would the Mark VI still be in use?

 

When I say variants, I mean besides the 'Mark' ones. All the GEN1 variants that weren't marks. E.g: Recon, E.V.A, Security, etc... I'm beginning to think that all (or most of) these GEN1 armoured sets aren't actually a part of the Halo Lore.

 

Speaking of 'GoO', I never understood why one Spartan was in Mk. IV (or V), and another was in Ml. VI on the cover. I remember who was involved in the book, but I didn't understand who was suited in what (besides Kurt-051 and the Spartan-IIIs being in SPI armour). Could you give me an explanation on that please?

[BaconShelf]

 

I don't see how that explains why the Mark VI wasn't abandoned. It's not specifically suited for a purpose. Fred, Linda, and Kelly have all moved onto different variants, why would the Mark VI still be in use?

 

When I say variants, I mean besides the 'Mark' ones. All the GEN1 variants that weren't marks. E.g: Recon, E.V.A, Security, etc... I'm beginning to think that all (or most of) these GEN1 armoured sets aren't actually a part of the Halo Lore.

 

Speaking of 'GoO', I never understood why one Spartan was in Mk. IV (or V), and another was in Ml. VI on the cover. I remember who was involved in the book, but I didn't understand who was suited in what (besides Kurt-051 and the Spartan-IIIs being in SPI armour). Could you give me an explanation on that please?

 

All armour variants are canon. I don't know where you get this impression.

 

However, you seem to have a different impression of how they operate.

 

The MKIV, MKV, MKVI and GEN2 are different platforms with optional upgrades (IE EVA, EOD and so forth) in the form of armour plates and specialised technology.

 

It's Kurt (SPI), Kelly (MKV) and likely Will or Linda (MKVI)

[Ranger Intel]

All armour variants are canon. I don't know where you get this impression.

 

However, you seem to have a different impression of how they operate.

 

The MKIV, MKV, MKVI and GEN2 are different platforms with optional upgrades (IE EVA, EOD and so forth) in the form of armour plates and specialised technology.

 

It's Kurt (SPI), Kelly (MKV) and likely Will or Linda (MKVI)

 

Thanks. So you're telling me that all the variants are additions to the Mark VI armour sets? E.g. The EVA seen in Halo 3 is another version of Mark VI, developed after Mark VI was first deployed?

 

I assume Linda/Will had Mark-VI because they were redeployed to Earth after OPERATION: FIRST STRIKE, am I right?

 

As previously asked, why did Chief remain suited in the standard Mark VI armour? Even other Spartan-IIs were given a specific variant of the MJOLNIR Mark VI [GEN2] to suit their specialty. The Mark VI in its original form seems to suit no purpose, and almost comes off as inferior to other armour variants because it doesn't excel in any specific area. Why was John left with the standard Mark VI [GEN2]?

[BaconShelf]

Thanks. So you're telling me that all the variants are additions to the Mark VI armour sets? E.g. The EVA seen in Halo 3 is another version of Mark VI, developed after Mark VI was first deployed?

 

I assume Linda/Will had Mark-VI because they were redeployed to Earth after OPERATION: FIRST STRIKE, am I right?

 

As previously asked, why did Chief remain suited in the standard Mark VI armour? Even other Spartan-IIs were given a specific variant of the MJOLNIR Mark VI [GEN2] to suit their specialty. The Mark VI in its original form seems to suit no purpose, and almost comes off as inferior to other armour variants because it doesn't excel in any specific area. Why was John left with the standard Mark VI [GEN2]?

There's nothing wrong with being well-rounded. A lot of specialised equipment is unnecessary bulk in most scenarios; if you aren't a sniper, why have the additional weight of more cameras? Why hae more armour if you want to be fairly mobile and dextrous? The MKVI is well-rounded, and suitable for John's combat style. Unlike Kelly, where her armour is aerodynamic and designed for speed, or Fred where his armour is heavy and able to take more blows due to his status as a CQC expert. Remember that specialising in one specific area decreases effectiveness in other areas.

 

John's MKVI is a variant specifically designed for the GEN2 platform. But Spartans often wear their armour based on personal preference, at least in an environment where there are hundreds of permutations. The MKVI is something he's been using for a while, no need to fix something that isn't broken.

 

You're honestly looking into this way too much.

[Drizzy_Dan]

no need to fix something that isn't broken.

 

 

 

Except for the visor that needs to be replaced from time to time lol

[Ranger Intel]

There's nothing wrong with being well-rounded. A lot of specialised equipment is unnecessary bulk in most scenarios; if you aren't a sniper, why have the additional weight of more cameras? Why hae more armour if you want to be fairly mobile and dextrous? The MKVI is well-rounded, and suitable for John's combat style. Unlike Kelly, where her armour is aerodynamic and designed for speed, or Fred where his armour is heavy and able to take more blows due to his status as a CQC expert. Remember that specialising in one specific area decreases effectiveness in other areas.

 

John's MKVI is a variant specifically designed for the GEN2 platform. But Spartans often wear their armour based on personal preference, at least in an environment where there are hundreds of permutations. The MKVI is something he's been using for a while, no need to fix something that isn't broken.

 

You're honestly looking into this way too much.

 

Thanks. It may appear that I'm 'looking into this way too much', though I am strongly interested in the topic and feel as if I require an answer for relief. I prefer to have a reason behind everything I know.

[BaconShelf]

Thanks. It may appear that I'm 'looking into this way too much', though I am strongly interested in the topic and feel as if I require an answer for relief. I prefer to have a reason behind everything I know.

If you want something to find a reason for it's existence, try this.

 

 

I honestly don't know what armours like these have that can aid the operative in combat.

[Ranger Intel]

If you want something to find a reason for it's existence, try this.

 

 

I honestly don't know what armours like these have that can aid the operative in combat.

 

What armour set is this?

[Ranger Intel]

Halo: Spartan Assault is set in 2554, when the Covenant Remnant is fighting the UNSC. The Remnant is comprised of Elites, Grunts, Jackals, and Hunters.

 

In the simulation we also encounter Drones and Brutes. Is this canon? I understand all of Spartan Assault is accurate, but I don't believe that Brutes served with the Covenant Remnant, not sure about Drones. There is also a self-destructing drone that the Spartans can deploy to take out enemies which is only seen in the Spartan Assault simulation, is this also canon or just another feature implemented into the simulation?

 

Thanks.

[Ni Nihon]

halo 4/5 question, so I'm putting it in the spoiler.

 

How did cortana get into the domain? that part confuses me...

 

[BaconShelf]

Halo: Spartan Assault is set in 2554, when the Covenant Remnant is fighting the UNSC. The Remnant is comprised of Elites, Grunts, Jackals, and Hunters.

 

In the simulation we also encounter Drones and Brutes. Is this canon? I understand all of Spartan Assault is accurate, but I don't believe that Brutes served with the Covenant Remnant, not sure about Drones. There is also a self-destructing drone that the Spartans can deploy to take out enemies which is only seen in the Spartan Assault simulation, is this also canon or just another feature implemented into the simulation?

 

Thanks.

There are thousands of Covenant Remnant factions. Jul 'Mdama despised the Jiralhanae, but some groups weren't particularly conceerned with them, Merg Vol included.

 

I think it's called 'Shark' or something aong those lines, it's from Halo Online.

halo 4/5 question, so I'm putting it in the spoiler.

 

How did cortana get into the domain? that part confuses me...

 

The core of the Mantle's Approach made an emergency splipspace jump and space magic happened to allow that. It's an explanation I'm extremely dissatisfied with, as am I with the Halo 5: Guardians campaign as a whole.

[Ranger Intel]

There are thousands of Covenant Remnant factions. Jul 'Mdama despised the Jiralhanae, but some groups weren't particularly conceerned with them, Merg Vol included.

 

I think it's called 'Shark' or something aong those lines, it's from Halo Online.

 

Could I get a source for what you said about the UNSC drone? All I've found is that it's called a 'Seeker Drone'. I'm tempted to believe it's non-canon and only introduced for gameplay purposes.

 

Speaking of features only for gameplay; In Halo 5's multiplayer there are weapons and weapon attachments that are not seen anywhere else in the Halo universe (e.g: Kinetic rounds, weapon variants, mythics such as 'The Whisper'). Are the variants and attachments (apart from silencer) only introduced for simulation purposes such as Warzone?

 

Thank you.

[BaconShelf]

Could I get a source for what you said about the UNSC drone? All I've found is that it's called a 'Seeker Drone'. I'm tempted to believe it's non-canon and only introduced for gameplay purposes.

 

Speaking of features only for gameplay; In Halo 5's multiplayer there are weapons and weapon attachments that are not seen anywhere else in the Halo universe (e.g: Kinetic rounds, weapon variants, mythics such as 'The Whisper'). Are the variants and attachments (apart from silencer) only introduced for simulation purposes such as Warzone?

 

Thank you.

 

I never mentioned the Seeker nor the F-99. I was referring to Yanme'e, as you said in the question...?

 

Edit: I'm retarded. Yeah, the Seeker is canon, we just know arse-all about it. Same for a few things in that game, the existence of an autopistol we've never seen before or after comes to mind.

 

They're all canon (Including the stupid promethean bullets bull****).

 

Longshot scopes are for "Veterans of the Requiem Campaign' (The Halo 4 BR scope), the Classic Scope is that used by "Veteran Spartans" (nod to H2/3, and the BR55/ BR55HB variants).

 

The recon sight is the standard holosight, suppressors are suppressors and promethean bullets are a ridiculous concept. I don't see why, for everythibg except the bullets, it wouldn't be canon. No weapons are built with a specific scope (The F2000 is a kind-of exception) in mind, as they need to be interchangeable to allow for weapons to be customised to dofferent situations. Remember these weapons need to be used by marines and the army, who don't get famcy visors. Just because it's the first time seeing them, doesn't mean they're non-canon.

 

Though I desparately wish the KB was just a warzone thing. It's all-round awful.

Edited January 19, 2016 by BaconShelf

[Ranger Intel]

They're all canon (Including the stupid promethean bullets bull****).

 

Longshot scopes are for "Veterans of the Requiem Campaign' (The Halo 4 BR scope), the Classic Scope is that used by "Veteran Spartans" (nod to H2/3, and the BR55/ BR55HB variants).

 

The recon sight is the standard holosight, suppressors are suppressors and promethean bullets are a ridiculous concept. I don't see why, for everythibg except the bullets, it wouldn't be canon. No weapons are built with a specific scope (The F2000 is a kind-of exception) in mind, as they need to be interchangeable to allow for weapons to be customised to dofferent situations. Remember these weapons need to be used by marines and the army, who don't get famcy visors. Just because it's the first time seeing them, doesn't mean they're non-canon.

 

Though I desparately wish the KB was just a warzone thing. It's all-round awful.

 

I didn't say they were 'non-canon' nor did I specify the sights. Why is it we don't see these weapon attachments and variants in Campaign? The fact they only show up in multiplayer is what throws me off. We only see the variants in campaign as hidden weapons, not firearms actually supplied to UNSC soldiers. I assume these variants are only issued to Spartan-IIs and Spartan-IVs? That still doesn't explain the lack of attachments in campaign...

[BaconShelf]

 

I didn't say they were 'non-canon' nor did I specify the sights. Why is it we don't see these weapon attachments and variants in Campaign? The fact they only show up in multiplayer is what throws me off. We only see the variants in campaign as hidden weapons, not firearms actually supplied to UNSC soldiers. I assume these variants are only issued to Spartan-IIs and Spartan-IVs? That still doesn't explain the lack of attachments in campaign...

 

Because they weren't there?

 

The closest to a UNSC facility we ever get is Meridian. Liang-Dortmund likely only ordered base-model weapons for the facility.

 

This is literally the same thing as asking why we never saw the MA37 Assault Rifle or DMR in Halo 2 and 3, despite both being used by the UNSC Army and Marine Corps.

 

Plus, the Holosight is likely the standard loadout for marines in the UNSC. Currenr militaries have a set loadout for their trrops;US Army marksmen use the M16A4 with an ACOG scope. Similarly, UNSC marksmen likely use a BR-85N with the longshot scope, we just don't see any marksmen. Royal Army troops use the L85A2 assault rifle, but they don't get to customise it with a bunch of different scopes and stuff, Battlefield-style. It's only special forces that get that privelege.

 

The closest we've come to seeing a large number and variety of UNSC forces was Reach, and the attachments didn't exist then.

 

So TLDR, we don't see any marines in the campaign, we see civilians who were given a rifle when their planet got ****** over, but they're private security and random miners. Not soldiers. Most marines don't customise their gear anyway, so of course we won't see anything but a base-level variant in 9/10 combat scenarios.

[Ni Nihon]

so, are Spartan II's immune to the flood? I don't think I've ever seen one being infected, or heard about it... but I'm not sure, could be a Orion exclusive byproduct.

[BaconShelf]

 

so, are Spartan II's immune to the flood? I don't think I've ever seen one being infected, or heard about it... but I'm not sure, could be a Orion exclusive byproduct.

 

Unknown as of yet - we've never been able to see a Spartan get infected. John waa certainly worried about it, but MJOLNIR energy shields and filters mean infection is a low possibility as long as those two systems are active.

[Ni Nihon]

what were their recruiting parameters for the S-III program?

[Guts]

Probably been explained already but in Halo 4, how can the Chief just use Promethean armour abilities?

[Ranger Intel]

so, are Spartan II's immune to the flood? I don't think I've ever seen one being infected, or heard about it... but I'm not sure, could be a Orion exclusive byproduct.

 

 

Unknown as of yet - we've never been able to see a Spartan get infected. John waa certainly worried about it, but MJOLNIR energy shields and filters mean infection is a low possibility as long as those two systems are active.

 

Considering the Spartan-Is were, I'd assume the other Spartan generations are also immune.

 

Because they weren't there?

 

The closest to a UNSC facility we ever get is Meridian. Liang-Dortmund likely only ordered base-model weapons for the facility.

 

This is literally the same thing as asking why we never saw the MA37 Assault Rifle or DMR in Halo 2 and 3, despite both being used by the UNSC Army and Marine Corps.

 

Plus, the Holosight is likely the standard loadout for marines in the UNSC. Currenr militaries have a set loadout for their trrops;US Army marksmen use the M16A4 with an ACOG scope. Similarly, UNSC marksmen likely use a BR-85N with the longshot scope, we just don't see any marksmen. Royal Army troops use the L85A2 assault rifle, but they don't get to customise it with a bunch of different scopes and stuff, Battlefield-style. It's only special forces that get that privelege.

 

The closest we've come to seeing a large number and variety of UNSC forces was Reach, and the attachments didn't exist then.

 

So TLDR, we don't see any marines in the campaign, we see civilians who were given a rifle when their planet got ****** over, but they're private security and random miners. Not soldiers. Most marines don't customise their gear anyway, so of course we won't see anything but a base-level variant in 9/10 combat scenarios.

 

So we don't see them because they were supplied to other locations, I get what you mean. One thing that doesn't make sense is why Locke and Fireteam Osiris weren't supplied with these additions before being sent to bring in Blue Team. To conclude, are you saying that all these weapon additions and weapon variants such as The Answer and Blaze of Glory are canon (and not only in the multiplayer), but aren't seen in campaign because Blue Team and Fireteam Osiris are not in an environment in which they may be found?

Edited March 13, 2016 by UNSC Spartan II

[Ni Nihon]

Considering the Spartan-Is were, I'd assume the other Spartan generations are also immune.

 

 

So we don't see them because they were supplied to they were locations, I get what you mean. One thing that doesn't make sense is why Locke and Fireteam Osiris weren't supplied with these additions before being sent to bring in Blue Team. To conclude, are you saying that all these weapon additions and weapon variants such as The Answer and Blaze of Glory are canon (and not only in the multiplayer), but aren't seen in campaign because Blue Team and Fireteam Osiris are not in an environment in which they may be found?

I'd assume stuff like the blaze of glory are very small in numbers still, while AR sights and suppressors weren't seen as nessecary for osiris.

[BaconShelf]

Considering the Spartan-Is were, I'd assume the other Spartan generations are also immune.

 

 

So we don't see them because they were supplied to other locations, I get what you mean. One thing that doesn't make sense is why Locke and Fireteam Osiris weren't supplied with these additions before being sent to bring in Blue Team. To conclude, are you saying that all these weapon additions and weapon variants such as The Answer and Blaze of Glory are canon (and not only in the multiplayer), but aren't seen in campaign because Blue Team and Fireteam Osiris are not in an environment in which they may be found?

 

Yeah. Most of the unique heavy weapons are prototypes and in the experimental stage or are used for specific purposes. If you read the descriptions, it answers the circumstances surrounding their creation. Plus, you never see a UNSC military base in the campaign; only the odd pelican and a civilian corporation, neither of which are likely to sport weapons like the Ad Victoriam (Fellow Knight). 

 

It's like expecting every combat circumstance in the real world to be sporting HVM-II launchers and a wide variety of weaponry when in reality, all soldiers get pretty much the same gear.

what were their recruiting parameters for the S-III program?

 

Are you around the age of six?

Are you an orphan of war?

Are you looking to get some revenge on some lizard scumbags?

 

If you answered yes to all of those, welcome aboard.

Probably been explained already but in Halo 4, how can the Chief just use Promethean armour abilities?

 

Forerunner tech adapts to fit the user. The Terminals in Halo 3 scan the reader and try to emulate the reader's language - similarly, it's pretty easy to imagine the arour abilities modify themselves to be used in MJOLNIR. The limited time usage could be a side effect of them not being fully compatible.