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==History==
==History==
Spike weapons—or at the very least, the ubiquitous [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|spike rifle]]—originated from the Jiralhanae conflicts on [[Doisac]] prior to the species' induction to the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=186}} Precursors to spike weapons, like the heavy speargun, were also used by Jiralhanae in big-game hunting.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p476}} After the Jiralhanae joined the Covenant, most of the Jiralhanae-designed weapons—including spike weapons—were still manufactured by clan workshops on Doisac, albeit under the supervision of Covenant missionaries.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p295|Enc22|Page=295}} Regardless, spike weapons were not commonly encountered in combat, with many Jiralhanae shock troops deferring to the [[San'Shyuum]]'s guidance and adopting [[directed-energy weapon]]s.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p476|Enc22|Page=476}} However, in the months leading up to the [[Great Schism]] in [[2552]], the [[Prophet of Truth]] ordered the [[Sacred Promissory]] on ''[[High Charity]]'' to secretly expand its scope to the production of all Jiralhanae matériel, including many spike weapons, for the impending purge of the [[Sangheili]].{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=128}} Spike weaponry then became a common sight in the final battles of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Level|H3|[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]}} Following the Great Schism and the dissolution of the Covenant, in the absence of the San'Shyuum, the Jiralhanae returned to their primitive, savage nature; Jiralhanae-designed spike weapons, such as the [[Ukala Workshop Mangler]], returned to widespread circulation, especially within the [[Banished]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p476}}
Spike weapons—or at the very least, the ubiquitous [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|spike rifle]]—originated from the Jiralhanae conflicts on [[Doisac]] prior to the species' induction to the [[Covenant]].{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=186}} Precursors to spike weapons, like the heavy speargun, were also used by Jiralhanae in big-game hunting.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p476}} After the Jiralhanae joined the Covenant, most of the Jiralhanae-designed weapons—including spike weapons—were still manufactured by clan workshops on Doisac, albeit under the supervision of Covenant missionaries.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p295|Enc22|Page=295}} Regardless, spike weapons were not commonly encountered in combat, with many Jiralhanae shock troops deferring to the [[San'Shyuum]]'s guidance and adopting [[directed-energy weapon]]s.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p476|Enc22|Page=476}} However, in the months leading up to the [[Great Schism]] in [[2552]], the [[Prophet of Truth]] ordered the [[Sacred Promissory]] on ''[[High Charity]]'' to secretly expand its scope to the production of all Jiralhanae matériel, including many spike weapons, for the impending purge of the [[Sangheili]].{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=128}} Spike weaponry then became a common sight in the final battles of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Level|H3|[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]}} Following the Great Schism and the dissolution of the Covenant, in the absence of the San'Shyuum, the Jiralhanae returned to their primitive, savage nature;{{Ref/Anthology|HE|The Return}} Jiralhanae-designed spike weapons, such as the [[Ukala Workshop Mangler]], returned to widespread circulation, especially within the [[Banished]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p476}}


==Operation==
==Operation==
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Spike weapons fire eponymous spike projectiles at enemies; the spike rifle—the most common spike weapon—fires long, sharp projectiles made of superheated tungsten alloy,{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/spike-rifle/bb559bc8-65c5-4572-8ffd-f7c05680380c|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Spike Rifle|D=29|M=09|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#Spike Rifle}}{{Ref/Note|Id=metal|On the Halo Waypoint article for the Spiker, the blades are noted as being created from the same metal as that of the weapon's ammunition, making both made of tungsten alloy.}} which are coated in a pyrophoric compound unique to Doisac. When fired and exposed to atmospheric oxygen, the coating burns with a white-hot intensity, rendering the spikes superheated and semi-molten. The spikes thus glow with a yellow-white light for a short time after impact, before they cool.{{Ref/Book|Id=OSFM190|OSFM|Page=190}} The spike rifle uses a [[gravitic accelerator]] to launch the spike at targets;{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p295}} it is likely other spike weaponry employ a similar mechanism.  
Spike weapons fire eponymous spike projectiles at enemies; the spike rifle—the most common spike weapon—fires long, sharp projectiles made of superheated tungsten alloy,{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/spike-rifle/bb559bc8-65c5-4572-8ffd-f7c05680380c|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Spike Rifle|D=29|M=09|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#Spike Rifle}}{{Ref/Note|Id=metal|On the Halo Waypoint article for the Spiker, the blades are noted as being created from the same metal as that of the weapon's ammunition, making both made of tungsten alloy.}} which are coated in a pyrophoric compound unique to Doisac. When fired and exposed to atmospheric oxygen, the coating burns with a white-hot intensity, rendering the spikes superheated and semi-molten. The spikes thus glow with a yellow-white light for a short time after impact, before they cool.{{Ref/Book|Id=OSFM190|OSFM|Page=190}} The spike rifle uses a [[gravitic accelerator]] to launch the spike at targets;{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p295}} it is likely other spike weaponry employ a similar mechanism.  


In contrast, the varied roles and applications of spike weapons also likely determine the property of spike projectiles they fire: smaller armor-piercing spike projectiles fired from spike rifles can easily penetrate flesh and bones, even pinning a target to an object behind them,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p295}}{{Ref/Film|HLa|Episode=HLOS}} whereas their larger counterparts, like those fired from the [[Flaktura Workshop Skewer|skewer]], can perforate a vehicle's battle plates or even a [[Spartan]]'s [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|armor]] with relative ease.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p476}} Furthermore, larger spike projectiles tend to possess explosive properties: the [[35mm autocannon|spike cannon]]—mounted on [[Chopper]]s—and the infantry-portable [[Volatile Skewer]] fire spike projectiles that detonate upon impact.{{Ref/Game|H3|gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|HI|gameplay}} Spike cannons are also equipped on aircraft such as the [[Dovotaa Workshop Griever]] and [[Qavardu Workshop Gravemaker]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=473}}
In contrast, the varied roles and applications of spike weapons also likely determine the property of spike projectiles they fire: smaller armor-piercing spike projectiles fired from spike rifles can easily penetrate flesh and bones, even pinning a target to an object behind them,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p295}}{{Ref/Film|HLa|Episode=Halo: Last One Standing}} whereas their larger counterparts, like those fired from the [[Flaktura Workshop Skewer|skewer]], can perforate a vehicle's battle plates or even a [[Spartan]]'s [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|armor]] with relative ease.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p476}} Furthermore, larger spike projectiles tend to possess explosive properties: the [[Spike cannon#Usage|shrapnel cannon]]—mounted on [[Chopper]]s—and the infantry-portable [[Volatile Skewer]] can fire spike projectiles that detonate upon impact.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Banished outpost|Detail=Chopper upgrade - Shrapnel Rounds|Quote=Unit Upgrade, Adds explosive rounds, Detects Cloaked units.}}{{Ref/Game|HI|gameplay}} [[Spike cannon]]s are also equipped on aircraft such as the [[Dovotaa Workshop Griever]] and [[Qavardu Workshop Gravemaker]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=473}}


While nearly all spike weapons fire single-use spike projectiles, exceptions have been found within the [[Banished]]. The [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Spirit#Spirit gunship|gunship variant of the Eklon'Dal Workshop Spirit]] uniquely employs a spike harpoon that allows the gunship to rapidly close its distance to a target.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p475|Enc22|Page=475}} The Banished has also incorporated spikes, rather than blades, at the fore of their vehicles, including the [[Ironclad Wraith]] and [[Terror Wraith]], for the purpose of increased ramming damage or repelling enemies.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=469}}
While nearly all spike weapons fire single-use spike projectiles, exceptions have been found within the [[Banished]]. The [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Spirit#Spirit gunship|gunship variant of the Eklon'Dal Workshop Spirit]] uniquely employs a spike harpoon that allows the gunship to rapidly close its distance to a target.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p475|Enc22|Page=475}} The Banished has also incorporated spikes, rather than blades, at the fore of their vehicles, including the [[Ironclad Wraith]] and [[Terror Wraith]], for the purpose of increased ramming damage or repelling enemies.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=469}}
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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Landfall Spike Grenade.png|A marine takes cover from a spike grenade stuck to a wall in ''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''.
File:HTMCC-H3 BruteMinors&Spikers 2.png|Jiralhanae Minors firing their spike rifles in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:HTMCC-H3 BruteMinors&Spikers 2.png|Jiralhanae Minors firing their spike rifles in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3 Spiker shot mid-flight.jpg|A Spiker's spike projectile mid-flight in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Spiker shot mid-flight.jpg|A Spiker's spike projectile mid-flight in ''Halo 3''.
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File:HINF Skewer Reload.png|A Spartan reloading a Skewer's spike projectile in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Skewer Reload.png|A Spartan reloading a Skewer's spike projectile in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Skewer Projectile.png|A Skewer's armor-piercing spike munition mid-flight in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Skewer Projectile.png|A Skewer's armor-piercing spike munition mid-flight in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Zvezda&SpikeGrenade 1.png|A Spartan prepares to throw a spike grenade in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF SpikeGrenade 4.png|Spikes from a spike grenade's explosion deflecting from a wall in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF SpikeGrenade 4.png|Spikes from a spike grenade's explosion deflecting from a wall in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Chopper Cannon 2.png|A [[Bolroci Workshop Chopper]] firing its spike cannon in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Chopper Cannon 2.png|A [[Bolroci Workshop Chopper]] firing its spike cannon in ''Halo Infinite''.

Revision as of 05:06, August 31, 2023

Two Jiralhanae Minors wielding Paegaas Workshop Spikers, with one preparing to throw a Jovokada Workshop spike grenade, in Crow's Nest during the Battle of Kenya. From Halo 3 campaign level Crow's Nest.
Two Jiralhanae Minors armed with Paegaas Workshop Spikers, a common spike weapon. One prepares to throw a Jovokada Workshop spike grenade.

"Those things ain't made to wound anyone—to make you use up time and resources treating casualties. They were designed to make you die screaming."
— A UNSC E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman on the effects of a spike grenade[1]

Spike weaponry refers to projectile weapons of Jiralhanae origin that fire spike projectiles.

History

Spike weapons—or at the very least, the ubiquitous spike rifle—originated from the Jiralhanae conflicts on Doisac prior to the species' induction to the Covenant.[2] Precursors to spike weapons, like the heavy speargun, were also used by Jiralhanae in big-game hunting.[3] After the Jiralhanae joined the Covenant, most of the Jiralhanae-designed weapons—including spike weapons—were still manufactured by clan workshops on Doisac, albeit under the supervision of Covenant missionaries.[4] Regardless, spike weapons were not commonly encountered in combat, with many Jiralhanae shock troops deferring to the San'Shyuum's guidance and adopting directed-energy weapons.[3] However, in the months leading up to the Great Schism in 2552, the Prophet of Truth ordered the Sacred Promissory on High Charity to secretly expand its scope to the production of all Jiralhanae matériel, including many spike weapons, for the impending purge of the Sangheili.[5] Spike weaponry then became a common sight in the final battles of the Human-Covenant War.[6] Following the Great Schism and the dissolution of the Covenant, in the absence of the San'Shyuum, the Jiralhanae returned to their primitive, savage nature;[7] Jiralhanae-designed spike weapons, such as the Ukala Workshop Mangler, returned to widespread circulation, especially within the Banished.[3]

Operation

A UNSC marine takes aim with his battle rifle while impaled by a spiker's projectile and pinned to a wall during the Battle of Sector Six.

Spike weapons fire eponymous spike projectiles at enemies; the spike rifle—the most common spike weapon—fires long, sharp projectiles made of superheated tungsten alloy,[8][Note 1] which are coated in a pyrophoric compound unique to Doisac. When fired and exposed to atmospheric oxygen, the coating burns with a white-hot intensity, rendering the spikes superheated and semi-molten. The spikes thus glow with a yellow-white light for a short time after impact, before they cool.[9] The spike rifle uses a gravitic accelerator to launch the spike at targets;[4] it is likely other spike weaponry employ a similar mechanism.

In contrast, the varied roles and applications of spike weapons also likely determine the property of spike projectiles they fire: smaller armor-piercing spike projectiles fired from spike rifles can easily penetrate flesh and bones, even pinning a target to an object behind them,[4][10] whereas their larger counterparts, like those fired from the skewer, can perforate a vehicle's battle plates or even a Spartan's armor with relative ease.[3] Furthermore, larger spike projectiles tend to possess explosive properties: the shrapnel cannon—mounted on Choppers—and the infantry-portable Volatile Skewer can fire spike projectiles that detonate upon impact.[11][12] Spike cannons are also equipped on aircraft such as the Dovotaa Workshop Griever and Qavardu Workshop Gravemaker.[13]

While nearly all spike weapons fire single-use spike projectiles, exceptions have been found within the Banished. The gunship variant of the Eklon'Dal Workshop Spirit uniquely employs a spike harpoon that allows the gunship to rapidly close its distance to a target.[14] The Banished has also incorporated spikes, rather than blades, at the fore of their vehicles, including the Ironclad Wraith and Terror Wraith, for the purpose of increased ramming damage or repelling enemies.[15]

List of spike weapons

Handheld weapons

Explosives

Mounted weapons

Gallery

  • A marine takes cover from a spike grenade stuck to a wall in Halo: Last One Standing.

    A marine takes cover from a spike grenade stuck to a wall in Halo: Last One Standing.

  • Jiralhanae Minors firing their spike rifles in Halo 3.

    Jiralhanae Minors firing their spike rifles in Halo 3.

  • A Spiker's spike projectile mid-flight in Halo 3.

    A Spiker's spike projectile mid-flight in Halo 3.

  • An Unggoy Minor impaled by numerous spike projectiles in Halo 3.

    An Unggoy Minor impaled by numerous spike projectiles in Halo 3.

  • A Barukaza Workshop Chopper firing its spike cannon in Halo 3.

    A Barukaza Workshop Chopper firing its spike cannon in Halo 3.

  • A Jiralhanae Captain firing a spike rifle in Halo: Reach.

    A Jiralhanae Captain firing a spike rifle in Halo: Reach.

  • A Spiker's spike projectile mid-flight in Halo: Reach.

    A Spiker's spike projectile mid-flight in Halo: Reach.

  • A Flood pod infector pinned by a spike projectile in Halo Wars 2.

    A Flood pod infector pinned by a spike projectile in Halo Wars 2.

  • A Barug'qel Workshop Chopper firing its spike cannons in Halo Wars 2.

    A Barug'qel Workshop Chopper firing its spike cannons in Halo Wars 2.

  • A Barug'qel Workshop Chopper firing its shrapnel cannons in Halo Wars 2.

    A Barug'qel Workshop Chopper firing its shrapnel cannons in Halo Wars 2.

  • Spike projectiles being loaded into a Riven Mangler in Halo Infinite.

    Spike projectiles being loaded into a Riven Mangler in Halo Infinite.

  • A Mangler's spike projectile mid-flight in Halo Infinite.

    A Mangler's spike projectile mid-flight in Halo Infinite.

  • A Spartan reloading a Skewer's spike projectile in Halo Infinite.

    A Spartan reloading a Skewer's spike projectile in Halo Infinite.

  • A Skewer's armor-piercing spike munition mid-flight in Halo Infinite.

    A Skewer's armor-piercing spike munition mid-flight in Halo Infinite.

  • A Spartan prepares to throw a spike grenade in Halo Infinite.

    A Spartan prepares to throw a spike grenade in Halo Infinite.

  • Spikes from a spike grenade's explosion deflecting from a wall in Halo Infinite.

    Spikes from a spike grenade's explosion deflecting from a wall in Halo Infinite.

  • A Bolroci Workshop Chopper firing its spike cannon in Halo Infinite.

    A Bolroci Workshop Chopper firing its spike cannon in Halo Infinite.

  • A Catulus Chopper firing its spike cannon in Halo Infinite.

    A Catulus Chopper firing its spike cannon in Halo Infinite.

Notes

  1. ^ On the Halo Waypoint article for the Spiker, the blades are noted as being created from the same metal as that of the weapon's ammunition, making both made of tungsten alloy.

Sources

  1. ^ Bungie.net, Spike Grenade (Retrieved on Feb 7, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  2. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 186
  3. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 476
  4. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 295
  5. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 128
  6. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
  7. ^ Halo: Evolutions - The Return
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint, Spike Rifle (Retrieved on Sep 29, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  9. ^ Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 190
  10. ^ Halo: Landfall, episode Halo: Last One Standing
  11. ^ Halo Wars 2, Banished outpost: Chopper upgrade - Shrapnel Rounds "Unit Upgrade, Adds explosive rounds, Detects Cloaked units."
  12. ^ Halo Infinite, gameplay
  13. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 473
  14. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 475
  15. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 469
  16. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Reaver
  17. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 466
  18. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs: Chopper
  19. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 465
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