Energy sword (fiction)
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
- "A noble and ancient weapon, wielded by the strongest of Sangheili, requires great skill and bravery to use, and inspires fear in those who face its elegant plasma blade."
- — Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee[1]
Energy swords, sometimes known as plasma swords,[2][3] are a class of single-handed, double-bladed energy weapons developed by the Sangheili.[4] To their users, they are formally designated as fireblades,[5][6] and nicknamed plasma blades.[7] The Office of Naval Intelligence has typically type-classified encountered energy sword variants under the designation of the Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword (T-1 EW/S).[8] Nicknames for the energy sword includes Katana and Kill Beam.[9]
Overview[edit]
Design details[edit]
An energy sword's twin blades are superheated plasma contained in a tightly configured magnetic field generated from its grooved hilt.[4][10] Within the hilt, there is an energy storage device that doubles as a field generator,[8][11] which, when activated, projects the blade, with the stabilized superheated plasma being enclosed in magnetic lines extending from the hilt.[5][12][13]
The weapon is powered by a small battery that supplies power to both the plasma generator and the magnetic field generator.[14] The battery's energy is reduced for each successful strike. Once the battery power is fully depleted, the sword will deactivate unless recharged. The horizontal hilt forces the wielder to use a punching motion to stab rather than the thrusting motion of most knives and swords.
Some variants, notably the Pelosus-pattern energy sword, contain a fail-safe mechanism that can permanently disable the weapon if the Sangheili wielder drops it.[15] When dropped, the failsafe engages by deactivating the magnetic field before dispersing the plasma. The plasma then consumes the handle and thus destroys the weapon. The fail-safe is included to prevent enemy from acquiring the weapon and using it.[16]
Mass-produced models generally feature a simple hilt design, but more individualized models can be quite ornate. Different patterns are typically expressed through the shape of the blade; different contours can have either smooth curves or elegant angles. Furthermore, the color of the superheated plasma can vary with no functional difference as well, though most energy swords glow with a blue tint.[11][17] Sangheili blademasters are often commissioned to create ornamented and hand-customized for elite individuals.[5] As such, drastic variations have been observed. For example, Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee's matching pair of custom-designed swords had basket-style hilt guards and radiated a high degree of ionized plasma,[18][19] whereas most energy swords contain the blades' plasma with greater efficiency. Arbiter Thel 'Vadam's personal sword, the Prophets' Bane, was pale salmon-colored and had a wider blade compared to mass-produced swords.[20][21] Ancient energy swords are marked by their creator and first owner, but often their legacy is forgotten.[22]
History[edit]
The energy sword's design is seen as the logical evolution of an ancient lineage of traditional Sangheili weapons, most notably the twin-scythe and the curveblade;[5][17] superficially, the ancient melee weapons' influence on the energy sword's design is unmistakable.[23] The sword was originally crafted from hardened resin found in trees which lined the coastal territories of Sanghelios, but as they began carefully exploring Forerunner technology, the weapon was refined over time using Covenant technology, eventually taking its current state.[4] Technologically, the energy sword succeeded an older type of Sangheili sword known as the burnblade, which was created by the arm masters of Qikost—one of Sanghelios' moons—in the early period of Sangheili interstellar expansion,[5] and was used in the early years of the Covenant.[24] Modern energy swords are manufactured by the Merchants of Qikost, a prominent group of arms makers on Qikost.[10][13][25] Prior to the fall of High Charity, they were also manufactured in the city's Assembly Forges.[5][11] Following the Great Schism and the dissolution of the Covenant, the designs templates and existing models of energy swords from the Covenant were inherited by its splinter factions.[10]
Closely aligned with the Sangheili's rigid sense of honor,[25] the energy sword is the signature weapon of the Sangheili, and its usage has historically been regarded as both an expression of a Sangheili warrior's clerical honor and his personal combat skills.[12][17] The Sangheili pride themselves on their skills with the weapon,[26] which they regard as holy, and believe that it is better for a Sangheili to fall on his sword to redeem his honor than to die dishonorably.[27][28][29][30] Pzish'zawk is the martial art form which consists of the use of dual wielded energy swords. Mastery of the practice earns one a high level of renown in Sangheili society, and is a skillset sometimes associated with those assigned the title of blademaster.[31]
Operation[edit]
Since the weapon utilizes shaped plasma rather than traditional solid matter, the energy sword lacks any solid material in which to hold or impale anything; the sword does not cut or carve in the traditional sense, but rather boils anything it comes into contact with.[9] The blade's edge is therefore extremely volatile, being able to slice through even the toughest metals like a hot knife through butter, including ODST armor and the Titanium-A class plating of UNSC destroyers.[32][33] Injuries caused by the weapon are often gruesome. Stab wounds by the energy sword are, in most cases, fatal, as the blade passes through the body, leaving the organs and tissues cauterized by the extreme temperatures produced by the blades;[34] wounds inflicted by the energy sword are sealed by the immense heat.[35] Body fluids in the area of the stab wound are flash-vaporized upon contact; organs within the area of the stab wounds can suffer life-threatening damage dependent upon which organs are struck. The effects of fluids trapped in organs or arteries and the expansion of heat could lead to ruptures or small explosions, causing additional damage to the victim.
Survival is minimal at best and in the case of non-lethal strikes being administered, proper medical treatment must be applied as soon as possible to ensure permanent survival. Because of the weapon's sheer destructive damage, common forms of fatality to victims include total impalement,[19][36][37] loss of limbs,[38] bodies being bisected,[39][40] and even decapitation.[41]
The weapon's most glaring downside is that it is purely a close-quarters weapon; any combat engagement outside of the effective range puts the wielder at risk. It is for this reason that the Sangheili approach sword combat on the battlefield in two different ways, by funneling the enemy into close-quarters to allow them to strike, and/ or to apply a form of stealth using both technology and technique. Without these, the user is vulnerable to attack by all forms of ranged attack, especially from sniper-based counterattacks.[9] Furthermore, the energy sword can sometimes expose the position of a Sangheili warrior employing active camouflage due to the weapon's energy output.
Usage[edit]
The Sangheili are very strict on who can be trained in the art of swordsmanship; in civilian life, only aristocrats are permitted to wield energy swords.[25] Sword wielders are not eligible for marriage, though they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure that the genetic material which result in sword-wielding traits are properly transmitted to each subsequent generation.[4][42]
Within the Covenant military, use of the energy sword is not restricted to aristocrats.[25] Sangheili Minors are generally not permitted to wield the sword because of the high regard in which it is held,[27] though exceptions have been witnessed.[43][44] Storm troops,[45] Ultras, Zealots, Generals, special operation officers, stealth troops, and honor guardsmen commonly use energy swords.[25][46] Some Sangheili special forces units, notably the Silent Shadow, employed bloodblades, blood red-colored energy swords which burn hotter than more common models.[11][17][47]
Within the Banished, there is no enforced uniformity for the energy sword, allowing each warrior to customize their weapons to their own needs.[10] That being said, the most common variants appear to be the Domotos-pattern and the Meluth'qelos-pattern.[48][49]
Variants[edit]
- Patterns
- Domotos-pattern energy sword - A variant with angular contours and a rectangular hole along the inner edge of either blades, with widespread use in the Banished,[48] Jul 'Mdama's Covenant,[50] and the Swords of Sanghelios in the post-war period.[51]
- Ravening Sliver - Lightweight relic blades with a green hilt and deep blue tint plasma. Each model was marked by its creator and first owner.[51]
- Vorpal Talon - A lightweight variant with a maroon hilt and plasma that produces an orange-to-cyan gradient.[51]
- Meluth'qelos-pattern energy sword - A variant with angular contours that saw use among the Banished during the Battle for Zeta Halo.[49]
- Duelist energy sword - A cobalt colored Meluth'qelos-pattern energy sword with a white hilt. It was used by Okro 'Vagaduun during the Battle for Zeta Halo.[49]
- Pelosus-pattern energy sword - A variant with circular contours on the blade around the hilt.[16][46]
- Zokotus-pattern energy sword - A variant with asymmetrical blade design.[52]
- Unidentified energy sword pattern - A variant with a widened gap between the two blades above its hilt.[53]
- Fleet of Retribution variant - A variant used by Sangheili from the Fleet of Retribution in 2552.[54][Note 1]
- Mdama keep variant - A variant manufactured by 'Mdama keep in 2558. The plasma burned less intensely, thus making it harder to cut armor, but causing more grievous injuries and not cauterizing wounds. These swords took advantage of the Sangheili code of honor to make every wound a death blow, as Sangheili who wanted to retain their honor would often commit suicide.[7]
Fleet of Retribution variant.
- Colors
- Bloodblade - A red colored energy sword,[55][56] notably used by certain Special Operations units,[17] such as the Silent Shadow.[47][55] Observed to be compatible with the Meluth'qelos-pattern,[57] the Pelosus-pattern, and the unidentified pattern variants.[47]
- Darkstar - A purple energy sword, seemingly associated with old Sangheili mythology.[55]
- Evocati's Edge - A white energy sword is associated with the Evocati.[55]
- Kaidon's Guard - An orange energy sword associated with the Swords of Sanghelios.[55]
- Lance of Suban - A pink energy sword infused with Blamite. The sword and the material originates from Suban.[55]
- Light of Joori - A yellow energy sword; Light of Joori is named after the star Joori.[55]
- Necroplasma - A green colored energy sword.[55] The Domotos-pattern variant features a dull green blade that transitions to an inky black near the basket hilt and was used in Spartan-IV War Games.[21] Another variant was a solid green with a normal hilt.[55]
A Pelosus-pattern bloodblade.
A Domotos-pattern Necroplasma.
- Notable personalized variants
- Ghostpierce - A highly specialized energy sword mounted on Banished operative Jega 'Rdomnai's prosthetic arm repaired at Cherras Keep. Like many, it was two-pronged but had a red coloration and a forked structure.[10]
- Prophets' Bane - Thel 'Vadam's personal energy sword with a unique handle and pale salmon coloring.[21]
- Ripa 'Moramee's swords - Ripa 'Moramee's matching pair of custom-designed swords with basket-style hilt guards and radiated a high degree of ionized plasma.[18][19]
Jega 'Rdomnai's Ghostpierce built into his prosthetic arm.
Thel 'Vadam wielding the Prophets' Bane.
Ripa 'Moramee's dual custom energy swords.
Non-canon and dubious canon appearances[edit]
Silver Timeline[edit]
- Main article: Silver Timeline
Meluth'qelos-pattern energy sword are used by Covenant Sangheili against humanity.
Fractures: Entrenched[edit]
 |
This article contains information from the Entrenched Fractures universe, and is not a part of the established Halo canon. To learn more information about the Entrenched universe, see its article. |
The Covenant employed arcanoblades, based on arcanotechnology.[58]
Gameplay[edit]
- Main article: energy sword
The energy sword was first introduced in Halo: Combat Evolved, albeit unusable by players. It was then made available to players in Halo 2 and has become a mainstay weapon in series ever since. The energy sword is a powerful melee weapon in close-quarters combat, capable of killing most foes with a single strike. It is a power weapon that appears on some multiplayer maps.
There are two ways to attack with the energy sword. The first is a simple melee, this performs a quick horizontal or overhanded swipe. The second attack is to lunge with the energy sword, allowing players lunges forward at the enemies. However, this require the player to initiate an attack when the aiming reticule turns red, indicating that the opposing player is within range. A depleted energy sword hilt can still be used offensively. While the damage varies, it has a higher melee rate than any weapon, allowing the player to barrage an enemy with many hits. Once the hilt is swapped for another weapon, however, it cannot be picked up again and often vanishes entirely.
Trivia[edit]
- The shape of the energy sword is very similar to the real-life combat weapon, the katar. It was a South Asian weapon and status symbol, similar to the energy sword's symbolization of status among the Sangheili.
- In the Halo 3 ViDoc Et Tu, Brute? there is an unfinished animation depicting a Jiralhanae Chieftain wielding an energy sword. The energy sword, however, was never seen in the hands of Jiralhanae in the final game.
- As a part of Dares of Eternity in Destiny 2's Bungie 30th Anniversary Pack, two swords resembling the energy sword, the arc sword Half-Truths and the void sword The Other Half, were released.
- In Konami's Super Bomberman R, the Halo 3 energy sword is the weapon used by the Arbiter Bomber.
Gallery[edit]
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Concept art and illustrations[edit]
Halo 2 concept art of Thel 'Vadam wielding a Pelosus-pattern energy sword.
A study of Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee's custom energy swords in Halo Wars.
Arbiter Fal 'Chavamee dual wielding energy swords in Halo Legends: The Duel.
A Sangheili dual wielding Pelosus-pattern energy swords in The Return.
Reff 'Talamee kills his brother with an energy sword during the Battle of Line-Installation 1-4 in Halo: Blood Line.
Thel 'Vadamee with an energy sword in Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals.
N'tho 'Sraom with a Domotos-pattern energy sword during Operation: FAR STORM in Halo: Hunters in the Dark.
Rtas 'Vadum with a Domotos-pattern energy sword in Halo: Shadow of Intent.
Concept art of Leon-011 with a Domotos-pattern energy sword for Halo Wars 2.
Thel 'Vadam wielding a Pelosus-pattern energy sword, alongside John-117, in Halo Legendary Crate.
Thel 'Vadam wielding an energy sword in Halo Mythos.
Screenshots[edit]
A Zealot with a Pelosus-pattern energy sword as it appears in Halo: Combat Evolved.
A Zealot wielding a Pelosus-pattern energy sword in Halo 2.
The energy sword in Halo 3.
A render of the energy sword in Halo 3.
An in-game profile view of the energy sword from Halo 3.
First-person view of the energy sword in Halo 3.
Two Spartans parrying in the air on Foundry in Halo 3.
A sword lunge in Halo 3.
A study of the energy sword from Halo 3.
An energy sword as seen in the Halo Wars announcement trailer.
John-117 wielding an energy sword against Thel 'Lodamee in Halo Legends: The Package.
A Sangheili Field Marshal prepares to swing down his energy sword in Halo: Reach.
A Zealot with an energy sword in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.
A Commander with a Domotos-pattern energy sword in Spartan Ops.
A Hesduros Zealot with an energy sword during the Terrorist attack on Sedra City in Halo: Nightfall.
Rtas 'Vadum with a Pelosus-pattern energy sword in Halo 2: Anniversary.
A Zealot with an energy sword in Halo 2: Anniversary.
John-117 with a Domotos-pattern energy sword during the Raid on Argent Moon in Halo 5: Guardians.
First-person view of the Domotos-pattern energy sword in Halo Online.
Ripa 'Mormee's in-game model dual wielding Domotos-pattern energy swords in Halo Wars 2.
Chak 'Lok with a Meluth'qelos-pattern energy sword in Halo Infinite.
A Spartan holding a bloodblade variant of the Meluth'qelos-pattern energy sword in Halo Infinite multiplayer.
Merchandise[edit]
Prop replica version of the energy sword from Halo 3.
McFarlane Toys figure of a SpecOps Sangheili with an energy sword from Halo: Reach.
Play Arts Kai figure of John-117 with a Pelosus-pattern energy sword from Halo 2: Anniversary.
McFarlane Toys Legendary Collection Series' figure of Thel 'Vadam and the energy sword from Halo 3.
Mattel prop replica Domotos-pattern energy sword available in 2016.
List of appearances[edit]
Notes[edit]
- ^ This variant was not exclusively used by members of the Fleet of Retribution, as seen in Halo: Blood Line.
Sources[edit]
- ^ Halo 2, Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition Manual
- ^ Halo: Combat Evolved: Prima's Official Strategy Guide, page 15
- ^ Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide, page 30
- ^ a b c d Halo Waypoint, energy sword (Retrieved on Sep 21, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
- ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 307
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 482
- ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Alliance
- ^ a b Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Ordnance Page (Retrieved on Feb 7, 2021) [archive]
- ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 348
- ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 482
- ^ a b c d Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 183
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Covenant Weapons (Retrieved on Mar 27, 2014) [local archive] [external archive]
- ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 92
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 335
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 74
- ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, Gameplay
- ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - energy sword (Retrieved on Oct 23, 2021) [archive]
- ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 10
- ^ a b c Halo Wars, Cinematics
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Clarity and Grace (Retrieved on Oct 17, 2021) [archive]
- ^ a b c Halo 5: Guardians, Gameplay
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Cannon Fodder: Locke & Load (Retrieved on Apr 13, 2016) [archive]
- ^ Halo Legends - The Duel
- ^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 115
- ^ a b c d e Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 63
- ^ Halo Graphic Novel
- ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 127
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 132
- ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 53
- ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 141
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - High Value Histories (Retrieved on Sep 8, 2022) [archive]
- ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 84
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 72
- ^ Halo: Evolutions - Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian, page 91
- ^ Halo: Outcasts, chapter 7
- ^ Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
- ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 77
- ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 76
- ^ Halo: First Strike, page 58
- ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 99
- ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 79
- ^ Halo 3, Bestiarum - Sangheili
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Alpha Base (Halo Wars level)
- ^ Halo Legends - The Package (animated short)
- ^ Halo 4, campaign level Prologue
- ^ a b Halo 2, Gameplay
- ^ a b c Halo: Evolutions - Headhunters (short story)
- ^ a b Halo Wars 2, Gameplay
- ^ a b c Halo Infinite, Gameplay
- ^ Halo 4, Gameplay
- ^ a b c Halo 5: Guardians, Gameplay
- ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 307
- ^ Halo: Reach, Gameplay
- ^ Halo 3, Gameplay
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Art of Wort (Retrieved on May 21, 2021) [archive]
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder: Brute Force (Retrieved on Apr 20, 2021) [archive]
- ^ Halo Infinite, campaign level House of Reckoning
- ^ Halo Waypoint, STORY SHARD: THE LAST SKY MARSHAL - PART 3 (Retrieved on Aug 15, 2022) [archive]
- ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 3
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