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Sangheili harness

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A comparison between Sangheili Minors from Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo: Reach and a Sangheili Storm from Halo 4.
Three varieties of Sangheili harness.
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Sangheili harness refers to a wide variety of armor systems used by the Sangheili soldiers of the Covenant and its splinter groups. The differences between harnesses depend on rank, function, or style. Some harnesses are designed for specific tactical functions, while others trace their origin to a need for hierarchical distinction, and some are instead primarily ceremonial in nature.[1]

Though the combat harness is only one variant among many other Sangheili harnesses, the term "combat harness" is sometimes used off-handedly in a synecdochical manner when referring to other Sangheili harnesses, as it is the most basic, well-known, and widespread harness variant.[2][3][4][5]

Design details[edit]

A Sangheili harness consists of a techsuit, typically dark in color, over which armor plates are laid. The latter are often brightly coloured to indicate the wearer's rank or affiliation; in keeping with Sangheili design conventions, they are usually sleek and organic in appearance. The armor of most harnesses includes a helmet, chestplate, pauldrons, vambraces, cuisses, greaves, and foot protection -- though some lighter patterns forgo the vambraces.[6]

Render of Sangheili in a techsuit. Kyle Hefley (armor). Sean Binder and Kenneth Scott (anatomy).
One type of techsuit used under the harness.

High-ranking Sangheili appear to have greater flexibility in their choice of harness, and may choose between standard or ornamented designs;[7][8] Gold coloration is universally associated with a commanding role (e.g. Field Masters, Generals, Banished Warlords.)[9][10][11][12]

The Sangheili harness is almost always equipped with energy shielding, with some variants featuring enhanced shields.[13][3] It also boosts the speed and strength of its user, though in this aspect it remains less effective than the human-made MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor; Sangheili harnesses are also less durable than MJOLNIR.[14]

History[edit]

The Covenant Empire originally applied a structured coding of armor color for combat, political, and ceremonial roles.[1] However, after the empire's collapse, its various splinter factions did not adhere strictly to this color coding, resulting in a wide variety of colorations being in use in the post-war era.[11]

Influence from and on humanity[edit]

In 2525, science lances were dispatched to the Chi Ceti system by the Prophet of Regret to capture technology and equipment from the Damascus Testing Facility for study.[15] While the outcome of their mission is unknown, the facility was held by the UNSC and continued to develop new MJOLNIR armor variants throughout the Human-Covenant War[16] and in the years that followed.[17]

After the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC, ONI, and various private corporations started developing a number of armor permutations based on Sangheili armor technology for the MJOLNIR (GEN2) platform. This was done either by cooperating with human-allied Sangheili — such those from the Swords of Sanghelios, especially those on board Anvil Station — or by independent research, testing, and reverse-engineering, sometimes bordering on disrespect for safety protocols.

The ANUBIS helmet's enhanced sensor suite was developed in collaboration with Sangheili, though ONI security paranoia has slowed technology integration.[18] Beweglichkeitsrüstungsysteme's FREEBOOTER-class Mjolnir features seamless nanofabricated armor panels that also hint at a Sangheili trade link.[19] Sangheili-sourced nanolaminates and scanning elements make the Dauntless sensor grid and faceplate expensive even by Watershed Division standards.[20]

Although not built from Sangheili technology properly, the VALKYRIE-class Mjolnir is fully compatible with all known Covenant flight systems in addition to human ones.[21] The Saturnine VISR hardware is fully compatible with Sangheili combat harness power and data feeds, leading some to believe it is intended for export.[20]

HELIOSKRILL-class Mjolnir was developed by a Sangheili artisan-armorer prodigy whose skill allowed her to reverse-engineer even the classified parts of the Mjolnir platform, including the neural interface. This Mjolnir variant is produced by Kolaar Manufactorum, and bears the name of a predatory creature from Sanghelios.[22] Also produced by Sangheili, intended for use by Spartans working with the Swords of Sanghelios, are the THREMALEON[23] and SERPIN[24] Mjolnir classes. On the other hand, the Accord harness is a Sangheili harness primarily designed by humans as part of the Anvil Initiative.[25]

Types[edit]

Military harnesses[edit]

Harnesses used in the military of the Covenant and its remnants.

  • Combat harness - The combat harness is the ubiquitous armor system available to Sangheili of all ranks,[26] used across all Covenant conflicts, and considered the "mainline" by humans; its iconic shape is an emblem of Sangheili military might.[27] Despite this, there are many iterations of the combat harness, which share a general design plan but differ in a wide range of functional and aesthetic features; these may be considered separate patterns by the Sangheili themselves.[13][11][7] The adaptability of this armor has caused it to remain in use among many disparate Covenant remnant groups.[28]
  • Assault harness - The assault harness is a sealed armor which predates the Covenant, and was restricted by the San'Shyuum due to its power. Sangheili, especially those within the Fleet of Retribution, decided to bring it back into use after the Great Schism.[29][30]
  • Flight harness - The flight harness is a sealed armor designed for pilots of Covenant strikecraft, with an emphasis on reducing fatigue within cramped cockpits.[31]
  • Storm harness - The storm harness is a variant originally manufactured for shock troopers who operated on frontier worlds. It gained prominence during the Blooding Years.[26][32]
  • Sangheili Rangers clad in the Kdeo-pattern exo harness.

    Sangheili Rangers clad in the Kdeo-pattern exo harness.

  • Another Ranger wearing the Tlaipoz-pattern exo harness.

    Another Ranger wearing the Tlaipoz-pattern exo harness.

  • A Sangheili using an invader harness.

    A Sangheili using an invader harness.

  • Banished Sangheili on board the Enduring Conviction wearing an unidentified harness variant.

    Banished Sangheili on board the Enduring Conviction wearing an unidentified harness variant.

  • An Ossoona wearing the eponymous harness variant.

    An Ossoona wearing the eponymous harness variant.

  • Covenant Sangheili Officers wearing officer harnesses.

    Covenant Sangheili Officers wearing officer harnesses.

  • A Sangheili Enforcer in the Banished employing a variant of officer harness.

    A Sangheili Enforcer in the Banished employing a variant of officer harness.

  • A Commander in Jul 'Mdama's Covenant wearing the eponymous harness variant.

    A Commander in Jul 'Mdama's Covenant wearing the eponymous harness variant.

  • Kitun 'Arach clad in a warrior harness during the Battle of Kamchatka.

    Kitun 'Arach clad in a warrior harness during the Battle of Kamchatka.

  • Ardo 'Moretumee wearing a general harness on board the Ardent Prayer.

    Ardo 'Moretumee wearing a general harness on board the Ardent Prayer.

  • A Banished Sangheili Warlord wearing what may be a general harness variant.

    A Banished Sangheili Warlord wearing what may be a general harness variant.

  • Let 'Volir's harness - This harness was worn by Shipmaster Let 'Volir. While it bears similarities to a raid harness, it is sleeker and does not include a faceplate; it also resembles the unidentified harnesses used by 'Volir's crew.[49]
  • Rho 'Barutamee's harness - This harness had a segmented design, and a helmet with tall prongs; it was worn by Rho 'Barutamee, Supreme Commander of the Fleet of Valiant Prudence. Whether it is custom or represents a standard design used by Fleetmasters or Supreme Commanders is unknown.
  • Xytan 'Jar Wattinree's harness - This harness was worn by Imperial Admiral Xytan 'Jar Wattinree, the only known Sangheili to hold this position of ultimate authority.[50] It is extremely ornate, with a wide and curving helmet and matching pauldrons; whether it is wholly custom or standard across all Imperial Admirals is unknown.[51]

Political harnesses[edit]

Harnesses that demonstrate the wearer's status within the Covenant or Sangheili ruling class.

  • Kaidon harness - The Kaidon harness refers to a ceremonial battledress donned by noble Kaidons throughout Sangheili history, in a variety of colors.[26][52][53]
  • Scion harness - The Scion harness is worn by daughters of deceased Kaidons, who are granted the title of Scion and guarded their fathers' inheritances.[25]
  • Arbiter body armor - The Arbiter armors were an extremely rare type of harness only donned by ancient Sangheili Arbiter judge-kings, and by specific Sangheili appointed to the disgraced role by the Hierarchs during the Covenant era.[7][54][26]
  • A suit of Arbiter armour, stored in the Mausoleum of the Arbiter and given to Thel 'Vadam.

    A suit of Arbiter armour, stored in the Mausoleum of the Arbiter and given to Thel 'Vadam.

  • Thel 'Vadam later in the Blooding Years, wearing a Kaidon harness.

    Thel 'Vadam later in the Blooding Years, wearing a Kaidon harness.

  • A Sangheili employing the Scion harness.

    A Sangheili employing the Scion harness.

Order harnesses[edit]

Harness designs that signify the wearer's membership in a military or religious order.

Specialty harnesses[edit]

Harnesses designed for specific functional purposes.

  • Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction harness - This harness was used by Sesa 'Refumee and his detachment to recover Forerunner artifacts from the Threshold gas mine. Instead of a helmet, it has goggles and a breathing apparatus; after breaking away from the Covenant, Sesa's faction colored their armor gold and yellow to represent Sanghelios.[7]
  • Itho 'Hesiikee's harness - This harness was white and gray, and had a helmet with curved prongs; it may have been custom, or denoted the role of an executioner within the Covenant.[58][59]
  • Keepward harness - The keepward harness is used by Keepwards. These are bodyguards for Kaidons, analogous in many ways to the Covenant Honor Guardsmen.[25]
  • Artisan harness - The artisan harness is worn by Sangheili armorer-artisans, who are both warriors and craftsmen. They have risen to prominence following the loss of San'Shyuum oversight on Sangheili armor manufacturing.[25]
  • A Sangheili Major within Sesa 'Refumee's heretics wearing their harness variant.

    A Sangheili Major within Sesa 'Refumee's heretics wearing their harness variant.

  • A Keepward stands guard in his eponymous harness variant.

    A Keepward stands guard in his eponymous harness variant.

  • A Sangheili wearing an artisan harness.

    A Sangheili wearing an artisan harness.

Human-designed harnesses[edit]

Harnesses designed either by humans, or with human influence.

  • Accord harness - The Accord harness is one of the first harnesses designed mainly by human engineers as part of the Anvil Initiative. It bears distinctive human design influences, including wing-shaped pauldrons.[25]
  • A Sangheili wearing the Accord harness.

    A Sangheili wearing the Accord harness.

Non-canon appearances[edit]

Sangheili in Halo: The Television Series wear rounded, metallic harnesses, which often bear letters from the Sangheili language on their pauldrons. Some are silver-grey and some are bronze-red; Kaidons wear ornate silver armor. Honor Guardsmen wear red harnesses with thin, curved crests.[60]

  • A Sangheili wearing a silver-blue harness in Halo: The Television Series.

    A Sangheili wearing a silver-blue harness in Halo: The Television Series.

  • A Sangheili in a red harness.

    A Sangheili in a red harness.

  • A Kaidon wearing a silver harness.

    A Kaidon wearing a silver harness.

  • Sangheili Honor Guardsmen clad in armor that indicates their role.

    Sangheili Honor Guardsmen clad in armor that indicates their role.

Gallery[edit]

Artwork[edit]

  • Concept art of a Sangheili Minor's combat harness.

    Concept art of a Sangheili Minor's combat harness.

  • Concept art of various cut designs for the Sangheili.

    Concept art of various cut designs for the Sangheili.

  • Early design for the Special Operations Sangheili.

    Early design for the Special Operations Sangheili.

  • Concept art of a Sangheili "nemesis".

    Concept art of a Sangheili "nemesis".

  • Concept art of a Sangheili "sword master".

    Concept art of a Sangheili "sword master".

  • Concept art of the Od'wagra-pattern combat harness.

    Concept art of the Od'wagra-pattern combat harness.

  • Concept art of various Sangheili harnesses for Halo: Reach.

    Concept art of various Sangheili harnesses for Halo: Reach.

  • Concept art for Halo: Reach, using the Fleet of Retribution variant of the combat harness instead of the Od'wagra-pattern that would appear in the final game.

    Concept art for Halo: Reach, using the Fleet of Retribution variant of the combat harness instead of the Od'wagra-pattern that would appear in the final game.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Clarity & Grace (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  2. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 56
  3. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 60
  4. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 28
  5. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 48
  6. ^ a b c Halo 4, In-game models of Sangheili
  7. ^ a b c d e Halo 2: Anniversary, In-game models of Sangheili
  8. ^ a b c d e f Halo: Reach, In-game models of Sangheili
  9. ^ Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide, page 141
  10. ^ Halo: The Art of Building Worlds, page 52
  11. ^ a b c Halo Archive, Forum: Canon Fodder and Random Lore Chat; GrimBrotherOne's comment (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  12. ^ a b c d Halo Infinite, In-game models of Sangheili
  13. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 57
  14. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 131
  15. ^ Halo Wars, Timeline
  16. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 85
  17. ^ Halo 4, Description of the SOLDIER helmet: "Rigorously tested at Damascus Testing Facility on the rocky world of Chi Ceti IV."
  18. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Description of the ANUBIS helmet
  19. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Description of the FREEBOOTER helmet
  20. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, Descriptions of visor colors
  21. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Description of the VALKYRIE armor
  22. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Description of the HELIOSKRILL helmet and armor
  23. ^ Halo Infinite, Description of the THREMALEON helmet
  24. ^ Halo Infinite, Description of the SERPIN helmet
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Art of Wort (Retrieved on May 21, 2021) [archive]
  26. ^ a b c d e f Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Fighting Words (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  27. ^ Halo 3, Description of the Combat harness
  28. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Marching On (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  29. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Floodgate
  30. ^ Halo 3, Description of the Assault harness
  31. ^ Halo 3, Description of the Flight harness
  32. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Fury's Road (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  33. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 59
  34. ^ a b c Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, In-game models of Sangheili
  35. ^ Halo: Tales from Slipspace - Hunting Party
  36. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Headhunters
  37. ^ a b Halo 3, Description of the Commando harness
  38. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 27
  39. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 49
  40. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 58
  41. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Brute Force (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  42. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level Under the Dark
  43. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 135
  44. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 47
  45. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 29
  46. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 240
  47. ^ Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 153
  48. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 429
  49. ^ Halo Wars 2, Artwork and cutscene appearance of Let 'Volir
  50. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 248
  51. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles: Artwork of Xytan 'Jar Wattinree
  52. ^ Halo Waypoint, Arbiter Thel 'Vadam (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  53. ^ Ultra-Combo.com, Arbiter's Colors & Accessories (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  54. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, Terminals
  55. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Hints and Heroes (Retrieved on May 25, 2018) [archive]
  56. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, In-game models of Sangheili
  57. ^ Halo 3, Description of the Ascetic harness
  58. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level A New Enemy
  59. ^ Halo: Rise of Atriox, issue 2
  60. ^ Halo: The Television Series

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List of armor by faction

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Human
Standard-issue
Powered exoskeleton
Configurations and accessories
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Covenant
Accord • Arbiter • Artifact retrieval • Artisan • Ascetic • Assault • Ceremonial battle • Combat (Gheocin • Od'wagra) • Commander • Exo (Ebgione • Kdeo • Tlaipoz) • Flight • General • Infiltration • Intrusion (Denzhau • Liagrul) • Invader • Keepward • Ossoona • Outrider • Raid • Scion • Seneschal • Storm • Warrior
Other equipment
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Forerunner
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