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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.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint15|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/type-1-energy-sword|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapons - Energy Sword|D=23|M=10|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}
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.{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint15|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/type-1-energy-sword|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapons - Energy Sword|D=23|M=10|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|osfm}}


===History===
The energy sword is the signature weapon of the [[Sangheili]] and has been their chief weapon of nobility since its creation during one of the [[Ages of Discovery]].<ref>'''[http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/ancient_tablets/Tablet4.gif The Covenant Hall of Murals]'''</ref> The Sangheili pride themselves on their skills with the weapon,<ref>'''Halo Graphic Novel''' ''page 12 - 14''</ref> which they regard as holy,<ref name="enyc127">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 127''</ref> and believe that it is better for a Sangheili to fall on his sword to redeem his honor than to die dishonorably.{{Ref/Reuse|enyc127}}<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''' ''page 53''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''' ''page 141''</ref> The Sangheili are very strict on who can be trained in the [[Martial arts|art of swordsmanship]]; in civilian life only [[aristocrat]]s are permitted to wield energy swords.<!-- Note that The Essential Visual Guide confirms that non-aristocratic use of the energy sword is forbidden only within civilian society. This policy is not upheld within the military.-->{{Ref/Reuse|Id=evg|EVG|Page=63}} Sword wielders are not eligible for marriage, though they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure successful transmission of "swordsman" genes.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}<ref>'''[[Bestiarum]]''' ''Sangheili section''</ref>


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]];<ref name="H4EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 92''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} superficially, the twin-scythe's influence on the energy sword's design is unmistakable.<ref>'''Halo Legends''': ''The Package''</ref> Technologically, the energy sword succeeded an older type of Sangheili sword known as the [[burnblade]], which was used in the early years of the Covenant.<ref>''Halo: Broken Circle'', pg. 115</ref> Modern energy swords are manufactured by the [[Merchants of Qikost]], a prominent group of arms makers from one of [[Sanghelios]]' [[Qikost|moons]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} The energy sword consists of a curved hilt, which houses an energy storage and generation device, as well as the blade projector; that forms a blade of superheated [[plasma]], stabilized by two small magnetic field generators built into the handle of the weapon—this forms and contains the oval shaped, ionized blades for which the weapon is recognized.{{Ref/Reuse|BungieReach}} The weapon is powered by a small battery that supplies power to the plasma generation device and magnetic field generators which generate and contain the plasma needed to form the blade.<ref name="enyc">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 335''</ref> The battery's energy is reduced for each successful strike. Each strike from the sword will drain the battery by 10% of its maximum energy output. 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.
Mass-produced energy swords feature a roughly W-shaped hilt and have little variation in blade design. Specifically, some models have more rounded blades in lieu of the more common angular style. However, more drastic variations exist. For example, [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]]'s matching pair of custom-designed<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 10''</ref> swords had basket-style hilt guards and radiated a high degree of ionized plasma,<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref> whereas most energy swords contain the blades' plasma with greater efficiency. Some Sangheili special forces units wield blood red-colored energy swords which (ironically, despite their color) burn hotter than more common models.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}<ref name="headH">'''Halo: Evolutions''', ''Headhunters''</ref> Arbiter [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s personal sword, the [[Prophets' Bane]], was pale salmon-colored and had a wider blade compared to mass-produced swords.{{Ref/Reuse|CF}}<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>


Within the [[Covenant military]], use of the energy sword is not restricted to aristocrats.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} [[Sangheili Minor]]s are generally not permitted to wield the sword because of the high regard in which it is held,{{Ref/Reuse|enyc127}} though exceptions have been witnessed.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', ''introductory cinematic''</ref><ref name="Package">'''Halo Legends''', ''The Package''</ref> It is unknown whether this extends to [[Sangheili Major|Majors]], as at least one has been witnessed using an energy sword.{{Ref/Reuse|Package}} [[Sangheili Storm|Storm troops]], [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]], [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]], [[Sangheili General|Generals]], [[Special Operations Sangheili|special operations]], [[Stealth Sangheili|stealth troops]], and [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|honor guardsmen]] commonly use energy swords.
Some energy swords contain a fail-safe mechanism that can permanently disable the weapon if the Sangheili wielding it drops it.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''' ''page 74''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved'''</ref> The fail-safe is included to prevent enemy infantry from acquiring the weapon and using it, and gives insight to Sangheili tactics.


===Usage===
Each energy sword is marked by its creator and first owner, but often their legacy is forgotten. The Pelosus-Pattern Blade was utilized by the original Covenant for the grand majority of their reign, and featured very minute alterations in design and function over the course of its tenure. With the dissolution of the Covenant following their defeat at the hands of the humans, the Pelosus blade would see diminishing use as the now-peaceful Sangheili parted ways with the humans on good terms. Later, with the rise of Jul 'Mdama's chapter of the Covenant, a new Domotos-Pattern Blade was instated as the new Covenant's energy blade. Though its usage was considerably more brief than its predecessor, and its design remained identical throughout it's reign. The Battle for Zeta Halo saw a third iteration, the Meluth'qelos-Pattern Blade developed and brandished by the combined forces of the Banished. Though its still young, it has already seen a fair degree of individual iteration, with two Banished Sangheili developing their own variants for personal use.
{{Quote|no=three
<ref name="LAL">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-locke-load '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: Locke & Load'']</ref>
|1=Avery Johnson
|q1=[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Heavy pistols]], and a hammer.
|2=Ponder
|q2=Say again?
|3=Avery Johnson
|q3=A giant hammer, sir. On [[Maccabeus|their leader]].
|4=[[Avery Johnson]] describing [[Maccabeus]] with the Fist of Rukt, to [[Ponder]]{{Ref/Novel|CH|Page=245}}}}
The gravity hammer serves dual purposes as a weapon as well as a defining ceremonial vestige of clan leadership, and is thus typically wielded by a chieftain or other high-ranking members.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} Within the Covenant, the gravity hammers were commonly seen wielded by Chieftains.{{Ref/Game|H3|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|H3ODST|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|HR|Gameplay}} Within the Banished, the gravity hammer was a much more common sight,{{Ref/Level|HW2|The Signal}}{{Ref/Level|HW2|What Could Go Wrong?}} notably being used by [[Jiralhanae Warlord]]s and [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Gameplay}} The variants with most widespread use among the Banished includes the Sepulo'ez, Halbashi, and Akelas variants.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}


==Variants==
===History===
During the Jiralhanae's alliance within the Covenant, numerous designs of gravity hammers were developed.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
The energy sword is the signature weapon of the [[Sangheili]] and has been their chief weapon of nobility since its creation during one of the [[Ages of Discovery]].<ref>'''[http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/ancient_tablets/Tablet4.gif The Covenant Hall of Murals]'''</ref> The Sangheili pride themselves on their skills with the weapon,<ref>'''Halo Graphic Novel''' ''page 12 - 14''</ref> which they regard as holy,<ref name="enyc127">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 127''</ref> and believe that it is better for a Sangheili to fall on his sword to redeem his honor than to die dishonorably.{{Ref/Reuse|enyc127}}<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''' ''page 53''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''' ''page 141''</ref> The Sangheili are very strict on who can be trained in the [[Martial arts|art of swordsmanship]]; in civilian life only [[aristocrat]]s are permitted to wield energy swords.<!-- Note that The Essential Visual Guide confirms that non-aristocratic use of the energy sword is forbidden only within civilian society. This policy is not upheld within the military.-->{{Ref/Reuse|Id=evg|EVG|Page=63}} Sword wielders are not eligible for marriage, though they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure successful transmission of "swordsman" genes.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}<ref>'''[[Bestiarum]]''' ''Sangheili section''</ref>
*'''Akelas Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant used by the Covenant and the Banished, with a notable wielder being [[Chieftain]] [[Avitus]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}
*'''[[Akelus Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]s in the Covenant during the [[Battle for Earth]] and the [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
*'''Eektah-fel siphon hammer''': A variant used by some Banished Jiralhanae Warlords.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLH|HW2|[[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Warlord]]}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s)|D=23|M=1|Y=2021}}
**'''[[Voridus]]' gravity hammer''': A variant only wielded by [[Voridus]] who added [[Infusion gel]] to leave puddles or pools of Infusion on impact.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Voridus in-game unit}}
*'''Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant of the gravity hammer used by the [[Banished]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Game|Id=HINF|HI|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
**'''[[Rushdown Hammer]]''': A variant that has been painted white and gives the user increased speed. One notable wielder being [[En'Geddon]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Reuse|HINF}}
*'''[[Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by the Jiralhanae in the Covenant during the [[Fall of Reach]],{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}} then Banished [[Jiralhanae Warlord]]s and [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s during the [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Game|HW2|In-game model}} Models recovered from the field were used by [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] in [[War Games]] simulations.{{Ref/Reuse|h4guide}}{{Ref/Game|H4|Gameplay}}
*'''[[Sepulo'tez Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by Spartan-IVs in War Games simulations.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
**'''[[Corpsemaker]]''': An improved variant with faster swing time and additional energy capacity, made from the finest materials its creator could coerce or steal from raider lairs on [[Warial]] and [[Teash]].{{Ref/Site|Id=nofake|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-no-joke|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - No Joke|D=13|M=11|Y=2020}}
**'''[[Grinder]]''': An improved variant with uncalibrated impellors that generate an unstable gravimetric vortex EMP at the point of impact.{{Ref/Reuse|nofake}}
**'''[[Tartarus' Gavel]]''': One of the many advanced variants secretly forged from the Sacred Promissory, with its creation tracing back to Tartarus, who used his relationship with the Prophets during his ascent to power within the Covenant to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry.{{Ref/Reuse|nofake}}
<gallery class=center>
File:Enc22-AkelasGravityHammer.png|Akelas Workshop gravity hammer.
File:H3-GravityHammer.png|[[Akelus Workshop gravity hammer]].
File:HW2 Siphon Hammer custom render.png|Eektah-fel siphon hammer.
File:HW2 Infused Hammer custom render.png|Voridus' unique gravity [[infusion gel]] hammer.
File:Enc22-HalbashiGravityHammer.png|Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer.
File:HINF En'Geddon.jpg|En'Geddon holding a Halbashi Rushdown Hammer.
File:H4-GravityHammer.png|[[Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer]].
File:H5 Gravity Hammer.png|[[Sepulo'tez Workshop gravity hammer]].
File:H5G-Corpsemaker render.png|[[Corpsemaker]].
File:H5G-Grinder render.png|[[Grinder]].
File:H5G-Tartarus Gavel render.png|[[Tartarus' Gavel]].
</gallery>


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]];<ref name="H4EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 92''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}} superficially, the twin-scythe's influence on the energy sword's design is unmistakable.<ref>'''Halo Legends''': ''The Package''</ref> Technologically, the energy sword succeeded an older type of Sangheili sword known as the [[burnblade]], which was used in the early years of the Covenant.<ref>''Halo: Broken Circle'', pg. 115</ref> Modern energy swords are manufactured by the [[Merchants of Qikost]], a prominent group of arms makers from one of [[Sanghelios]]' [[Qikost|moons]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}




The energy sword is intended to express its owner's personal skill, clerical honor, and combat viability.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}


The '''Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword''' ('''T-1 EW/S'''), commonly known as the '''energy sword'''<ref name="BungieReach">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25438 '''Bungie.net''' - ''Halo Reach Ordnance Guide: T1 EW/S'']</ref> or the '''plasma sword''',<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]''', ''page 15''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide]]''', ''page 30''</ref> is a traditional [[Sangheili]] close-quarters weapon.<ref name="Waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/gallery/energy-sword/87ebf6e2-3874-4e5c-8133-b72c20a46d7f '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Energy Sword''] [defunct] [https://web.archive.org/web/20110623004723/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/gallery/energy-sword/87ebf6e2-3874-4e5c-8133-b72c20a46d7f (backup)]</ref> The energy sword is intended to express its owner's personal skill, clerical honor, and combat viability.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
The battery's energy is reduced for each successful strike. Each strike from the sword will drain the battery by 10% of its maximum energy output. 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.


== Background ==


== Design details ==




Mass-produced energy swords feature a roughly W-shaped hilt and have little variation in blade design. Specifically, some models have more rounded blades in lieu of the more common angular style. However, more drastic variations exist. For example, [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]]'s matching pair of custom-designed<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 10''</ref> swords had basket-style hilt guards and radiated a high degree of ionized plasma,<ref>'''Halo Wars'''</ref> whereas most energy swords contain the blades' plasma with greater efficiency. Some Sangheili special forces units wield blood red-colored energy swords which (ironically, despite their color) burn hotter than more common models.{{Ref/Reuse|Waypoint}}<ref name="headH">'''Halo: Evolutions''', ''Headhunters''</ref> Arbiter [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s personal sword, the [[Prophets' Bane]], was pale salmon-colored and had a wider blade compared to mass-produced swords.{{Ref/Reuse|CF}}<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>
===Usage===
 
Within the [[Covenant military]], use of the energy sword is not restricted to aristocrats.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} [[Sangheili Minor]]s are generally not permitted to wield the sword because of the high regard in which it is held,{{Ref/Reuse|enyc127}} though exceptions have been witnessed.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', ''introductory cinematic''</ref><ref name="Package">'''Halo Legends''', ''The Package''</ref> It is unknown whether this extends to [[Sangheili Major|Majors]], as at least one has been witnessed using an energy sword.{{Ref/Reuse|Package}} [[Sangheili Storm|Storm troops]], [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]], [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]], [[Sangheili General|Generals]], [[Special Operations Sangheili|special operations]], [[Stealth Sangheili|stealth troops]], and [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|honor guardsmen]] commonly use energy swords.
Some energy swords contain a fail-safe mechanism that can permanently disable the weapon if the Sangheili wielding it drops it.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''' ''page 74''</ref> 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.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved'''</ref> The fail-safe is included to prevent enemy infantry from acquiring the weapon and using it, and gives insight to Sangheili tactics.
 
Each energy sword is marked by its creator and first owner, but often their legacy is forgotten. The Pelosus-Pattern Blade was utilized by the original Covenant for the grand majority of their reign, and featured very minute alterations in design and function over the course of its tenure. With the dissolution of the Covenant following their defeat at the hands of the humans, the Pelosus blade would see diminishing use as the now-peaceful Sangheili parted ways with the humans on good terms. Later, with the rise of Jul 'Mdama's chapter of the Covenant, a new Domotos-Pattern Blade was instated as the new Covenant's energy blade. Though its usage was considerably more brief than its predecessor, and its design remained identical throughout it's reign. The Battle for Zeta Halo saw a third iteration, the Meluth'qelos-Pattern Blade developed and brandished by the combined forces of the Banished. Though its still young, it has already seen a fair degree of individual iteration, with two Banished Sangheili developing their own variants for personal use.
<ref name="LAL">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-locke-load '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: Locke & Load'']</ref>


== Variants ==
== Variants ==
Line 115: Line 77:


Last but not least, the Type-1 Energy Weapon can sometimes expose the position of a Sangheili warrior employing active camouflage due to the weapon's energy output.
Last but not least, the Type-1 Energy Weapon can sometimes expose the position of a Sangheili warrior employing active camouflage due to the weapon's energy output.
 
<!--
== Gameplay changes ==
== Gameplay changes ==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
Line 174: Line 136:
*The Energy Sword was found in Bungie's 30th anniversary event as an arc sword Half Truths and a void sword The Other Half in ''Destiny 2''.
*The Energy Sword was found in Bungie's 30th anniversary event as an arc sword Half Truths and a void sword The Other Half in ''Destiny 2''.
*In [[Wikipedia:Konami|Konami]]'s ''[[Wikipedia:Super Bomberman R|Super Bomberman R]]'', the Energy Sword is the weapon used by the [[Arbiter|Arbiter Bomber]].
*In [[Wikipedia:Konami|Konami]]'s ''[[Wikipedia:Super Bomberman R|Super Bomberman R]]'', the Energy Sword is the weapon used by the [[Arbiter|Arbiter Bomber]].
 
-->
== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of energy swords}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of energy swords}}

Revision as of 11:03, October 18, 2022

A Sangheili Zealot from Devoted Sentries wielding an unidentified energy sword pattern in Visegrád Relay, as seen in Halo: Reach campaign level Winter Contingency.
A Sangheili Zealot wielding an energy sword.

"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 Covenant and inherited by its splinter factions.[4] To their users, the Sangheili, they are formally designated as fireblades.[5][6] 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).[7] Nicknames for the energy sword includes Katana and Kill Beam.[8]

Overview

The hilt of an deactivated energy sword.

Design details

An energy sword's twin blades are superheated plasma contained in a tightly configured magnetic field generated from its grooved hilt.[4][9] Within the hilt, there is an energy storage device that double as a field generation device,[7][10] which, when activated, projects the blade, with the stabilized superheated plasma being enclosed in magnetic lines extending from the hilt.[5][11][12] The weapon is powered by a small battery that supplies power to the plasma generation device and magnetic field generators which generate and contain the plasma needed to form the blade.[13]

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.[14][10]


Mass-produced energy swords feature a roughly W-shaped hilt and have little variation in blade design. Specifically, some models have more rounded blades in lieu of the more common angular style. However, more drastic variations exist. For example, Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee's matching pair of custom-designed[15] swords had basket-style hilt guards and radiated a high degree of ionized plasma,[16] whereas most energy swords contain the blades' plasma with greater efficiency. Some Sangheili special forces units wield blood red-colored energy swords which (ironically, despite their color) burn hotter than more common models.[17][18] Arbiter Thel 'Vadam's personal sword, the Prophets' Bane, was pale salmon-colored and had a wider blade compared to mass-produced swords.[19][20]

Some energy swords contain a fail-safe mechanism that can permanently disable the weapon if the Sangheili wielding it drops it.[21] 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.[22] The fail-safe is included to prevent enemy infantry from acquiring the weapon and using it, and gives insight to Sangheili tactics.

Each energy sword is marked by its creator and first owner, but often their legacy is forgotten. The Pelosus-Pattern Blade was utilized by the original Covenant for the grand majority of their reign, and featured very minute alterations in design and function over the course of its tenure. With the dissolution of the Covenant following their defeat at the hands of the humans, the Pelosus blade would see diminishing use as the now-peaceful Sangheili parted ways with the humans on good terms. Later, with the rise of Jul 'Mdama's chapter of the Covenant, a new Domotos-Pattern Blade was instated as the new Covenant's energy blade. Though its usage was considerably more brief than its predecessor, and its design remained identical throughout it's reign. The Battle for Zeta Halo saw a third iteration, the Meluth'qelos-Pattern Blade developed and brandished by the combined forces of the Banished. Though its still young, it has already seen a fair degree of individual iteration, with two Banished Sangheili developing their own variants for personal use. [23]

History

The energy sword is the signature weapon of the Sangheili and has been their chief weapon of nobility since its creation during one of the Ages of Discovery.[24] The Sangheili pride themselves on their skills with the weapon,[25] which they regard as holy,[26] and believe that it is better for a Sangheili to fall on his sword to redeem his honor than to die dishonorably.[26][27][28] 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.[29] Sword wielders are not eligible for marriage, though they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure successful transmission of "swordsman" genes.[17][30]

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;[31][17] superficially, the twin-scythe's influence on the energy sword's design is unmistakable.[32] Technologically, the energy sword succeeded an older type of Sangheili sword known as the burnblade, which was used in the early years of the Covenant.[33] Modern energy swords are manufactured by the Merchants of Qikost, a prominent group of arms makers from one of Sanghelios' moons.[34]


The energy sword is intended to express its owner's personal skill, clerical honor, and combat viability.[35]

The battery's energy is reduced for each successful strike. Each strike from the sword will drain the battery by 10% of its maximum energy output. 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.



Usage

Within the Covenant military, use of the energy sword is not restricted to aristocrats.[34] Sangheili Minors are generally not permitted to wield the sword because of the high regard in which it is held,[26] though exceptions have been witnessed.[36][37] It is unknown whether this extends to Majors, as at least one has been witnessed using an energy sword.[37] Storm troops, Ultras, Zealots, Generals, special operations, stealth troops, and honor guardsmen commonly use energy swords.

Variants

  • Bloodblade - A bloodblade is a red colored energy sword,[38][39] used by certain Special Operations Sangheili[35][18] such as the Silent Shadow.[40][38]
  • Ravening Sliver - A blade with a deep blue hue and a green hilt. In War Games, this model can be swung faster than other energy swords.[20]
  • Vorpal Talon - A blade that produces an orange-to-cyan gradient. In War Games, this variant allows the user to have two thruster charges before recharging, as well as increased jump height, longer stabilizer duration of 4.95 seconds, increased lunge distance, and a built-in motion tracker that stays visible on the user's HUD even while zoomed in, much like with Linda-058's personal Nornfang SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle. This weapon can also be found as the second hidden weapon in the final campaign mission Guardians.[20]
  • Prophets' Bane - Thel 'Vadam's personal energy sword with a unique handle and pale salmon coloring. In War Games, it gives the wielder an increased lunge distance (the same as the Vorpal Talon), increased movement speed, and active camouflage as long as the weapon is active.[20]
  • Mdama keep variant - Energy swords manufactured by Mdama keep in 2558 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.[41]
  • Necroplasma - A necroplasma is a green colored Energy sword.[38] One version of the blade features a dull green blade that transitions to an inky black near the basket hilt and was used in War Games.[20] One version was a solid green with a normal hilt.[38]
  • Evocati's Edge - A white energy sword is associated with the Evocati.[38]
  • Light of Joori - A yellow energy sword, Light of Joori is named after the star Joori.[38]
  • Kaidon's Guard - An orange energy sword associated with the Swords of Sanghelios.[38]
  • Darkstar - A purple energy sword, seemingly associated with old Sangheili mythology.[38]
  • Lance of Suban - A pink energy sword infused with Blamite. The sword and the material originates from Suban.[38]
  • Duelist Energy Sword - A purplish-blue colored Meluth'qelos-pattern energy sword with a white hilt. Has increased movement speed. It was used by Okro 'Vagaduun during Battle for Zeta Halo.
  • 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.
  • Zokotus-pattern fireblade - An assymetrical energy sword, manufactured by the Merchants of Qikost.[42]
  • A render of a bloodblade in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A render of a bloodblade in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A render of Ravening Sliver.

    A render of Ravening Sliver.

  • Vorpal Talon.

    Vorpal Talon.

  • Prophets' Bane.

    Prophets' Bane.

  • A Necroplasma sword

    A Necroplasma sword

  • A Duelist Energy Sword.

    A Duelist Energy Sword.

Combat application

Advantages

File:1221845548 Elites duel wielding energy swords.jpg
Rtas 'Vadum and Kusovai dual-wielding energy swords while sparring.

The Type-1 energy sword is an extremely devastating and powerful melee weapon when applied during in close-quarters combat. A single strike can even penetrate the energy shield systems, armor, and flesh of a Spartan or a Sangheili. This is due to the design of the weapon, which utilizes ionized gas rather than traditional shaped, solid matter—because 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.[43] The Type-1 Energy Weapon's edge is therefore extremely volatile, being able to slice through even the toughest metals like a hot knife through butter, including ODST battle armor and the Titanium-A class plating of UNSC destroyers.[44][45]

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, the organs and tissues are cauterized by the extreme temperatures produced by the blades.[46] 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,[47][48][49] loss of limbs,[50] bodies being bisected[51][52] and decapitation.[53]

Disadvantages

The Type-1 Energy 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. Infantry with Overshields are also more resistant when facing this weapon as it can take two strikes before the shield system fails and then another for the killing blow.

Furthermore, the Type-1 Energy Weapon is vulnerable to other magnetic fields, as they can block, disrupt, or possibly even alter the functionality of the sword. Two energy blades clashing together create a small disruption of energy as a result of the same type of magnetic fields clashing together; this clash has a slight area of effect damage that can affect the combatants.

As with most other Covenant weapons, the Type-1 Energy Weapon is battery powered, requiring the user to either recharge the weapon (which can never be performed in-game) or discard it when the power is depleted. Although the handle can generally be used as a club, the Energy Sword's combat effectiveness at that point is minimal. The strength and lethality of the sword in the games are compensated for the sake of gameplay.

Last but not least, the Type-1 Energy Weapon can sometimes expose the position of a Sangheili warrior employing active camouflage due to the weapon's energy output.

Gallery

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Screenshots and artwork

  • A Zealot with an Energy Sword as it appears in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    A Zealot with an Energy Sword as it appears in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 2.

    First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 2.

  • A profile view of the Energy Sword from Halo 2.

    A profile view of the Energy Sword from Halo 2.

  • The Energy Sword in Halo 3

    The Energy Sword in Halo 3

  • An Energy Sword in Halo 3.

    An Energy Sword in Halo 3.

  • A view of the hilt of the Energy Sword in Halo 3.

    A view of the hilt of the Energy Sword in Halo 3.

  • An in-game profile view of the Energy Sword from Halo 3.

    An in-game profile view of the Energy Sword from Halo 3.

  • First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 3.

    First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 3.

  • Two Spartans parrying in the air on Foundry.

    Two Spartans parrying in the air on Foundry.

  • A sword lunge in Halo 3.

    A sword lunge in Halo 3.

  • A study of the Energy Sword from Halo 3.

    A study of the Energy Sword from Halo 3.

  • Hal's sword, a downloadable bonus in the Fable 2 Collector's Edition (note the more traditional grip).

    Hal's sword, a downloadable bonus in the Fable 2 Collector's Edition (note the more traditional grip).

  • An Energy Sword as seen in the Halo Wars announcement trailer.

    An Energy Sword as seen in the Halo Wars announcement trailer.

  • A study of Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee's custom Energy Swords in Halo Wars.

    A study of Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee's custom Energy Swords in Halo Wars.

  • Ripa 'Moramee's dual custom Energy Swords in Halo Wars.

    Ripa 'Moramee's dual custom Energy Swords in Halo Wars.

  • Arbiter Fal 'Chavamee dual wielding energy swords in Halo Legends: The Duel.

    Arbiter Fal 'Chavamee dual wielding energy swords in Halo Legends: The Duel.

  • John-117 wielding an energy sword against Thel 'Lodamee in Halo Legends: The Package.

    John-117 wielding an energy sword against Thel 'Lodamee in Halo Legends: The Package.

  • A Sangheili dual wielding energy swords against a Jiralhanae Captain Major in The Return.

    A Sangheili dual wielding energy swords against a Jiralhanae Captain Major in The Return.

  • Reff 'Talamee kills his brother with an energy sword during the Battle of Line-Installation 1-4 in Halo: Blood Line.

    Reff 'Talamee kills his brother with an energy sword during the Battle of Line-Installation 1-4 in Halo: Blood Line.

  • An Energy Sword in the Halo: Reach Beta.

    An Energy Sword in the Halo: Reach Beta.

  • An Energy Sword's crosshair in the Halo: Reach Beta.

    An Energy Sword's crosshair in the Halo: Reach Beta.

  • First-person view of the Energy Sword in the final build of Halo: Reach.

    First-person view of the Energy Sword in the final build of Halo: Reach.

  • A study of the Energy Sword in Halo: Reach.

    A study of the Energy Sword in Halo: Reach.

  • Reference chart of the Energy Sword in Halo: Reach.

    Reference chart of the Energy Sword in Halo: Reach.

  • A Zealot with an Energy Sword in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

    A Zealot with an Energy Sword in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.

  • A Hesduros Zealot killing Junjie Chen with an energy sword during the Battle of Circinius IV in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

    A Hesduros Zealot killing Junjie Chen with an energy sword during the Battle of Circinius IV in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn.

  • The Energy Sword in Halo 4.

    The Energy Sword in Halo 4.

  • First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 4.

    First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 4.

  • A Commander with an Energy Sword in Spartan Ops.

    A Commander with an Energy Sword in Spartan Ops.

  • Jul 'Mdama killing a prisoner with his energy sword in Halo: Escalation.

    Jul 'Mdama killing a prisoner with his energy sword in Halo: Escalation.

  • A Hesduros Zealot with an energy sword during the Terrorist attack on Sedra City in Halo: Nightfall.

    A Hesduros Zealot with an energy sword during the Terrorist attack on Sedra City in Halo: Nightfall.

  • First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

    First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary campaign.

  • Rtas 'Vadum with an Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    Rtas 'Vadum with an Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A Zealot with an Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A Zealot with an Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee with an energy sword in Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals.

    Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee with an energy sword in Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals.

  • The Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary's multiplayer and campaign cutscenes.

    The Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary's multiplayer and campaign cutscenes.

  • First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.

    First-person view of the Energy Sword in Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer.

  • A Hoplite-clad Spartan using an Energy Sword on Stonetown.

    A Hoplite-clad Spartan using an Energy Sword on Stonetown.

  • Shipmaster N'tho 'Sraom using an energy sword during Operation: FAR STORM in Halo: Hunters in the Dark.

    Shipmaster N'tho 'Sraom using an energy sword during Operation: FAR STORM in Halo: Hunters in the Dark.

  • First-person view of the Energy Sword in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

    First-person view of the Energy Sword in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

  • The Energy Sword being used with smart scope in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

    The Energy Sword being used with smart scope in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

  • A comparison between the standard Energy Sword and the Prophets' Bane in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

    A comparison between the standard Energy Sword and the Prophets' Bane in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.

  • John-117 armed with an energy sword during the Raid on Argent Moon in a Halo 5: Guardians prerelease screenshot.

    John-117 armed with an energy sword during the Raid on Argent Moon in a Halo 5: Guardians prerelease screenshot.

  • First-person view of the energy sword by Frederic-104 in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

    First-person view of the energy sword by Frederic-104 in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

  • Smart scope with the energy sword by Frederic-104 in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

    Smart scope with the energy sword by Frederic-104 in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

  • Frederic-104 armed with an energy sword on Genesis.

    Frederic-104 armed with an energy sword on Genesis.

  • Frederic-104 holding an empty energy sword in his hands.

    Frederic-104 holding an empty energy sword in his hands.

  • First-person view of the Vorpal Talon by Edward Buck in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

    First-person view of the Vorpal Talon by Edward Buck in the Halo 5: Guardians campaign.

  • First-person view of the energy sword in Halo 5: Guardians.

    First-person view of the energy sword in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Smart scope with the energy sword.

    Smart scope with the energy sword.

  • First-person view of the Ravening Sliver in Halo 5: Guardians.

    First-person view of the Ravening Sliver in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Smart scope with the Ravening Sliver.

    Smart scope with the Ravening Sliver.

  • First-person view of the Vorpal Talon in Halo 5: Guardians.

    First-person view of the Vorpal Talon in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Smart scope with the Vorpal Talon. Notice that the motion tracker is still present.

    Smart scope with the Vorpal Talon. Notice that the motion tracker is still present.

  • A Necroplasma sword.

    A Necroplasma sword.

  • First-person view of a Necroplasma sword.

    First-person view of a Necroplasma sword.

  • A Freebooter-clad Spartan-IV with an energy sword on Truth.

    A Freebooter-clad Spartan-IV with an energy sword on Truth.

  • A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the Ravening Sliver on Deadlock.

    A Centurion-clad Spartan-IV with the Ravening Sliver on Deadlock.

  • A Centurion-clad Spartan with the Vorpal Talon.

    A Centurion-clad Spartan with the Vorpal Talon.

  • Rtas 'Vadum using an energy sword in Halo: Shadow of Intent.

    Rtas 'Vadum using an energy sword in Halo: Shadow of Intent.

  • First-person view of the energy sword in Halo Online.

    First-person view of the energy sword in Halo Online.

  • Concept art of Leon-011 with an energy sword for Halo Wars 2.

    Concept art of Leon-011 with an energy sword for Halo Wars 2.

  • John-117 getting ready to lunge at a Sangheili in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Trailer.

    John-117 getting ready to lunge at a Sangheili in the Halo Infinite Campaign Gameplay Trailer.

  • A Kabuto-clad Spartan wielding an energy sword in the A New Generation trailer.

    A Kabuto-clad Spartan wielding an energy sword in the A New Generation trailer.

  • A Spartan in combat with an energy sword.

    A Spartan in combat with an energy sword.

  • The Sangheili Warlord Chak 'Lok holding an energy sword.

    The Sangheili Warlord Chak 'Lok holding an energy sword.

  • Swinging a Duelist Energy Sword against an Unggoy Assault.

    Swinging a Duelist Energy Sword against an Unggoy Assault.

  • Jega 'Redomnai with a bloodblade and Ghostpierce.

    Jega 'Redomnai with a bloodblade and Ghostpierce.

  • Covenant Sangheili with energy swords in Halo: The Television Series.

    Covenant Sangheili with energy swords in Halo: The Television Series.

Prop replicas

  • Prop replica version of the Energy Sword.

    Prop replica version of the Energy Sword.

  • Mattel prop replica Energy Sword available to buy at GameStop, circa 2016.

    Mattel prop replica Energy Sword available to buy at GameStop, circa 2016.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ Halo 2, Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition Manual
  2. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved: Prima's Official Strategy Guide, page 15
  3. ^ Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide, page 30
  4. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Energy sword (Retrieved on Sep 21, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  5. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 307
  6. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 482
  7. ^ a b Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Ordnance Page (Retrieved on Feb 7, 2021) [archive]
  8. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 348
  9. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 482
  10. ^ a b Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 183
  11. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Covenant Weapons (Retrieved on Mar 27, 2014) [local archive] [external archive]
  12. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 92
  13. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 335
  14. ^ Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - Energy Sword (Retrieved on Oct 23, 2021) [archive]
  15. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 10
  16. ^ Halo Wars
  17. ^ a b c Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Waypoint
  18. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions, Headhunters
  19. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named CF
  20. ^ a b c d e Halo 5: Guardians
  21. ^ Halo: First Strike page 74
  22. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved
  23. ^ Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder: Locke & Load
  24. ^ The Covenant Hall of Murals
  25. ^ Halo Graphic Novel page 12 - 14
  26. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition) page 127
  27. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol page 53
  28. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol page 141
  29. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named EVG
  30. ^ Bestiarum Sangheili section
  31. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 92
  32. ^ Halo Legends: The Package
  33. ^ Halo: Broken Circle, pg. 115
  34. ^ a b Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named evg
  35. ^ a b Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named universe
  36. ^ Halo Wars, introductory cinematic
  37. ^ a b Halo Legends, The Package
  38. ^ a b c d e f g h i Halo Waypoint, News, Art of Wort Canon Fodder (Retrieved on May 21, 2021) [archive]
  39. ^ Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder: Brute Force
  40. ^ Halo: Tales from Slipspace, Hunting Party
  41. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Alliance
  42. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 307
  43. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named enyc
  44. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol page 84
  45. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 72
  46. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian, page 91
  47. ^ Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
  48. ^ Halo Wars
  49. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 77
  50. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 76
  51. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 58
  52. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach page 99
  53. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 79
  54. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 3
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