Guardian Custode

Guardians are Forerunner constructs.

Description
Guardians have a segmented body and elaborate, phoenix-like wings consisting of multiple segments. They possess a head that is vertically roughly elliptical, topped with a broad, vaguely conical protrusion and a roughly humanoid face similar to that of the Promethean constructs. The Guardians are enormous, being over 1.4 kilometers in height. They are capable of concealing themselves underwater and under lava, and can produce powerful shockwaves capable of demolishing buildings and destroying Covenant aircraft.

History
In October 2558, Guardians begin to emerge in human colonies. Five of these colonies, including Meridian and Conrad's Point, suffered greatly from the devastation brought from the constructs' activations. When Blue Team was seen in Meridian during the Guardian's activation, the UNSC placed its leader, John-117, responsible for the attacks. Thus, they put Fireteam Osiris, led by Jameson Locke, to hunt him down. During the Battle of Sunaion, a Guardian encountered forces of the Swords of Sanghelios, led by Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, and Fireteam Osiris.

Behind the scenes
First seen in the Halo Xbox One announcement trailer and later in the bookend cinematics of Halo 2 Anniversary as well as Halo 5: Guardians promotional artwork, there was considerable speculation as to the nature of the constructs prior to the confirmation of them as the titular Guardians in Game Informer's June 2015 issue. When asked about the construct seen in the Halo 5: Guardians key art on Twitter, the game's Creative Director Josh Holmes alluded to the name by replying that "The answer is in plain sight."

List of appearances

 * Halo 2: Anniversary
 * Hunt the Truth
 * A Hero Falls
 * The Unofficial Story
 * Halo 5: Guardians