Heretic

Were you looking for the first level of Halo 2?

"Because of its speed and luxury the Pious Inquisitor has become an irresistible prize during these dark times."

- Map Description

Heretic is an Halo 3 map that was shipped on September 22nd, 2009 with Halo 3: ODST, as a part of the Mythic Map Pack. It is a remake of Midship, a Halo 2 multiplayer level.

Design
The map takes place inside the Pious Inquisitor, like its predecessor. Outside of the map the player can see a fleet of Assault Carriers and CCS-Class Battlecruisers, all heading slowly for an unknown gas giant. On the opposite side of the map another planet or a moon of the gas giant can be easily made out. A distant sun illuminates the planets and a massive orange nebula surrounds the sun.

Skull
The crest of the hidden skull on this level appears to be the Mark of Shame.

It is located on one of the blue ledges beside the Sword platform. Since the map is symmetrical, it can be hard to find, and as such you may need to spend some time locating it.

Strategies

 * It is wise to avoid rushing for the sword, largely because you are in full view of both bases and the ramps. Instead attempt to pick off the early rushers before grabbing the weapon.
 * Plasma grenades are abundant on this map, use them frequently.
 * Players start with plasma grenades, which can be frustrating for the sword carrier since the target can easily get a kill from the grave.

Achievements
On Heretic, there are two achievements available to get, the first being the hidden skull which will award you 25 gamerscore, and the second being Blades of Fury, the requirements of which being to get a Sword Spree on Heretic (ranked or social), and will also award you 25 gamerscore.

Trivia

 * The Assault Carriers seen outside the view ports have a Marathon symbol on each side. Another Marathon reference.CarrierMarathon.jpg
 * Heretic is the fifth remake/reimagination in Halo 3; the others being Last Resort, a remake of Zanzibar, Blackout a remake of Lockout, Avalanche, a remake of Sidewinder and Cold Storage, a remake of Chill Out.
 * In Bungie.net's Halo 3: ODST Pre-Pax Podcast, Bungie level developers stated that an Easter Egg may occur on Heretic in which, after 40 to 44 hours of playing on the map, the Pious Inquisitor will arrive at Assembly (Level). However, this Easter Egg is still questionable since it is unknown if the "Easter Egg" was legitimate or a subtle joke. Bungie Podcast: 09/03/09
 * Including the Pious Inquisitor, there are 14 ships visible on this map. 14/2=7.
 * Just like Midship, there is a planet and a moon outside the windows.