War sphinx

War Sphinxes were midsize Forerunner fighting suits, twelve of which were left on Earth during the Human-Forerunner War. By the time Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting visited the planet, the suits were considered antiquated and outdated.

Description
The suits were described as being ten meters high and twenty long, with an elongated tail that provided lift and power. From the "tail" rose a large rounded torso with a command cabin perched on top. The command cabin was designed to resemble a Forerunner face, with features arranged in an angry or stern expression and two viewports serving as "eyes".

War Sphinxes are programmed to contain samples of their wearer's mental patterns and personalities before they are killed in battle. These preserved personalities are less realistic or complete than Durances, but can still be studied by a commander to gain useful information. The Didact kept the final impressions of his children, who were killed in battle, within their War Sphinxes.

Trivia

 * In one of the Terminals, a recommendation of Forerunner armor by Mendicant Bias is accompanied by a mysterious image. This image depicts a bulky, rounded object with what appears to be a long tail and a humanoid figure inside. This seems to match Halo: Cryptum's description of a War Sphinx. It could also be an image of the War Sphinx's newer counterpart, a Seeker.

List of appearances

 * Halo: Cryptum