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{{Disambig header|the artifacts|the novel|Halo: Cryptum}}
{{Disambig header|the artifacts|the novel|Halo: Cryptum}}
[[File:H4-DidactPrometheanCryptum.png|thumb|right|250px|The Ur-Didact's combat Cryptum.]]
[[File:H4-DidactPrometheanCryptum.png|thumb|right|250px|The Ur-Didact's combat Cryptum.]]
A '''Cryptum''', or '''Warrior Keep''', was a chamber of meditative exile created by the [[Promethean]]s, the highest class of [[Warrior-Servant]]s in the [[Forerunner]] [[ecumene]].
A '''Cryptum''' was a stasis chamber used as a means of exile by the [[Forerunner]]s. Cryptums were most prominently known for their use by the [[Promethean]]s, the Forerunners' highest class of [[Warrior-Servant]]s, who also termed them as '''Warrior Keeps'''.<ref name="evg">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 131''</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
A Cryptum is a sealed capsule where a high-ranking [[Promethean]] would enter self-imposed exile as punishment for failure or dishonor; however, it was often used by those in power as a means with which to silence respected individuals whose punishment otherwise might prove problematic in the eyes of the public. When in use, their Forerunner occupants would enter a state of meditative hibernation known as "timeless [[xankara]]". In this state, the Forerunner would have clear access to the [[Domain]] and the ability to explore the immense stores of information contained therein. During this time, the Forerunner would become unaware of the physical world around him, and could remain in a state of suspended animation for thousands of years. Cryptums required an extraordinary amount of force to breach once sealed. They denied access to every species except Forerunners; however, after being designated as [[Reclaimer]]s, [[human]]s have been shown to be capable of unsealing Cryptums.<ref name="halo 4">'''Halo 4'''</ref> The nature of a Cryptum was unknown to most Forerunners, including [[IsoDidact|Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting]]. However, he was aware that the violation of a Cryptum invoked dire consequences, one of which was angering the powerful Prometheans.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', "Chapter 2"</ref>
A Cryptum is a sealed capsule where a high-ranking Forerunner would enter self-imposed exile either voluntarily, in pursuit of a higher state of awareness, or as punishment for failure or dishonor; it was often used by those in power as a means with which to silence respected individuals whose punishment otherwise might prove problematic in the eyes of the public.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 66''</ref> When in use, a Cryptum's occupant would enter a timeless state of meditative hibernation known as ''[[xankara]]''.<ref name="c63">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 63''</ref> In this state, the Forerunner's mind would be wholly immersed in the [[Domain]] and they would be able to explore the immense stores of information contained therein.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 255''</ref> The Forerunner would become unaware of the physical world around them, and could remain in a state of suspended animation for thousands of years.<ref name="c63"/>


Cryptums were not always exclusive to the Prometheans. The long-defunct rate of [[Rate#Theoreticals|Theoreticals]], absorbed into the [[Builder]] rate [[1,100,000 BCE|over a million years BCE]], also used Cryptums in a manner similar to the Prometheans. The Theoretical known as [[Boundless]] was forced to enter a Cryptum after continuing her studies on Forerunner origins and [[Path Kethona]] in defiance of Warrior orders. After being opened a thousand years later, it was discovered that the Cryptum had been faulty, likely due to sabotage, and Boundless had died inside.<ref name="sil">'''[[Halo: Silentium]]''', ''pages 67-68''</ref>
Cryptums required an extraordinary amount of force to breach once sealed. They denied access to every species except Forerunners;<ref name="c61">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 61''</ref> however, after being designated as [[Reclaimer]]s, [[human]]s have been shown to be capable of unsealing Cryptums.<ref name="halo 4">'''Halo 4'''</ref> The nature of a Cryptum was unknown to most Forerunners, including [[IsoDidact|Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting]]. However, he was aware that the violation of a Cryptum invoked dire consequences, one of which was angering the powerful [[Promethean]]s.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 54''</ref>
 
Although Cryptums were often associated with the Prometheans, Forerunners of most [[rate]]s could choose to enter one.<ref name="evg"/> The Forerunner scholar known as [[Boundless]], a member of the long-defunct rate of [[Rate#Theoreticals|Theoreticals]], was forced to enter a Cryptum after continuing her studies on Forerunner origins and [[Path Kethona]] in defiance of Warrior orders. After being opened a thousand years later, it was discovered that the Cryptum had been faulty, likely due to sabotage, and Boundless had died inside.<ref name="sil">'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 67-68''</ref>
 
Due to their sacred nature—specifically the involvement of the Domain—a Forerunner's entry into a Cryptum was traditionally a highly ritualistic process, overseen and guided by an associate of [[Haruspis]]. The associate would remove the would-be exile's [[Forerunner personal armor|armor]] and administer them gradual doses of a chemical known as ''inchukoa'', which caused the body to shed most of its fluids via heavy sweating, initially dried and cleaned by the Forerunner's aides and attendant [[monitor]]s. The Forerunner, rapidly desiccating and losing consciousness, would then be carried to a chamber housing the Cryptum. Only biological beings were allowed to be present in this stage; no [[artificial intelligence]]s were permitted. The Haruspis' associate would chant words in middle [[Digon]] to aid the Forerunner's passage into the alternate state of consciousness. With the Forerunner almost completely mummified and unconscious, they were delivered into the Cryptum.<ref name="s50">'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 50-55''</ref>
 
==Known Cryptums==
Two known Cryptums have been described in detail; these differ from one another in a number of respects.


===Djamonkin Crater===
===Djamonkin Crater===
A Cryptum was discovered in [[Djamonkin Crater]] on [[Earth|Erde-Tyrene]] by the young Forerunner Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting, containing the meditating [[Didact]]. The Cryptum vessel, colored copper and steel, was ovoid-shaped, over ten meters high and at least as wide. When the millennial seal was unsealed, the Cryptum emitted an intense flash of blue light, which apparently caused anyone in the vicinity to feel as if time had been suspended. As the Cryptum opened, it parted outward in three sections above the middle, revealing its meditating occupant inside.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 62-64''</ref>
A Cryptum was discovered in [[Djamonkin Crater]] on [[Earth|Erde-Tyrene]] by the young Forerunner [[IsoDidact|Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting]], containing the meditating [[Ur-Didact|Didact]]. The Cryptum vessel, colored copper and steel, was ovoid-shaped, over ten meters high and at least as wide. When the millennial seal was unsealed, the Cryptum emitted an intense flash of blue light, causing anyone in the vicinity to feel as if time had been suspended; this effect would last for several hours. As the Cryptum opened, it parted outward in three sections above the middle, revealing its meditating occupant inside.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 62-64''</ref>


While the Cryptum preserved the consciousness of the Forerunner inside for an indefinite period, the occupant's physical body would be maintained in a vitrified state, lacking most of its fluids. The desiccation process was conducted prior to entry in a Cryptum by drinking a chemical known as ''inchukoa'', which caused the body to shed most of its fluids via heavy sweating.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 51-55''</ref> Once the Forerunner was removed from the Cryptum, the body would be administered an initial supply of electrolytes, nutrients and other essential substances and then placed in a restorative bath where it would continue its recovery. The body's muscle structure would then be regenerated, a process requiring several days.
While the Cryptum preserved the consciousness of the Forerunner inside for an indefinite period, the occupant's physical body would be maintained in a vitrified state, lacking most of its fluids. The desiccation process was conducted prior to entry in a Cryptum by ingesting ''inchukoa''.<ref name="s50"/> Once the Forerunner was removed from the Cryptum, the body would be administered an initial supply of electrolytes, nutrients and other essential substances and then placed in a restorative bath where it would continue its recovery. The body's muscle structure would then be regenerated, a process requiring several days.


===Requiem===
===Requiem===
The [[Ur-Didact]]'s flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', was equipped with a personal "combat Cryptum",<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 292''</ref> which possessed many capabilities beyond the conventional one he used during his first exile. The Librarian sealed the Ur-Didact in this Cryptum, which was discovered over 100,000 years later by [[John-117]] and the [[AI]] [[Cortana]] on the Forerunner [[Shield World]] [[Requiem]]. This Cryptum was spherical in shape, with a black outer casing broken by a pattern of angular, orange-glowing "cracks." Unlike the one discovered by Bornstellar, this Cryptum had not withered the user, as the Ur-Didact remained as physically fit as he had been when he entered; it is unknown if this was the work of the Cryptum itself or the fact that the Ur-Didact wore his [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]] during hibernation. The Ur-Didact also appeared to be awake in it to some degree, since he was able to perform covert tasks like hinder use of a [[Cartographer]]<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Requiem (level)|Requiem]]''</ref> and manipulate radio transmissions.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Forerunner (level)|Forerunner]]</ref>
The [[Ur-Didact]]'s flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'', was equipped with a personal "combat Cryptum",<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 292''</ref> which possessed many capabilities beyond the conventional one he used during his first exile. The Librarian sealed the Ur-Didact in this Cryptum, which was discovered over 100,000 years later by [[John-117]] and the [[AI]] [[Cortana]] on the Forerunner [[Shield World]] [[Requiem]]. This Cryptum was spherical in shape, with a black outer casing broken by a pattern of angular, orange-glowing "cracks." Unlike the one discovered by Bornstellar, this Cryptum had not withered the user, as the Ur-Didact remained as physically fit as he had been when he entered; it is unknown if this was the work of the Cryptum itself or the fact that the Ur-Didact wore his [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]] during hibernation. The Didact also appeared to be awake in it to some degree, since he was able to perform covert tasks like hinder use of a [[Cartographer]]<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Requiem (level)|Requiem]]''</ref> and manipulate radio transmissions.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Forerunner (level)|Forerunner]]</ref>


As a combat Cryptum, this Cryptum doubled as a means of transport, being able to travel at massive speeds or even through [[slipspace]] if necessary, as demonstrated when the Ur-Didact escaped Requiem's core in his Cryptum via a slipspace rift. It also had the capability to scan its surrounding environment or data networks in order to gather information. However, it had no weapons and was vulnerable to UNSC ones such as [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MACs]] and missiles.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level [[Infinity (level)|Infinity]]''</ref> This Cryptum was destroyed when the Master Chief detonated a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon|HAVOK nuclear warhead]] inside the Ur-Didact's flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'' which it had joined with.<ref name="halo 4"/>
As a combat Cryptum, this Cryptum doubled as a means of transport, being able to travel at massive speeds or even through [[slipspace]] if necessary, as demonstrated when the Ur-Didact escaped Requiem's core in his Cryptum via a slipspace rift. It also had the capability to scan its surrounding environment or data networks in order to gather information. However, it had no weapons and was vulnerable to UNSC ones such as [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MACs]] and missiles.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Infinity (level)|Infinity]]''</ref> This Cryptum was destroyed when the Master Chief detonated a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon|HAVOK nuclear warhead]] inside the Ur-Didact's flagship, ''[[Mantle's Approach]]'' which it had joined with.<ref name="halo 4"/>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
The millennial seal on the Didact's Cryptum placed on Earth was sealed by two forces known as the "[[wisdom of Harbou]]" and "[[strength of Lang]]".<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 61''</ref> Who or what Harbou and Lang were is unknown. However, they appear to be a reference to the German actress and author [[Wikipedia:Thea von Harbou|Thea von Harbou]] and the film producer and screenwriter [[Wikipedia:Fritz Lang|Fritz Lang]], who were married and made several films together.
The millennial seal on the Didact's Cryptum placed on Earth was sealed by two forces known as the "[[wisdom of Harbou]]" and "[[strength of Lang]]".<ref name="c61"/> The names appear to be a reference to the German actress and author [[Wikipedia:Thea von Harbou|Thea von Harbou]] and the film producer and screenwriter [[Wikipedia:Fritz Lang|Fritz Lang]], who were married and made several films together. Fictionally, these seemingly out-of-place names may be explained as a quirk of the AI-assisted translation software—which often replaces the original Forerunner proper names with contextually similar Earth names—used to decipher the in-universe documents that comprise ''[[The Forerunner Saga]]''.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==

Revision as of 04:14, December 13, 2013

This article is about the artifacts. For the novel, see Halo: Cryptum.
The Ur-Didact's combat Cryptum.

A Cryptum was a stasis chamber used as a means of exile by the Forerunners. Cryptums were most prominently known for their use by the Prometheans, the Forerunners' highest class of Warrior-Servants, who also termed them as Warrior Keeps.[1]

Background

A Cryptum is a sealed capsule where a high-ranking Forerunner would enter self-imposed exile either voluntarily, in pursuit of a higher state of awareness, or as punishment for failure or dishonor; it was often used by those in power as a means with which to silence respected individuals whose punishment otherwise might prove problematic in the eyes of the public.[2] When in use, a Cryptum's occupant would enter a timeless state of meditative hibernation known as xankara.[3] In this state, the Forerunner's mind would be wholly immersed in the Domain and they would be able to explore the immense stores of information contained therein.[4] The Forerunner would become unaware of the physical world around them, and could remain in a state of suspended animation for thousands of years.[3]

Cryptums required an extraordinary amount of force to breach once sealed. They denied access to every species except Forerunners;[5] however, after being designated as Reclaimers, humans have been shown to be capable of unsealing Cryptums.[6] The nature of a Cryptum was unknown to most Forerunners, including Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting. However, he was aware that the violation of a Cryptum invoked dire consequences, one of which was angering the powerful Prometheans.[7]

Although Cryptums were often associated with the Prometheans, Forerunners of most rates could choose to enter one.[1] The Forerunner scholar known as Boundless, a member of the long-defunct rate of Theoreticals, was forced to enter a Cryptum after continuing her studies on Forerunner origins and Path Kethona in defiance of Warrior orders. After being opened a thousand years later, it was discovered that the Cryptum had been faulty, likely due to sabotage, and Boundless had died inside.[8]

Due to their sacred nature—specifically the involvement of the Domain—a Forerunner's entry into a Cryptum was traditionally a highly ritualistic process, overseen and guided by an associate of Haruspis. The associate would remove the would-be exile's armor and administer them gradual doses of a chemical known as inchukoa, which caused the body to shed most of its fluids via heavy sweating, initially dried and cleaned by the Forerunner's aides and attendant monitors. The Forerunner, rapidly desiccating and losing consciousness, would then be carried to a chamber housing the Cryptum. Only biological beings were allowed to be present in this stage; no artificial intelligences were permitted. The Haruspis' associate would chant words in middle Digon to aid the Forerunner's passage into the alternate state of consciousness. With the Forerunner almost completely mummified and unconscious, they were delivered into the Cryptum.[9]

Known Cryptums

Two known Cryptums have been described in detail; these differ from one another in a number of respects.

Djamonkin Crater

A Cryptum was discovered in Djamonkin Crater on Erde-Tyrene by the young Forerunner Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting, containing the meditating Didact. The Cryptum vessel, colored copper and steel, was ovoid-shaped, over ten meters high and at least as wide. When the millennial seal was unsealed, the Cryptum emitted an intense flash of blue light, causing anyone in the vicinity to feel as if time had been suspended; this effect would last for several hours. As the Cryptum opened, it parted outward in three sections above the middle, revealing its meditating occupant inside.[10]

While the Cryptum preserved the consciousness of the Forerunner inside for an indefinite period, the occupant's physical body would be maintained in a vitrified state, lacking most of its fluids. The desiccation process was conducted prior to entry in a Cryptum by ingesting inchukoa.[9] Once the Forerunner was removed from the Cryptum, the body would be administered an initial supply of electrolytes, nutrients and other essential substances and then placed in a restorative bath where it would continue its recovery. The body's muscle structure would then be regenerated, a process requiring several days.

Requiem

The Ur-Didact's flagship, Mantle's Approach, was equipped with a personal "combat Cryptum",[11] which possessed many capabilities beyond the conventional one he used during his first exile. The Librarian sealed the Ur-Didact in this Cryptum, which was discovered over 100,000 years later by John-117 and the AI Cortana on the Forerunner Shield World Requiem. This Cryptum was spherical in shape, with a black outer casing broken by a pattern of angular, orange-glowing "cracks." Unlike the one discovered by Bornstellar, this Cryptum had not withered the user, as the Ur-Didact remained as physically fit as he had been when he entered; it is unknown if this was the work of the Cryptum itself or the fact that the Ur-Didact wore his personal armor during hibernation. The Didact also appeared to be awake in it to some degree, since he was able to perform covert tasks like hinder use of a Cartographer[12] and manipulate radio transmissions.[13]

As a combat Cryptum, this Cryptum doubled as a means of transport, being able to travel at massive speeds or even through slipspace if necessary, as demonstrated when the Ur-Didact escaped Requiem's core in his Cryptum via a slipspace rift. It also had the capability to scan its surrounding environment or data networks in order to gather information. However, it had no weapons and was vulnerable to UNSC ones such as MACs and missiles.[14] This Cryptum was destroyed when the Master Chief detonated a HAVOK nuclear warhead inside the Ur-Didact's flagship, Mantle's Approach which it had joined with.[6]

Trivia

The millennial seal on the Didact's Cryptum placed on Earth was sealed by two forces known as the "wisdom of Harbou" and "strength of Lang".[5] The names appear to be a reference to the German actress and author Thea von Harbou and the film producer and screenwriter Fritz Lang, who were married and made several films together. Fictionally, these seemingly out-of-place names may be explained as a quirk of the AI-assisted translation software—which often replaces the original Forerunner proper names with contextually similar Earth names—used to decipher the in-universe documents that comprise The Forerunner Saga.

Gallery

  • Concept art of the Cryptum on the level Forerunner.

    Concept art of the Cryptum on the level Forerunner.

  • Orthographic view of the Ur-Didact's Cryptum.

    Orthographic view of the Ur-Didact's Cryptum.

  • Angled view of the Ur-Didact's Cryptum.

    Angled view of the Ur-Didact's Cryptum.

  • John-117 facing a reactivated Cryptum.

    John-117 facing a reactivated Cryptum.

  • The Ur-Didact's Cryptum in the core of Requiem.

    The Ur-Didact's Cryptum in the core of Requiem.

  • The Cryptum hovering in place prior to opening.

    The Cryptum hovering in place prior to opening.

  • The Cryptum preparing to open up and disgorge the Ur-Didact.

    The Cryptum preparing to open up and disgorge the Ur-Didact.

  • The Cryptum opening.

    The Cryptum opening.

  • John-117 facing the Ur-Didact's Cryptum.

    John-117 facing the Ur-Didact's Cryptum.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 131
  2. ^ Halo: Cryptum, page 66
  3. ^ a b Halo: Cryptum, page 63
  4. ^ Halo: Silentium, page 255
  5. ^ a b Halo: Cryptum, page 61
  6. ^ a b Halo 4
  7. ^ Halo: Cryptum, page 54
  8. ^ Halo: Silentium, pages 67-68
  9. ^ a b Halo: Silentium, pages 50-55
  10. ^ Halo: Cryptum, page 62-64
  11. ^ Halo: Silentium, page 292
  12. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Requiem
  13. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Forerunner
  14. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Infinity

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