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{{Era|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Cleanup}}
[[File:HR Tempest Comm Node.png|300px|thumb|A Spike of Obeisance on [[Tempest]].]]
[[File:Communications Array.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A communication node as seen in ''Halo 3''.]]
'''Covenant comm nodes''',{{Ref/Mode|Id=Forge|H3|Forge/Halo 3|Forge}} also known as '''Covenant comm relays'''{{Ref/Site|Id=Spartan Games|URL=http://www.spartangames.co.uk/make-your-halo-table-look-awesome|Site=Spartan Games|Page=Make your Halo table look awesome!|D=21|M=11|Y=2016}} or '''''Spikes of Obeisance''''',{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Games}}{{Ref/Site|Id=Announcement|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/into-the-storm|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Community Update - Into the Storm|D=19|M=10|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Note|Id=hld|Text=The name "Spikes of Obeisance" was attributed to the 'Covenant comm relay' modeled after its identical appearances in [[Halo 3]] and [[Halo: Reach]]. Whether or not this title applies to other depictions (such as those featured in [[Halo: CE]], [[Halo 2]], Halo: Reach, and [[Halo 4]]) is unspecified.}} are mobile communication devices employed by the [[Covenant]] for strategic ground command and control.{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Games}}


'''Communication nodes''' are mobile communication antennas used by the [[Covenant]] on the battlefield, used to connect to the [[Covenant battle network]].
==Overview==
===Design details===
The comm nodes come in several different variants, with the most common Spikes of Obeisance{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Games}} depicted as tall devices, consisting of a stalk protruding from a round central structure, supported by a trio of 'legs'. They are primarily magenta, black, and silver in color.{{Ref/Level|Id=TotS|HR|Tip of the Spear}} Some comm nodes feature a tall antenna, but with a single large base structure,{{Ref/Game|H2|Covenant comm node in-game model}} while others are similar in appearance to the [[Covenant supply case]], bearing three equilateral antennas and a keyboard extending from within the base.{{Ref/Game|Id=HCE|HCE|Covenant comm node in-game model}}


== Appearance and function ==
===Usage===
[[File:HCE-CovenantComNode.png|thumb|200px|A comm node in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.]]
Comm nodes are primarily deployed on ground in areas requiring tactical communication between separate Covenant operators. They were used by the Covenant as a means to interlink their [[proselytization network|battle network]] and functioned as a combination of proselytism, network up-links, communication hubs, and sensor relay nodes.{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Games}}{{Ref/Reuse|Announcement}}
It appears that the comm nodes have undergone a series of refits, seeing as how the shape, color, and height of the units vary between games. They most likely are similar to human technology, where when one model becomes outdated, another, more updated model takes its place. These differences between games is most probably because in different areas, different variants are utilized with varying distance and functionality belonging to the different models.


The comm node appears to be either a modified storage crate or a similar device based on the same framework. It stands approximately eight feet tall and the three antennae on top add about five feet of height. It has several fold out controls on it, but they are in the [[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili language]] and are completely useless to the player. It is notable however, that the screens on uplink crates usually contain readouts on a planetary surface, likely the nearby planet Threshold, and links to orbiting spacecraft. The uplink crate emits a loud, random chirping noise and static when active. Its dark purple color affords it no camouflage whatsoever, tending to make it stand out. The only exception to this rule is when they are located in the interiors of Covenant vessels for transport. In this event, they provide extremely good cover, often blending into the background.
==Operational history==
Covenant comm relays were used extensively during the Covenant's vicious [[Fall of Reach|assault]] on the planet [[Reach]],{{Ref/Reuse|TotS}} and the follow-up [[Battle of Installation 04]]{{Ref/Reuse|HCE}} as well as during the [[Battle for Earth]]{{Ref/Level|H3|Sierra 117}} the [[Battle of Installation 05]],{{Ref/Level|H2|Uprising}} and the [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Level|H3|The Covenant (level)|The Covenant}}


In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the comm node is impervious to all forms of firepower or impact. They can be neither damaged nor moved, for which reason they make excellent cover. They are never seen knocked over or even tipped in any of the levels, suggesting the [[The Flood|Flood]] are either capable of utilizing them, or cannot move their bulk.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level, ''[[343 Guilty Spark (level)|343 Guilty Spark]]''</ref> However, the first possibility seems more likely, as Flood are able to effortlessly move heavy machinery, up to and including armored vehicles. Nonetheless, the [[John-117|Master Chief]], who can flip over an [[M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle|M12 LRV]], is unable to budge the nodes an inch, suggesting that they are either fixed to the ground in some way or far heavier than they look. Even a direct impact from the 90mm shell of a [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion Tank]] can not scratch the heavily engraved metal alloy that protects the machine. In fact, a [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]] may even flip over on impact with a crate, thus making them rather dangerous obstacles. It is also possible that this could just be game mechanics because the nodes could be modified [[Covenant supply case|supply cases]], which are also immobile. The objects are also considered scenery objects by the game, just as rocks and the like are, and are therefore made immobile by the game itself.
==Trivia==
 
*The comm will remain active if one of its legs has been broken off, and can still be picked up in [[Forge]]. To completely destroy it, one must break the tower from the base.{{Ref/Reuse|Forge}}
==Changes between Halo games==
*On the main body of the node, something resembling the [[List of Marathon references in the Halo series|Marathon]] symbol can clearly be seen.{{Ref/Reuse|TotS}}
=== Halo: Combat Evolved ===
One type of communication node was seen on Alpha Halo, and greatly resembled a Covenant supply case with three antennae. Although extremely similar in appearance to the supply case, their sides appear to have folded outwards, producing a small screen and keyboard for the communication interface.
 
=== Halo 2 ===
In ''Halo 2'', they are similar to Covenant visual recording devices, but have large metal antennae protruding from the top of the casing. If the crate is functioning, the antenna will be encased in a purple energy field. However, if the player shoots the crate, the charge over the antenna will flicker and disappear.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Delta Halo (level)|Delta Halo]]''</ref>
 
=== Halo 3 ===
In ''Halo 3'', the communication nodes were redesigned to have a more elegant shape. Again, they can be destroyed, in which case the bluish energy field will disappear. They now have a more rounded and updated look. It still has the same basic shape as the ''Halo 2'' model, with a device at the bottom and antennae at the top. It is now seen more frequently.
 
===Halo: Reach===
Two different varieties of communication nodes are featured in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. The default version is near-identical to the ''Halo 3'' iteration, while the larger one has three vertical antennas covered in energy fields.
 
=== Halo 4 ===
In ''Halo 4'', there are two variants of communications nodes. The first, more common variant, resembles the three vertical energy-filled antennae type seen in ''Halo: Reach'', now with the new purple-green Covenant color scheme for its base.  The second variant is a newly-designed vertical structure sporting a pair of solid, curved prongs.
 
== Trivia ==
*The ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' communication nodes appear to be upside-down modified [[Covenant supply case|supply cases]].
*The comm will remain active if one of its leg has been break off, and can still be pick it up in Forge. To fully destroy it, one must break the tower off the base.  
*On the main body of the node, something resembling the ''[[Marathon]]'' symbol can clearly be seen.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Uplink Crate.jpg|A comm node in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', PC version.
File:HCE CovenantCommNode.jpg|The ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' comm node.
File:Mugshot.jpg|The controls on a comm node as seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', PC version.
File:HCE CovenantCommNode Closeup.jpg|A closeup of the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' comm node, bearing more resemblance to the Covenant supply case.
File:H2 Communications Module.png|An antenna-type communications node in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:HCE-CovenantComNode.png|Cutout of the ''Combat Evolved'' comm node.
File:Reach_Comm_Node.png|A larger communication node in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HCEA SilentCartographer CommNode.jpg|The Covenant comm node as depicted in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HR-CovenantComNode.png|A larger communications node in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HCEA Comm Node Keyboard.jpg|Closeup view of the comm node control pads.
File:HReach Communications Module.jpg|Another variant of the communications node in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H2 Communications Module.png|A comm node in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H3 Communications Module.jpeg|A communications node in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Communications Module.jpeg|A comm node in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Covenant Node Halo CE.png|The screen of the comm node in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:H3 CovenantCommNode.jpg|A comm node next to a [[Covenant supply case]] on [[Installation 00]].
File:H4-Concept-Covenant-Uplink.jpg|Concept art of a Covenant uplink node in ''Halo 4''.
 
File:HReach Communications Module.jpg|A comm node in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''
File:HR TipOfTheSpear Comm Node.png|A Comm Node on the mission [[Tip of the Spear]].
File:HR CovenantCommAntenna Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Covenant communication antenna in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR-CovenantComNode.png|A communications antenna in ''Reach''.
File:H4-Concept-Covenant-Uplink.jpg|Concept art of a comm node in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A_CovenantCommNode.png|The ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' comm node on [[High Charity]].
File:H2A_CovenantCommNode_Side.png|A comm node beside several Covenant supply cases.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of Appearances==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]] {{1st}}
**''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'' {{Mo}}
 
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


== Sources ==
<references/>
[[Category:Covenant technology]]
[[Category:Covenant technology]]
[[Category:Communications technology]]
[[Category:Communications technology]]
[[Category:Scenery]]

Latest revision as of 10:34, August 30, 2023

A Covenant comm node in a cave on the multiplayer map Tempest
A Spike of Obeisance on Tempest.

Covenant comm nodes,[1] also known as Covenant comm relays[2] or Spikes of Obeisance,[2][3][Note 1] are mobile communication devices employed by the Covenant for strategic ground command and control.[2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The comm nodes come in several different variants, with the most common Spikes of Obeisance[2] depicted as tall devices, consisting of a stalk protruding from a round central structure, supported by a trio of 'legs'. They are primarily magenta, black, and silver in color.[4] Some comm nodes feature a tall antenna, but with a single large base structure,[5] while others are similar in appearance to the Covenant supply case, bearing three equilateral antennas and a keyboard extending from within the base.[6]

Usage[edit]

Comm nodes are primarily deployed on ground in areas requiring tactical communication between separate Covenant operators. They were used by the Covenant as a means to interlink their battle network and functioned as a combination of proselytism, network up-links, communication hubs, and sensor relay nodes.[2][3]

Operational history[edit]

Covenant comm relays were used extensively during the Covenant's vicious assault on the planet Reach,[4] and the follow-up Battle of Installation 04[6] as well as during the Battle for Earth[7] the Battle of Installation 05,[8] and the Battle of Installation 00.[9]

Trivia[edit]

  • The comm will remain active if one of its legs has been broken off, and can still be picked up in Forge. To completely destroy it, one must break the tower from the base.[1]
  • On the main body of the node, something resembling the Marathon symbol can clearly be seen.[4]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The name "Spikes of Obeisance" was attributed to the 'Covenant comm relay' modeled after its identical appearances in Halo 3 and Halo: Reach. Whether or not this title applies to other depictions (such as those featured in Halo: CE, Halo 2, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4) is unspecified.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo 3, gamemode Forge
  2. ^ a b c d e Spartan Games, Make your Halo table look awesome! (Retrieved on Nov 21, 2016) [archive]
  3. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Community Update - Into the Storm (Retrieved on Oct 19, 2021) [archive]
  4. ^ a b c Halo: Reach, campaign level Tip of the Spear
  5. ^ Halo 2, Covenant comm node in-game model
  6. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, Covenant comm node in-game model
  7. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Sierra 117
  8. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Uprising
  9. ^ Halo 3, campaign level The Covenant
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