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{{Era|H1|H2|FA}}
{{Status|Canon}}
[[Image:Mugshot.jpg||thumb|250px|The controls on an Uplink Crate]]
[[File:HR Tempest Comm Node.png|300px|thumb|A Spike of Obeisance on [[Tempest]].]]
'''Covenant Communication Node''' is a global term encompassing any of the [[Covenant]]'s mobile communication antennas used on the battlefield.
'''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}}


== ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' Uplink Crate ==
==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}}


An early version of the Uplink Crate was a specialized variant of the standard [[Supply Case]]. The [[Covenant]] used these large portable crates that unfold into transmission stations to communicate with their leaders from long distances via the [[Battlenet]]. Their range is unknown and they may be able to penetrate nearly all types of weather conditions and boundaries since they have been seen in use in a wide variety of locations. It is speculated that their primary use is for relaying information from planet surfaces to Covenant ships in orbit. Many times during the game the player will encounter an unfortunate [[Elite]] distracted using one of these, and just ripe for being [[melee]]d from behind<ref>[[Halo: Combat Evolved]], level [[The Silent Cartographer (Level)|The Silent Cartographer]]</ref>.
===Usage===
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}}


=== Appearance and Function ===
==Operational history==
[[Image:Uplink Crate.jpg|left|thumb|200px|An Uplink Crate]]
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}}
The Uplink Crate appears to be a modified storage crate. 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 Covenant 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 and links to orbiting spacecraft. This too is interesting, as uplink crates are seen exclusively on the surfaces of the [[Halo]]s, which are in fact, ring shaped, not spherical. 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.


It is completely impervious to attack, and cannot be moved in the game. They are never seen knocked over or even tipped in any of the levels, suggesting the [[Flood]] are either capable of utilizing them, or cannot move their bulk<ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', ''[[343 Guilty Spark (Level)]]''</ref>. Even a direct round from a [[Scorpion Tank|Scorpion]] can not even scratch the heavily engraved metal alloy that protects the machine. In fact, a [[Warthog]] may even flip over on impact with a crate, thus making them rather dangerous obstacles.
==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}}
*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}}


=== Dimensions ===
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE CovenantCommNode.jpg|The ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' comm node.
File:HCE CovenantCommNode Closeup.jpg|A closeup of the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' comm node, bearing more resemblance to the Covenant supply case.
File:HCE-CovenantComNode.png|Cutout of the ''Combat Evolved'' comm node.
File:HCEA SilentCartographer CommNode.jpg|The Covenant comm node as depicted in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA Comm Node Keyboard.jpg|Closeup view of the comm node control pads.
File:H2 Communications Module.png|A comm node in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H3 Communications Module.jpeg|A comm node in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3 CovenantCommNode.jpg|A comm node next to a [[Covenant supply case]] on [[Installation 00]].


Height: 13.8 feet
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>


== ''[[Halo 2]]'' ==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]] {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]'' {{Mo}}


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 then disappear.<ref>[[Halo 2]], level [[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]]</ref>
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


== ''[[Halo 3]]'' ==
==Sources==
[[Image:Communications Array.jpg|thumb|right]]
{{Ref/Sources}}
In ''Halo 3'', the Uplink Crates were redesigned to have a more elegant shape. Again, they can be destroyed, in which case the bluish energy field will disappear.


== History ==
[[Category:Covenant technology]]
 
[[Category:Communications technology]]
The Uplink Crate has been a part of the Covenant for a relatively long time. Wherever Covenant are encamped, the chirp of the Uplink Crate can be heard nearby. Often, they tend to serve as obstacles for the player, should he be driving a Warthog. However this is balanced by the excellent cover they provide (however, bullets from the Warthogs' mounted gun can be seen to pierce uplink crates, hitting objects and characters behind them). They are seen in the proximity of [[The Silent Cartographer]] and even the [[Flood Containment Facility]]. This denotes their importance to the continuity and smooth operation of ground and naval forces within the Covenant.
 
== References ==
 
<references/>
 
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Technology]]

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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