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{{Era|Forerunner|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{References}}
{{Species infobox
{{Flood Species Infobox
|variant=Flood
|name=Flood Spore
|name=Flood spore
|image=[[File:HaloFloodSpore.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:H2A Epilogue FloodSpore.png|300px]]
|height=About the size of a human fingernail
|latin=
|distinctions=
|classification=[[Infection form]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|species=[[Flood pure form|Pure Flood]]  
|species=[[Flood]]
|attacks=Suffocates prey, sometimes clogs air filters and infects
|subspecies=
|notable=
|diet=
|height=
|weight=
|distinctions=Small, chitinous floating organisms comprised of [[Flood Super Cell]]s{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p404|Enc22|Page=404-405}}
|lifespan=
|homeworld=
|techlevel=
|notable-person=
|othernames=
|languages=
}}
}}
{{quote|One single Flood spore can destroy a species.|[[Rtas 'Vadum]]<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''' level, [[Floodgate]] </ref>}}
{{quote|One single Flood spore can destroy a species.|[[Rtas 'Vadum]]{{Ref/Level|H3|Floodgate}}}}
'''Spores''' are the most basic kind of [[infection form]] in the life cycle of the [[Flood]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=406-407}}


'''Flood spores''' are the most basic of [[Flood]] forms that are crucial in the formation of [[Flood hive]]s. Spores are also used as methods of suffocating future hosts and clearing the area of uninfected hostiles. [[Flood infection form]]s also utilize encapsulated Flood cells referred to as spores when infecting other life forms.
==Overview==
[[File:OSFM FloodSpore.png|thumb|left|Another look at a spore.{{Ref/Book|OSFM|Page=173}}]]
Spores serve as the most basic form of Flood encountered in a given [[Flood outbreak|outbreak]]. They are comprised of [[Flood Super Cell]]s (FSCs) which have encysted themselves to form a chitinous outer layer. This layer protects the cells inside, and allows the spore to float in the air and with the breeze and remain dormant in a given environment for centuries at a time.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p404}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The exterior is additionally covered with bulbous growths and ragged spines, which can be crushed if grabbed.{{Ref/Novel|SoI}} However, the shape of spores can be variable, allowing them to shape their form to accommodate their environment.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}


==Description==
Upon contact with a suitable host, the spore becomes active and begins to consume the victim it has become attached to - regardless of it is sapient or not. Unlike their larger [[pod infector]] cousins, spores do not immediately convert their host into a [[Flood combat form|combat form]], but instead use them to gestate the production of more FSC and spores - turning the host's biomass into a series of egg-like incubators. This process ultimately culminates with the host gestating larger infection forms inside itself, which then burst free and begin to spread the infection far and wide. This process is extremely painful, as the spores intentionally keep their victims alive while their bodies are reshapen into breeding grounds for future stages of Flood infection. Unfortunately, there is no cure once infected by a spore nor a vaccine which can prevent their infection - or any way to reverse the mutations they inflict. To date, the only known countermeasures for them are containment and incineration.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p404}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} In some cases, the spore itself may serve as the initial basis for an infection form to grow from.{{Ref/Book|Enc11|Page=20}}
The spores that have been witnessed the most frequently are a variety that will stay airborne, and will perform functions such as clogging air filtration systems, allowing for more efficient access to host organisms. If a spore lands in an area that can support it, it will form [[Flood growth pod]]s. If the area does not have enough biomass to support a growth pod, the spore will spread over floors and walls until it covers as much as it can. When infesting a location, the Flood often uses [[spore mountain]]s or [[Flood dispersal pod|spore capsules]] to quickly disperse spores into a planet's atmosphere and thus expedite the conversion of the local biota.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''page 232''</ref>


While the infection forms are often employed by the Flood as its standard means of infection, it is possible for a compatible host organism to be infected by Flood spores alone, especially if it is an active state rather than the normal passive one. The spores will enter the body and go about interfacing with the host's biology, consuming the victim's biomass and replacing it with Flood biomass, leading to biological transformation.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''' — ''"[[The Mona Lisa]]"''</ref> The [[Special Operations Sangheili|Special Operations Elite]] [[Bero 'Kusovai|Kusovai]] was infected when he inhaled Flood spores. Due to the fact that he had been infected in this secondary manner, his rate of mutation was far slower than that done by an infection form, and he was not physiologically distorted in the same manner as those originating from the primary means of Flood infection are.<ref>'''Halo Graphic Novel''', ''"[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]"''</ref> These consequences of infection via Flood spores is next witnessed when the [[Prophet of Truth]] was infected by the Flood at the close of the [[Battle of the Citadel]].<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant]]''</ref>
The creation of Flood spores is a priority for the Flood, especially during the [[Feral Stage]] of a given outbreak.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p404}} Upon the establishment of an outbreak, the Flood begin to emit spores into the atmosphere to begin expediting the conversion of the local biosphere as local fauna and flora are converted and broken down. Animals and mangled corpses settled upon by spores are generally turned into static growths such as [[Flood blister|blisters]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Overall, the presence of spores precedes the production of larger and more mobile infection forms, which in turn go on to produce the main drivers of Flood outbreak.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p404}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} When an outbreak reaches the later phases of the [[Coordinated Stage]], the bodies of those killed in action against the Flood are turned into massive spore towers, or "[[spore mountain]]s",{{Ref/Novel|Id=Sil|HSil|Chapter=String 26}} at the heart of the established [[Blightlands]] - which themselves begin to pump more spores into the planet's atmosphere as the Flood solidifies its victory over a given world.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p404}} Spores may be weaponised by the establishment of Flood structures such as [[Flood launcher|launchers]], which intentionally launch clouds of spores targted at enemy forces with the aim of forcing them to succumb to infection.{{Ref/Game|HW|[[Flood launcher]] in-game unit}} [[Flood dispersal pod]]s may also be used as a vector to launch spore packets onto a target world,{{Ref/Reuse|Sil}}{{Ref/Level|H3|Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo}} especially from an infected starship in orbit - though such pods may also be generated in ground-based hives and fired with a discharge of built-up gases.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Naturally-occurring meteors and comets may also be repurposed by the Flood as carriers for spore deposits - aided by the spores' natural longevity.{{Ref/Anthology|HFra|Defender of the Storm}}


== Trivia ==
Once a [[Flood outbreak]] is underway, spores are naturally produced as a byproduct of the infection of other hosts. Combat forms and [[Flood pure form|pure forms]] alike gestate spores within their bodies, which are released when the Flood form is attacked or killed.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p408|Enc22|Page=408-409}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p411|Enc22|Page=411}} The [[Gravemind]] itself produces billions of spores from its own body,{{Ref/Book|Enc11|Page=169}} though seems to be able to control their effect and grant selective immunity to potentially useful allies - such as in the case of [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee, who was captured by the Gravemind and exposed to spore contact without an environment suit though was seemingly unaffected by the changes.{{Ref/Level|H2|Gravemind (level)|Gravemind}}
*Flood spores can be seen in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'' on levels where there is extensive Flood infection, such as the [[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]] and [[Cortana (level)|Cortana]].
*In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', there is a configuration of the Flood spores that are referred to as "spore clouds", and they only appear after a [[Flood growth pod]] has been destroyed, or a [[Flood launcher]] fires flood biomass at opposing forces. Infantry that have been attacked by these spore clouds will be transformed into Flood combat forms, which renders the Flood launchers a formidable threat to attacking infantry. Whether or not this is an actual function of the spores or if it is simply an artifact of gameplay, such as the non-canonical presence of shields in Red Team's MJOLNIR armor, is unknown.
*In ''[[Halo 4]]'''s [[Flood (gametype)|Flood mode]], the infected Spartan IVs appear to be infected via spores, as they lack the infection form's tendrils, and the method of infection is direct contact with a combat form.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:H3 Flood Spore.jpg|Flood spore in ''Halo 3''.
File:H2 - Flood Spores.png|A Flood spore inside [[High Charity]] in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H2 Flood Spore.jpg|Flood spore in ''Halo 2''.
File:H3 Flood Spore.jpg|A Flood spore in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H2 - Flood Spore.png|Flood spores aboard High Charity.
File:H2A FloodSpore CutsceneRender.jpg|A render of the Flood spore model developed by [[Blur Studio]] for the cutscenes of ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A Render FloodSpore.png|A cutout of the untextured render.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 36: Line 47:
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Silentium]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Defender of the Storm]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite: Memory Agent]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''


==References==
==Sources==
{{reflist}}
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Flood}}
{{Flood}}
[[Category:The Flood]]
[[Category:Flood]]

Latest revision as of 09:49, March 22, 2024

Flood spore
A screenshot of a Flood spore inside High Charity during the final cutscene.
Biological overview

Classification:

Infection form[1]

Species:

Flood

Physical information

Distinctions:

Small, chitinous floating organisms comprised of Flood Super Cells[2]

 

"One single Flood spore can destroy a species."
— Rtas 'Vadum[3]

Spores are the most basic kind of infection form in the life cycle of the Flood.[1]

Overview[edit]

Artwork of a Flood Spore from the OSFM, page 173
Another look at a spore.[4]

Spores serve as the most basic form of Flood encountered in a given outbreak. They are comprised of Flood Super Cells (FSCs) which have encysted themselves to form a chitinous outer layer. This layer protects the cells inside, and allows the spore to float in the air and with the breeze and remain dormant in a given environment for centuries at a time.[2][1] The exterior is additionally covered with bulbous growths and ragged spines, which can be crushed if grabbed.[5] However, the shape of spores can be variable, allowing them to shape their form to accommodate their environment.[1]

Upon contact with a suitable host, the spore becomes active and begins to consume the victim it has become attached to - regardless of it is sapient or not. Unlike their larger pod infector cousins, spores do not immediately convert their host into a combat form, but instead use them to gestate the production of more FSC and spores - turning the host's biomass into a series of egg-like incubators. This process ultimately culminates with the host gestating larger infection forms inside itself, which then burst free and begin to spread the infection far and wide. This process is extremely painful, as the spores intentionally keep their victims alive while their bodies are reshapen into breeding grounds for future stages of Flood infection. Unfortunately, there is no cure once infected by a spore nor a vaccine which can prevent their infection - or any way to reverse the mutations they inflict. To date, the only known countermeasures for them are containment and incineration.[2][1] In some cases, the spore itself may serve as the initial basis for an infection form to grow from.[6]

The creation of Flood spores is a priority for the Flood, especially during the Feral Stage of a given outbreak.[2] Upon the establishment of an outbreak, the Flood begin to emit spores into the atmosphere to begin expediting the conversion of the local biosphere as local fauna and flora are converted and broken down. Animals and mangled corpses settled upon by spores are generally turned into static growths such as blisters.[1] Overall, the presence of spores precedes the production of larger and more mobile infection forms, which in turn go on to produce the main drivers of Flood outbreak.[2][1] When an outbreak reaches the later phases of the Coordinated Stage, the bodies of those killed in action against the Flood are turned into massive spore towers, or "spore mountains",[7] at the heart of the established Blightlands - which themselves begin to pump more spores into the planet's atmosphere as the Flood solidifies its victory over a given world.[2] Spores may be weaponised by the establishment of Flood structures such as launchers, which intentionally launch clouds of spores targted at enemy forces with the aim of forcing them to succumb to infection.[8] Flood dispersal pods may also be used as a vector to launch spore packets onto a target world,[7][9] especially from an infected starship in orbit - though such pods may also be generated in ground-based hives and fired with a discharge of built-up gases.[1] Naturally-occurring meteors and comets may also be repurposed by the Flood as carriers for spore deposits - aided by the spores' natural longevity.[10]

Once a Flood outbreak is underway, spores are naturally produced as a byproduct of the infection of other hosts. Combat forms and pure forms alike gestate spores within their bodies, which are released when the Flood form is attacked or killed.[11][12] The Gravemind itself produces billions of spores from its own body,[13] though seems to be able to control their effect and grant selective immunity to potentially useful allies - such as in the case of Thel 'Vadamee, who was captured by the Gravemind and exposed to spore contact without an environment suit though was seemingly unaffected by the changes.[14]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 406-407
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 404-405
  3. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Floodgate
  4. ^ Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual, page 173
  5. ^ Halo: Shadow of Intent
  6. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 20
  7. ^ a b Halo: Silentium, String 26
  8. ^ Halo Wars, Flood launcher in-game unit
  9. ^ Halo 3, campaign level Halo
  10. ^ Halo: Fractures - Defender of the Storm
  11. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 408-409
  12. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 411
  13. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 169
  14. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Gravemind

v • d • e
 
Known Flood forms
Regular Spore • Pod • Seeder • Tadpole • Dispersal pod
Growths Stalk • Blister
Other Flood Super Cell (FSC)
Infected
Structures
Hives Hive • Den • Nest • Colony • Spore Mound • Cocooned base • Blightlands
Defensive Launcher • Root
Other Porta • Vent
Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/index.php?title=Flood_spore&oldid=1623517"