Canon

Gravity hammer (fiction): Difference between revisions

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{{Melee Weapons}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Weapon
[[File:HW Thrallslayer 2.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Avitus]] wielding his Akelas Workshop gravity hammer.]]
| image=[[Image:TataurusHammer4.jpg|250px]]
{{Article quote|The Gravity Hammer is a Brute melee weapon that combines a bladed war hammer with repurposed gravitic impellers integrated onto the striking face. These impellers give the weapon its namesake, and each smash produces a devastating area-of-effect pulse.{{Ref/Game|Id=forge|HINF|[[Forge]] - Gravity Hammer description|Quote=The Gravity Hammer is a Brute melee weapon that combines a bladed war hammer with repurposed gravitic impellers integrated onto the striking face. These impellers give the weapon its namesake, and each smash produces a devastating area-of-effect pulse.}}}}
| name=Gravity Hammer
'''Gravity hammers''' are a class of two-handed melee weapons developed by the [[Covenant]] and inherited by [[Covenant remnants|its splinter factions]]. To their users, the [[Jiralhanae]], they are formally designated as '''war hammers'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p307|Enc22|Page=307}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22p484|Enc22|Page=484}} The [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] has typically [[Type classification system|type-classified]] encountered gravity hammer variants under the designation of the '''Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer''' ('''T-2 EW/H''').{{Ref/Site|Id=bnet|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=ordnance&cid=25447|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo: Reach Ordnance Page|D=21|M=2|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint11|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/gravity-hammer/b07cc7d2-5a48-4d74-bfca-cacc34677754|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Gravity Hammer|D=14|M=03|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo_Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#Gravity Hammer}} Nicknames for the gravity hammer include the '''Hammer''' and the '''Club'''.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc11|Enc11|Page=348}}
| manufacturer=
 
| model=
==Overview==
| type=Melee Weapon
[[File:HW2-Gravhammerimpact.png|thumb|350px|A Jiralhanae use his gravity hammer's impact to generate a pulse to repel the [[Flood]] during the [[Outbreak on Installation 00]].]]
| cost=
===Design details===
| size=2.682m
{{Quote|One hit from that hammer and you ended up a puddle of bones and blood.|Private Aaron Landvik{{Ref/Game|HSA|[[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|Pre-mission quotes]]}}}}
| damage per hit=Large
A gravity hammer typically consists of a two-meter long haft,{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} a hammerhead, and a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse side of the head.{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|Page=82}} A counterweight is attached to the bottom end of the haft.{{Ref/Book|Id=h4evg|H4EVG|Page=93}} A short-range, shock-field-generating gravitational energy drive is integrated inside the head of the hammer,{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}}{{Ref/Site|Id=h4guide|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/halo4guide|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Covenant Weapons|D=27|M=03|Y=2014|LocalArchive=Halo 4 Interactive Guide#Covenant Weapons}} while the head's striking face is lined with repurposed Covenant gravitic impellers,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} which release a concussive force upon impact.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}} Together, the devices allows the wielder to briefly displaces local gravity at the point of the hammer's impact with impressive knockback,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}{{Ref/Site|Id=stormsurge|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-storm-surge|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 5: Guardians - Hammer Storm - Gravity hammer|D=22|M=9|Y=2021}} while producing an area-of-effect kinetic pulse (of approximately 4.5 meters).{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}} The gravitational energy drive's effects allows the user to displace objects of greater weight or power than what a normal blow might do.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} The gravity drive can also manipulate localized energy fields,{{Ref/Reuse|h4evg}} granting the user the ability to pull a target towards themselves or push the target away.{{Ref/Level|H2|The Oracle}}{{Ref/Level|H2|Quarantine Zone}}{{Ref/Level|H2|The Great Journey}} However, the Jiralhanae's brutal nature, along with the increased damage from the impellers,{{Ref/Reuse|h4guide}} means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} Although [[human]]s first encountered the weapon in [[2526]],{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}} the exact mechanism by which the gravity hammer functions was still under investigation by [[United Nations Space Command]] in [[2552]].{{Ref/Reuse|bnet}}
| magazine=
 
| maxammo=
===History===
| fire=Gravity Explosion?
The gravity hammer evolved from traditional Jiralhanae-bladed war hammers,{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} dating back to the war-totems wielded by war chieftains on [[Doisac]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint15|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/gravity-hammer|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapons - Gravity Hammer|D=16|M=04|Y=2021}} Within the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, in addition to being a powerful weapon, the war hammers serve as the ultimate symbol of [[clan]] leadership,{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} taking on an almost religious significance among the Jiralhanae.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}}
| ammotype=
 
| operation=Two Handed
[[File:H2A - Tartarus with Rukt.jpg|thumb|250px|Tartarus holding the Fist of Rukt, with its modifications by the Covenant.]]
| rate of fire=
Following the Jiralhanae's absorption into the Covenant hegemony in [[2492]],{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} the war hammers were modified with [[Forerunner]] technology reverse-engineered by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}{{Ref/Reuse|stormsurge}} The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the [[Fist of Rukt]], an ancestral war hammer of [[Maccabeus' clan]] which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after [[Tartarus]] was appointed the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] in the Covenant.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/fist-of-rukt|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe - Weapons - Fist of Rukt|D=18|M=09|Y=2021}} After Tartarus was  granted the Fist of Rukt, many minor chieftains commissioned similar weapons, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint15}} Over the course of the [[Human-Covenant War]], a variety of hammer variants were produced in workshops and war forges, sporting performance upgrades and individual stylistic tweaks.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}} The gravity hammers inherited the war hammers' totemistic and ceremonial significance,{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} with wielders being expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.{{Ref/Novel|CH|Chapter=15|Quote=This was the ''Fist of Rukt'', an ancient weapon passed down from one Chieftain to the next for generations of Maccabeus'clan. It deserved greater care.}} Furthermore, some hammer have been aesthetically-tailored to the use of specific clans, families, or packs,{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} resulting in numerous variants. During his rise to power within the Covenant, Tartarus used his relationship with the [[San'Shyuum]] to reward loyal lieutenants with similarly-advanced hammers secretly forged within the [[Sacred Promissory]].{{Ref/Site|Id=closequarters|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-close-quarters|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Close Quarters|D=17|M=10|Y=2021}}
| accuracy=
 
| range=Close
In [[2552]], only a few months before the [[Great Schism]] and the [[Fall of High Charity|fall]] of ''[[High Charity]]'', the Sacred Promissory began producing gravity hammers en masse,{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} likely as a part of the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s order to expand the Sacred Promissory's scope to the production of all Jiralhanae matériel for the impending purge of the [[Sangheili]].{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=128}} Following the dissolution of the Covenant, the [[Banished]] seized the design templates for nearly all Covenant gravity hammer variants. The Banished contracted war-forges to reproduce and modify existing designs or create new variants, with the number of variants being employed reaching upwards of 50.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}
| era=
 
| counterpart=
===Usage===
| counterwep=
{{Quote|no=three
| affiliation=[[Covenant]]
|1=Avery Johnson
}}The '''Gravity Hammer''' is melee weapon of the [[Brute]] [[Chieftain]]s  At 2.682m<ref>[[:Image:CovenantWeaponChart.gif|Covenant Weapon Chart]]</ref> it not only serves as an excellent melee weapon, but can alter gravity to move objects and living beings around.
|q1=[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Heavy pistols]], and a hammer.
|2=Ponder
|q2=Say again?
|3=Avery Johnson
|q3=A giant hammer, sir. On [[Maccabeus|their leader]].
|4=[[Avery Johnson]] describing [[Maccabeus]] with the Fist of Rukt, to [[Ponder]]{{Ref/Novel|CH|Page=245}}}}
The gravity hammer serves dual purposes as a weapon as well as a defining ceremonial vestige of clan leadership, and is thus typically wielded by a chieftain or other high-ranking members.{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint11}} Within the Covenant, the gravity hammers were commonly wielded by Chieftains.{{Ref/Game|H3|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|H3ODST|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Game|HR|Gameplay}} Atriox, being a Bloodstar in the Covenant and no implication that he was a Chieftain, is seen using a gravity hammer implying that Jiralhanae Bloodstars in the Covenant were allowed Gravity Hammers.{{Ref/Level|HW2|A New Enemy}}{{Ref/Comic|Id=RoA1|RoA|Issue=1}} Within the Banished, the gravity hammer was a much more common sight,{{Ref/Level|HW2|The Signal}}{{Ref/Level|HW2|What Could Go Wrong?}} notably being used by [[Jiralhanae Warlord]]s and [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s.{{Ref/Game|HW2|Gameplay}} The variants with most widespread use among the Banished includes the [[Sepulo'tez Workshop gravity hammer|Sepulo'tez]], Halbashi, and [[Akelas Workshop gravity hammer|Akelas]] variants.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}
 
==Variants==
During the Jiralhanae's alliance within the Covenant, numerous designs of gravity hammers were developed.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
*'''Akelas Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant used by the Covenant and the Banished, with a notable wielder being [[Chieftain]] [[Avitus]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}}
*'''[[Akelus Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]s in the Covenant during the [[Battle for Earth]] and the [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
*'''Eektah-fel siphon hammer''': A variant used by some Banished Jiralhanae Warlords.{{Ref/Game|Id=PLH|HW2|[[Phoenix Logs#Banished Units|Phoenix Logs - Warlord]]}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s)|D=23|M=1|Y=2021}}
**'''[[Voridus]]' infused hammer''': A variant which leaves pools of [[infusion gel]] on impact. Only wielded by [[Voridus]].{{Ref/Game|HW2|Voridus in-game unit}}{{Ref/Game|HW2|[[Phoenix Logs#Hero|Phoenix Logs - Voridus]]|Quote=Though he takes to the field with a standard gravity hammer, once he acquires enough resources he replaces it with an Infused Hammer, which creates energy pools with each strike and synergizes with his armor.}}
*'''Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer''': A variant of the gravity hammer used by the [[Banished]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Game|Id=HINF|HI|Gameplay}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
**'''[[Rushdown Hammer]]''': A variant that has been painted white. It contains an upgraded gravetic core that increases its effective range; its made of composite materials that allow users to be more mobile.{{Ref/Reuse|forge}} One notable wielder being [[En'Geddon]] during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].{{Ref/Reuse|HINF}}
*'''[[Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by the Jiralhanae in the Covenant during the [[Fall of Reach]],{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p484}} then Banished [[Jiralhanae Warlord]]s and [[Jiralhanae Jumper]]s during the [[Second Ark Conflict]].{{Ref/Game|HW2|In-game model}} Models recovered from the field were used by [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] in [[War Games]] simulations.{{Ref/Reuse|h4guide}}{{Ref/Game|H4|Gameplay}}
*'''[[Sepulo'tez Workshop gravity hammer]]''': A variant used by the Banished, but also by Spartan-IVs in War Games simulations.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22p307}}
**'''[[Corpsemaker]]''': An improved variant with faster swing time and additional energy capacity, made from the finest materials its creator could coerce or steal from raider lairs on [[Warial]] and [[Teash]].{{Ref/Site|Id=nofake|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-no-joke|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - No Joke|D=13|M=11|Y=2020}}
**'''[[Grinder]]''': An improved variant with uncalibrated impellors that generate an unstable gravimetric vortex EMP at the point of impact.{{Ref/Reuse|nofake}}
**'''[[Tartarus' Gavel]]''': One of the many advanced variants secretly forged from the Sacred Promissory, with its creation tracing back to Tartarus, who used his relationship with the Prophets during his ascent to power within the Covenant to reward loyal lieutenants with advanced weaponry.{{Ref/Reuse|nofake}}
<gallery class=center>
File:Enc22-AkelasGravityHammer.png|Akelas Workshop gravity hammer.
File:H3-GravityHammer.png|[[Akelus Workshop gravity hammer]].
File:HW2 Siphon Hammer custom render.png|Eektah-fel siphon hammer.
File:HW2 Infused Hammer custom render.png|Voridus' unique infused hammer.
File:HINF GravityHammer Crop.png|Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer.
File:HINF GravityHammer Rushdown Crop.png|Rushdown Hammer.
File:H4-GravityHammer.png|[[Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer]].
File:H5 Gravity Hammer.png|[[Sepulo'tez Workshop gravity hammer]].
File:H5G-Corpsemaker render.png|[[Corpsemaker]].
File:H5G-Grinder render.png|[[Grinder]].
File:H5G-Tartarus Gavel render.png|[[Tartarus' Gavel]].
</gallery>
 
== In-game information==
{{Linkbox|gameplay=yes}}
{{Main|Gravity hammer}}
The gravity hammers were introduced into the ''Halo'' [[first-person shooter]] games with the debut of the [[Fist of Rukt]] in [[2004]]'s ''[[Halo 2]]'', albeit unusable by players. Gravity hammers were then made usable by players in ''[[Halo 3]]'' as a second melee weapon after the [[energy sword]], and has become a mainstay weapon in series ever since. The gravity hammer is a powerful melee weapon that can kill multiple foes in one swing, and can even be effectively used against vehicles. They are [[power weapon]]s which appear on some multiplayer maps.
<!--
=== Advantages ===
The gravity hammer is a very powerful weapon, useful in close quarters combat. With a bit of skill, they can even be effectively used against vehicles, usually offering an instant kill. The hammer has a splash damage effect, and a well-placed hit could kill multiple foes in one swing. In some aspects, it is more powerful than the energy sword - a kill against a Covenant enemy or an opponent in multiplayer uses 10% of the energy sword's battery, whereas the gravity hammer only uses 8.33%. When timed perfectly, the gravity hammer can even be used to deflect certain objects, such as rockets and even grenades. In campaign or firefight, 5% of the hammer's battery is used per swing.
 
=== Disadvantages ===
* The gravity hammer is huge and visible, so when wielding it as a primary or secondary weapon, you risk making yourself a prime target for snipers.
* If you swing the hammer too slowly or out of range, it will push your opponent back, making it harder for you to finish him off and easier for him to counter your attack.
* The glowing blue vents at the top of the weapon are still visible when a player has [[active camouflage]].
* The large area of effect of the weapon means that using it in tight quarters with friendly players is highly inadvisable.
* An enemy wielding a shotgun can easily take down a player with the gravity hammer before he has time to swing.
* While the gravity hammer takes only 5% energy for a swing—compared with the sword's 10% depletion, the sword only expends energy when it hits, the hammer wastes with every swing, regardless of if it hits or not.
* If the gravity hammer is being used as a player's secondary weapon, you cannot swing momentarily as it is wielded. The character must have rested his right hand on the handle before a swing can be attempted. This is similar to the energy sword having to ignite before a lunge is possible and might have been added due to balancing issues.
 
=== ''Halo Wars'' ===
In  multiplayer and skirmish mode in ''Halo Wars'', the [[Avitus|Brute chieftain]] is armed with a gravity hammer. It features very powerful vortex ability that can rip objects apart and suck them in. When the vortex grabs units such as [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], they will be battered by the shrapnel in the vortex and by their fellow squad members, in addition to being hurled violently. When the vortex leader power is put to a halt, either by the player's choosing or by enemy forces, an explosion will send everything in the vortex outward. Upgrades to the hammer include adding a stun, pulling enemies toward him, and increasing range and damage.
 
=== ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' and ''Halo: Spartan Strike'' ===
Each smash from a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute chieftain]]'s gravity hammers can send a medium-range shockwave forward. The shockwaves are powerful enough to disable shields, making the player vulnerable to damage. Unlike the FPS games, the gravity hammer does not give a knockback effect when it hits an opponent.
 
=== ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
In Campaign and Skirmish, Jump pack Brutes are armed with Gravity Hammers. Jiralhanae Warlords are armed with Gravity Hammers as their primary weapon. The weapon is quite effective at dealing with Pod Infectors; however, its best use is against structures.
 
== Gameplay changes ==
=== Changes from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' to ''Halo: Reach'' ===
* The lights on the head of the hammer are orange instead of blue.
* The head of the hammer is larger.
* The overall length of the hammer is somewhat shorter.
* The weapon now has a red decorative symbol on the head.
* The shaft's hand guard has been removed.
* The blast range isn't as wide. This is most noticeable in Grifball.
 
=== Changes from ''Halo: Reach'' to ''Halo 4'' ===
* Knock-back from the weapon is dramatically increased. A hit from this can send you flying; however, this can be used to the would-be victim's advantage to escape from the wielder.
* The sound of the hammer has changed.
* The blast radius has been increased.
* Aiming reticle is now vertical instead of diagonal.


=== Changes from ''Halo 4'' to ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===
* Like all other weapons in ''Halo 5: Guardians'', the gravity hammer can now be smart-scoped, increasing lunge range noticeably. This expands the head of the hammer slightly.
* Base lunge range decreased slightly.
* Uses a new diagonal reticle based on the one seen in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach''.
* Decreased ragdoll effects applied to objects hit by the hammer.
* Custom animations for ground pounds, Spartan charges, and assassinations.


==Fist of Rukt==
=== Changes from ''Halo Wars'' to ''Halo Wars 2'' ===
[[Tartarus]]'s battle hammer is named the ''Fist of Rukt''. It is unknown what "Rukt" actually is or was. Presumably it is named after some entity, possibly the first to possess the hammer.  It also translates to "blood" in Sanskrit and Hindi.
* New varieties of Gravity Hammer are introduced.
* Jump pack Brutes now can wield Gravity Hammer.
* The Gravity Hammer is very effective against buildings, performs okay against infantry and vehicles, and cannot attack air units.
* A special animation is featured when a Gravity Hammer wielder defeats a UNSC Marine or Spartan in a melee fight.
=== Changes from ''Halo 5: Guardians'' to ''Halo Infinite'' ===
* The Gravity Hammer no longer has the ability to Smart Scope.
* Swings from the Gravity Hammer depletes 10% of its battery as opposed to 5%.
* Swings from the Gravity Hammer are slower, but it produces a powerful blast in close proximity.
* Power ammunition crates and Gravity Hammers in the battlefield refill its battery without the need to pick up a fresh one.
-->
== Trivia ==
* The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist [[Grifball]], in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
* In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach'', there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "[[7 wood]]". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
* In ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians'', if the player is hit with a gravity hammer but does not die, the player will hear an ear ringing sound effect usually heard when they are hit with explosives in the campaign.


==In "Starry Night"==
== Gallery ==
{{Main|Starry Night}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Gravity hammers}}
[[Image:Tartarushammer.PNG|209px|right]]
=== Concept art and illustrations ===
In the "Starry Night" TV spot released on December 4, 2006, one of the [[Brute|Brutes]] that the [[Master Chief]] attacks is carrying a hammer. However, this is probably not the Fist of Rukt, and it remains to be seen whether or not it is even a gravity hammer; it is most likely a captain's or chieftain's hammer, a very honorable thing to carry in Brute culture--though the Fist of Rukt is most definitely a higher status symbol.
<gallery>
File:Schism 2.png|A [[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[The Return]]''.
File:Escalation schism.png|A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:HLC The Great Schism.jpg|Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt from ''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''.
File:HW2 HammerBruteConcept.jpg|''Halo Wars 2'' concept art of a Jiralhanae with the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer.
File:HW2 Blitz Boundless fury.jpg|Blitz card art of a Jiralhanae Warlords with Paegaas Workshop gravity hammers in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2-BlitzJiralhanaeWarlord.jpg|Blitz card art of a Warlord with an Eektah-fel siphon hammer in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 Warlord Hammer.jpg|A close-up view of the Eektah-fel siphon hammer in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 Infused Hammer.jpg|A close-up view of Voridus' infused hammer in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HINF JohnVsBruteConcept.jpg|''[[Halo Infinite]]'' concept art of a Jiralhanae swinging a gravity hammer at [[John-117]].
File:HINF BrutesVsSoldiersConcept.jpg|''Halo Infinite'' concept art of a Jiralhanae fighting [[Armiger Soldier]]s with the gravity hammer.
</gallery>
=== Screenshots ===
<gallery>
File:H3 Raging Brute chieftain.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 CethegusSmash.png|[[Cethegus]] with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3ODST War Chieftain with Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]] wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
File:HW Thrallslayer.jpg|[[Avitus]] holding an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HTMCC-HR ChieftainChargingTroopers.png|A chieftain with a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer charging at two [[UNSC Army]] troopers in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo-Reach-Defiant-11.jpg|A chieftain prepares to swing down a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:H4_Prologue_HammerStrike.png|A gravity hammer's impact sends dust and rubble flying in ''[[Halo 4]]''{{'}}s [[Prologue]].
File:H4 Gravity Hammer.jpg|A [[Spartan-IV]] wielding the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo 4''.
File:Gravity Hammer - Basic.jpg|The Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:JiralhanaeChieftain SpartanAssault.png|A Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at [[Edward Davis|Spartan Davis]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
File:H2A - Fist of Rukt on Arbiter.jpg|The Fist of Rukt generating a pulse to push Thel 'Vadam away in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H5G-Gen1Operator.jpg|A close-up view of the gravity impellers on the hammer in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HW2-AkelasHammerWrestle.png|A [[Flood gaunt form]] pulling on an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer away from a Jiralhanae in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2_Gravity_Hammer_Heroes.png|Eektah-fel variants wielded by Banished Warlords in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HINF Horatius.jpg|Chieftain Horatius with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-Hammercutscene.png|John-117 holding a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in ''Halo Infinite''.
File:Fortnite-GravityHammer.jpg|John-117 running with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in ''Fortnite''.
</gallery>


==In "Et Tu Brute"==
== List of appearances ==
{{Main|Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?}}[[Image:Halo-3-Brute.jpg|thumb|200px]]In the ViDoc "Et Tu Brute" released December 20, 2006, there were a few animations of Brutes using Hammers, and Brutes in gameplay that were wielding Hammers.  It is still unknown whether it is a gravity hammer that they are using, but the Hammers do make similar blue explosions, much like [[Plasma Grenade]] explosions, that the Fist of Rukt made during the battle with Tartarus.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Starry Night]]''
*''[[Believe]]''
**''[[Diorama]]''
*''[[Halo: Landfall]]''
**''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''
*''[[Halo Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**''[[Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss]]''
**''[[The Return]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[On the Brink]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Become]]''
**''[[Carry On]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
**''[[Sacrifice]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''
{{Col-end}}


==References==
== Sources ==
<div class="references-small"><references/></div>
{{Ref/Sources}}


{{Template:Brutes}}
{{Covenant sidearms}}
{{Melee Weapons}}


[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Covenant infantry weapons]]
[[Category:Jiralhanae weapons]]

Revision as of 16:12, February 5, 2024

Keyart for the Jiralhanae Chieftain, Avitus.
Avitus wielding his Akelas Workshop gravity hammer.
“ The Gravity Hammer is a Brute melee weapon that combines a bladed war hammer with repurposed gravitic impellers integrated onto the striking face. These impellers give the weapon its namesake, and each smash produces a devastating area-of-effect pulse.[1] ”

Gravity hammers are a class of two-handed melee weapons developed by the Covenant and inherited by its splinter factions. To their users, the Jiralhanae, they are formally designated as war hammers.[2][3] The Office of Naval Intelligence has typically type-classified encountered gravity hammer variants under the designation of the Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer (T-2 EW/H).[4][5] Nicknames for the gravity hammer include the Hammer and the Club.[6]

Overview

A Jiralhanae use his gravity hammer's impact to generate a pulse to repel the Flood during the Outbreak on Installation 00.

Design details

"One hit from that hammer and you ended up a puddle of bones and blood."
— Private Aaron Landvik[7]

A gravity hammer typically consists of a two-meter long haft,[5] a hammerhead, and a tungsten-alloy blade on the reverse side of the head.[4][8] A counterweight is attached to the bottom end of the haft.[9] A short-range, shock-field-generating gravitational energy drive is integrated inside the head of the hammer,[6][10] while the head's striking face is lined with repurposed Covenant gravitic impellers,[2] which release a concussive force upon impact.[3] Together, the devices allows the wielder to briefly displaces local gravity at the point of the hammer's impact with impressive knockback,[2][11] while producing an area-of-effect kinetic pulse (of approximately 4.5 meters).[4] The gravitational energy drive's effects allows the user to displace objects of greater weight or power than what a normal blow might do.[6] The gravity drive can also manipulate localized energy fields,[9] granting the user the ability to pull a target towards themselves or push the target away.[12][13][14] However, the Jiralhanae's brutal nature, along with the increased damage from the impellers,[10] means that they often prefer to use the weapon in melee combat.[5] Although humans first encountered the weapon in 2526,[15] the exact mechanism by which the gravity hammer functions was still under investigation by United Nations Space Command in 2552.[4]

History

The gravity hammer evolved from traditional Jiralhanae-bladed war hammers,[2] dating back to the war-totems wielded by war chieftains on Doisac.[3][15] Within the Jiralhanae's barbaric culture, in addition to being a powerful weapon, the war hammers serve as the ultimate symbol of clan leadership,[8][5] taking on an almost religious significance among the Jiralhanae.[6] The ceremonial hammer of a pack or a clan is only passed to another Jiralhanae if he can best his chieftain in ceremonial combat; the mantle of leadership passes along with the weapon.[5]

Tartarus holding the Fist of Rukt, with its modifications by the Covenant.

Following the Jiralhanae's absorption into the Covenant hegemony in 2492,[5] the war hammers were modified with Forerunner technology reverse-engineered by the Covenant.[2][3][11] The first gravity hammer and the template for the standardized weapons of this type was the Fist of Rukt, an ancestral war hammer of Maccabeus' clan which was upgraded with Covenant gravity technology after Tartarus was appointed the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae in the Covenant.[16] After Tartarus was granted the Fist of Rukt, many minor chieftains commissioned similar weapons, with components of the ancestral hammers incorporated when possible.[15] Over the course of the Human-Covenant War, a variety of hammer variants were produced in workshops and war forges, sporting performance upgrades and individual stylistic tweaks.[2] The gravity hammers inherited the war hammers' totemistic and ceremonial significance,[8] with wielders being expected to treat their gravity hammer with great care.[17] Furthermore, some hammer have been aesthetically-tailored to the use of specific clans, families, or packs,[5] resulting in numerous variants. During his rise to power within the Covenant, Tartarus used his relationship with the San'Shyuum to reward loyal lieutenants with similarly-advanced hammers secretly forged within the Sacred Promissory.[18]

In 2552, only a few months before the Great Schism and the fall of High Charity, the Sacred Promissory began producing gravity hammers en masse,[8] likely as a part of the Prophet of Truth's order to expand the Sacred Promissory's scope to the production of all Jiralhanae matériel for the impending purge of the Sangheili.[19] Following the dissolution of the Covenant, the Banished seized the design templates for nearly all Covenant gravity hammer variants. The Banished contracted war-forges to reproduce and modify existing designs or create new variants, with the number of variants being employed reaching upwards of 50.[3]

Usage

Avery Johnson: "Heavy pistols, and a hammer."
Ponder: "Say again?"
Avery Johnson: "A giant hammer, sir. On their leader."
— Avery Johnson describing Maccabeus with the Fist of Rukt, to Ponder[20]

The gravity hammer serves dual purposes as a weapon as well as a defining ceremonial vestige of clan leadership, and is thus typically wielded by a chieftain or other high-ranking members.[5] Within the Covenant, the gravity hammers were commonly wielded by Chieftains.[21][22][23] Atriox, being a Bloodstar in the Covenant and no implication that he was a Chieftain, is seen using a gravity hammer implying that Jiralhanae Bloodstars in the Covenant were allowed Gravity Hammers.[24][25] Within the Banished, the gravity hammer was a much more common sight,[26][27] notably being used by Jiralhanae Warlords and Jiralhanae Jumpers.[28] The variants with most widespread use among the Banished includes the Sepulo'tez, Halbashi, and Akelas variants.[3]

Variants

During the Jiralhanae's alliance within the Covenant, numerous designs of gravity hammers were developed.[2]

In-game information

Main-Legendary.png See our gameplay information related to Gravity hammer (fiction) on its gameplay page.
Main article: Gravity hammer

The gravity hammers were introduced into the Halo first-person shooter games with the debut of the Fist of Rukt in 2004's Halo 2, albeit unusable by players. Gravity hammers were then made usable by players in Halo 3 as a second melee weapon after the energy sword, and has become a mainstay weapon in series ever since. The gravity hammer is a powerful melee weapon that can kill multiple foes in one swing, and can even be effectively used against vehicles. They are power weapons which appear on some multiplayer maps.

Trivia

  • The gravity hammer is used in the popular playlist Grifball, in which the players have no shields and must somehow take their bomb and get it to the other team's base. The hammer is often used to create enough force to propel the bomb-carrying player over the heads of their opponents and into the goal.
  • In Halo 3 and Halo: Reach, there is a remodeled version of the gravity hammer called "7 wood". The 7 wood performs exactly the same gameplay wise, except it is modeled to look like a giant golf club and features a different reticule.
  • In Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians, if the player is hit with a gravity hammer but does not die, the player will hear an ear ringing sound effect usually heard when they are hit with explosives in the campaign.

Gallery

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Concept art and illustrations

  • A Jiralhanae Captain Major with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in The Return.

    A Jiralhanae Captain Major with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in The Return.

  • A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in Halo: Escalation.

    A Jiralhanae Captain Major with a gravity hammer in Halo: Escalation.

  • Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt from Halo Legendary Crate.

    Tartarus with the Fist of Rukt from Halo Legendary Crate.

  • Halo Wars 2 concept art of a Jiralhanae with the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer.

    Halo Wars 2 concept art of a Jiralhanae with the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer.

  • Blitz card art of a Jiralhanae Warlords with Paegaas Workshop gravity hammers in Halo Wars 2.

    Blitz card art of a Jiralhanae Warlords with Paegaas Workshop gravity hammers in Halo Wars 2.

  • Blitz card art of a Warlord with an Eektah-fel siphon hammer in Halo Wars 2.

    Blitz card art of a Warlord with an Eektah-fel siphon hammer in Halo Wars 2.

  • A close-up view of the Eektah-fel siphon hammer in Halo Wars 2.

    A close-up view of the Eektah-fel siphon hammer in Halo Wars 2.

  • A close-up view of Voridus' infused hammer in Halo Wars 2.

    A close-up view of Voridus' infused hammer in Halo Wars 2.

  • Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae swinging a gravity hammer at John-117.

    Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae swinging a gravity hammer at John-117.

  • Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae fighting Armiger Soldiers with the gravity hammer.

    Halo Infinite concept art of a Jiralhanae fighting Armiger Soldiers with the gravity hammer.

Screenshots

  • A chieftain wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3.

    A chieftain wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3.

  • Cethegus with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3.

    Cethegus with an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3.

  • A War Chieftain wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3: ODST.

    A War Chieftain wielding an Akelus Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 3: ODST.

  • Avitus holding an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Wars.

    Avitus holding an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Wars.

  • A chieftain with a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer charging at two UNSC Army troopers in Halo: Reach.

    A chieftain with a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer charging at two UNSC Army troopers in Halo: Reach.

  • A chieftain prepares to swing down a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo: Reach.

    A chieftain prepares to swing down a Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo: Reach.

  • A gravity hammer's impact sends dust and rubble flying in Halo 4's Prologue.

    A gravity hammer's impact sends dust and rubble flying in Halo 4's Prologue.

  • A Spartan-IV wielding the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 4.

    A Spartan-IV wielding the Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo 4.

  • The Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Online.

    The Paegaas Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Online.

  • A Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at Spartan Davis in Halo: Spartan Assault.

    A Chieftain swinging a gravity hammer at Spartan Davis in Halo: Spartan Assault.

  • The Fist of Rukt generating a pulse to push Thel 'Vadam away in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    The Fist of Rukt generating a pulse to push Thel 'Vadam away in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • A close-up view of the gravity impellers on the hammer in Halo 5: Guardians.

    A close-up view of the gravity impellers on the hammer in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A Flood gaunt form pulling on an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer away from a Jiralhanae in Halo Wars 2.

    A Flood gaunt form pulling on an Akelas Workshop gravity hammer away from a Jiralhanae in Halo Wars 2.

  • Eektah-fel variants wielded by Banished Warlords in Halo Wars 2.

    Eektah-fel variants wielded by Banished Warlords in Halo Wars 2.

  • Chieftain Horatius with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

    Chieftain Horatius with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

  • John-117 holding a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

    John-117 holding a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Halo Infinite.

  • John-117 running with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Fortnite.

    John-117 running with a Halbashi Workshop gravity hammer in Fortnite.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo Infinite, Forge - Gravity Hammer description: "The Gravity Hammer is a Brute melee weapon that combines a bladed war hammer with repurposed gravitic impellers integrated onto the striking face. These impellers give the weapon its namesake, and each smash produces a devastating area-of-effect pulse."
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 307
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 484
  4. ^ a b c d Bungie.net, Halo: Reach Ordnance Page (Retrieved on Feb 21, 2021) [archive]
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Waypoint, Gravity Hammer (Retrieved on Mar 14, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  6. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 348
  7. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Pre-mission quotes
  8. ^ a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 82
  9. ^ a b Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 93
  10. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Covenant Weapons (Retrieved on Mar 27, 2014) [local archive] [external archive]
  11. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Halo 5: Guardians - Hammer Storm - Gravity hammer (Retrieved on Sep 22, 2021) [archive]
  12. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  13. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Quarantine Zone
  14. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Great Journey
  15. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - Gravity Hammer (Retrieved on Apr 16, 2021) [archive]
  16. ^ Halo Waypoint, Universe - Weapons - Fist of Rukt (Retrieved on Sep 18, 2021) [archive]
  17. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 15: "This was the Fist of Rukt, an ancient weapon passed down from one Chieftain to the next for generations of Maccabeus'clan. It deserved greater care."
  18. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Close Quarters (Retrieved on Oct 17, 2021) [archive]
  19. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 128
  20. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 245
  21. ^ Halo 3, Gameplay
  22. ^ Halo 3: ODST, Gameplay
  23. ^ Halo: Reach, Gameplay
  24. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level A New Enemy
  25. ^ Halo: Rise of Atriox, issue 1
  26. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level The Signal
  27. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level What Could Go Wrong?
  28. ^ Halo Wars 2, Gameplay
  29. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Warlord
  30. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - The Art of War(s) (Retrieved on Jan 23, 2021) [archive]
  31. ^ Halo Wars 2, Voridus in-game unit
  32. ^ Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Logs - Voridus: "Though he takes to the field with a standard gravity hammer, once he acquires enough resources he replaces it with an Infused Hammer, which creates energy pools with each strike and synergizes with his armor."
  33. ^ a b Halo Infinite, Gameplay
  34. ^ Halo Wars 2, In-game model
  35. ^ Halo 4, Gameplay
  36. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - No Joke (Retrieved on Nov 13, 2020) [archive]

v • d • e
 
Sidearms and melee weapons of the Covenant and its remnants
Sidearms
Energy-based melee weapons

v • d • e
 
List of UNSC, Covenant and Forerunner melee weapons
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