Shard cannon: Difference between revisions

Shard cannon
	; An Enforcer firing its shard cannons.
Production overview
Type:	Heavy needler
Specifications
Ammunition type:	Subanese crystal
Effective range:	150 meters (490 ft)

Latest revision as of 14:36, September 10, 2023

Shard cannons^[3], also known as pulse beams^[2], are a form of heavy needler weaponry used by Forerunner Enforcers.^[1] Among United Nations Space Command personnel, shard cannons have also been given several colloquial nicknames including "Red Death" and "the Reds".^[2]

Overview[edit]

Pulse beam projectiles impacting a surface.

Design details[edit]

The shard canon fires a rapid stream of red Blamite projectiles at a high velocity. These projectiles are very similar in appearance to those of the Needler, but do not share the "supercombining" or homing abilities of Needler rounds. Upon puncturing an enemy, the pulse beam's projectiles "shatter" within a few seconds.^[4] They have an effective range of 150 metres (490 ft)^[2] and gradually lose altitude as they fly, giving Enforcers a decent advantage over the Flood as they can fire from long ranges and heights.^[4]

The weapon's similarities to needle weaponry of Covenant design have lent credence to the theory that the Sangheili may have created their own needler weaponry based on reverse-engineered shard cannons.^[1] It likely shares some overall characteristics with the similar shardstorm launcher and shard projector weapons.

In-game information[edit]

An Enforcer firing its pulse beam weapons on Sacred Icon.

Enforcers generally fire pulse beams at infantry units only, saving the mortar weaponry for vehicle based units. When fired, waves of red projectiles are fired towards the Enforcer's enemies. These are difficult to dodge head-on, but can be easily avoided if there is suitable cover, or if the player keeps up a constant pace to the side. The weapon is used only against infantry, as it would be generally ineffective against most, if not all vehicles, as the driver or pilot is generally well defended or hidden from direct view. Therefore, the Enforcer uses it's mortar-like weapon to combat vehicles.

The weapon can easily defeat weak, unshielded units, such as Grunts, and even Jackals can have trouble using their shield to effectively block the projectiles. When used consistently, the weapon can keep an unshielded or wounded enemy pinned down for a considerable amount of time, and can be very distracting and frustrating when trying to defeat the Enforcer. Therefore, it is usually a preferable tactic to disable the Enforcer's weapons first.

Trivia[edit]

The shard cannon's official name was first given in the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition).^[3] Prior to this, it was commonly known by the name of "pulse beam"; a fan-made term originating from Halopedia and one of several fan misconceptions copied from Halopedia and accidentally canonised in the Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition).^[2]

List of appearances[edit]

Halo 2 (First appearance)
Halo 2: Anniversary

Sources[edit]

^ ^a ^b ^c Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 237
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 353
^ ^a ^b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 327
^ ^a ^b Halo 2, Shard cannon in-game weapon

[Enc11Enforcer-1] Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 237

[Enc11-2] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 353

[Enc22-3] Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 327

[InGame-4] Halo 2, Shard cannon in-game weapon

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Ratings}}
+{{Status|Canon}}
-{{FOF-1}}
+{{Weapon infobox
-{{era|H2}}
+|name=Shard cannon
-{{ArticleName}}
+|image=[[File:Pulse beam 1.png|300px]]<br>An Enforcer firing its shard cannons.
+|manufacturer=
-'''Pulse Beams''' are a form of [[Weaponry]] used and equipped by [[Enforcers]], large machines capable of combating the Flood and other sentient beings. Enforcers were created by the [[Forerunners]].
+|series=
+|type=Heavy [[needler]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11Enforcer}}
+|cost=
+|variant=
+|service=
+|length=
+|width=
+|height=
+|weight=
+|ammotype=[[Subanese crystal]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=353}}
+|capacity=
+|feed=
+|operation=
+|rate=
+|velocity=
+|optics=
+|range={{Convert|150|m|ft|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
+}}
+'''Shard cannons'''{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=327}}, also known as '''pulse beams'''{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}, are a form of heavy [[needler]] weaponry used by [[Forerunner]] [[Enforcer]]s.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11Enforcer|Enc11|Page=237}} Among [[United Nations Space Command]] personnel, shard cannons have also been given several colloquial nicknames including "'''Red Death'''" and "'''the Reds'''".{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
 ==Overview==
-===Use===
+[[File:Pulse beam impact.png|thumb|250px|Pulse beam projectiles impacting a surface.]]
-The Pulse Beam's original purpose was to combat the [[Flood]] by vaporizing the host bodies and Flood forms to prevent [[reanimation]]. Due to the sheer amount of projectiles fired at once, and due to the sharpness of the projectiles, the projectiles easily penetrate flesh and most armor. This weaponry was designed to combat the Flood, so the ability to penetrate a Flood combat form with multiple projectiles is an effective form of combat. Since they have high energy power, they are also useful for combating [[Spartans]] and [[Elites]]. However, like other attached weapons, they can be blown off to render the Enforcer harmless.
+===Design details===
+The shard canon fires a rapid stream of red [[Subanese crystal|Blamite]] projectiles at a high velocity. These projectiles are very similar in appearance to those of the [[Needler]], but do not share the "supercombining" or homing abilities of Needler rounds. Upon puncturing an enemy, the pulse beam's projectiles "shatter" within a few seconds.{{Ref/Game|Id=InGame|H2|Shard cannon in-game weapon}} They have an effective range of 150 metres (490 ft){{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} and gradually lose altitude as they fly, giving Enforcers a decent advantage over the Flood as they can fire from long ranges and heights.{{Ref/Reuse|InGame}}
-The word "beam" is defined as being parallel, projectile-like lines of light or heat. The Pulse Beam fires red projectiles of heated substance into the flesh of a potential threat. The needles cool almost instantly, forming crystal-like needles, and then shatter after penetrating the flesh.  As the Enforcer fires, the weapon makes a pulsating sound, probably caused by firing multiple heated projectiles at a fast pace. This justifies the name of "Pulse Beams" currently given to them, as they are a pulsating beam of sorts.
-===Projectiles===
-The projectiles fired from the weapon are red, rapidly-firing projectiles, similar in appearance to that of the [[Needler]], except with subtle differences, and do not have the homing or explosive abilities that the Needler has. Once the projectiles have made contact with an enemy, they "shatter" in a few seconds, just like [[Needler]] rounds. However, pulse beams do not create the same explosion as Needler rounds do when stuck with [[7]] or more projectiles.
-It can be assumed that the Pulse Beam is a heated weapon, as with all other Forerunner weaponry. This is because heated weapons are the most effective against [[Flood]] forms, as they burn any usable body or Flood form so that the parasite cannot use it.
-Also, as seen in [[Halo 3]], in the end cutscene of [[Floodgate (Level)|Floodgate]], [[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]]'s weapon is shown as being heated, too. This suggests that most, if not all Forerunner weaponry is heated, so it is acceptable to assume Pulse Beams are too, though this is merely an assumption.
-==[[Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide]]==
-On '''page 119''' of the Halo 2 Strategy Guide, the following description of the Enforcer weaponry can be found:
-{{Quote|A Sentinel Major is much more than a simple sentinel upgrade: its capabilities far exceed those of its more common counterpart. It is an impressive device. It can fly, and its mighty claw arms can even grab vehicles - with deadly consequences. It has two built-in weapon systems. The first is a light energy Beam, which is relatively weak. The second is a mortar device that should be avoided at all costs.| Page 119, Halo 2 Strategy Guide.}}
-'''''Note''''': The guide has a typing error. "Sentinel Major" should have been "Sentinel Enforcer". It was incorrectly typed in the Strategy Guide.
-As the description suggests, whilst the weapon can be deadly, it is generally weak if appropriately avoided. Individual projectiles are of little consequence, but the player should avoid being hit by multiple projectiles, as they easily bring down shields. Players should also avoid prolonged exposure to the weapon.
-==Gameplay==
-Enforcers generally fire Pulse Beams at infantry units only, saving the mortar weaponry for vehicle based units. When fired, waves of red projectiles are fired towards the Enforcer's enemies. These are difficult to dodge head-on, but can be easily avoided if there is suitable cover, or if the player keeps up a constant pace to the side. The weapon is used only against infantry, as it would be generally ineffective against most, if not all vehicles, as the driver or pilot is generally well defended or hidden from direct view. Therefore the Enforcer uses it's mortar-like weapon to combat vehicles.
-The weapon can easily defeat weak, unshielded units, such as [[Grunts]], and even [[Jackals]] can have trouble using their shield to effectively block the projectiles. When used consistently, the weapon can keep an unshielded or wounded enemy pinned down for a considerable amount of time, and can be very distracting and frustrating when trying to defeat the Enforcer. Therefore it is usually a preferable tactic to disable the Enforcer's weapons first.
-[[Image:Enforcer01.jpg|right|thumb|200px|An Enforcer.]]
+The weapon's similarities to needle weaponry of [[Covenant]] design have lent credence to the theory that the [[Sangheili]] may have created their own needler weaponry based on reverse-engineered shard cannons.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11Enforcer}} It likely shares some overall characteristics with the similar [[shardstorm launcher]] and [[shard projector]] weapons.
-==Levels Encountered==
+==In-game information==
-''Note'': Enforcers were only featured in Halo 2.
+[[File:Pulse beam 3.png|thumb|250px|An Enforcer firing its pulse beam weapons on ''[[Sacred Icon]]''.]]
+Enforcers generally fire pulse beams at infantry units only, saving the mortar weaponry for vehicle based units. When fired, waves of red projectiles are fired towards the Enforcer's enemies. These are difficult to dodge head-on, but can be easily avoided if there is suitable cover, or if the player keeps up a constant pace to the side. The weapon is used only against infantry, as it would be generally ineffective against most, if not all vehicles, as the driver or pilot is generally well defended or hidden from direct view. Therefore, the Enforcer uses it's mortar-like weapon to combat vehicles.
-*[[Sacred Icon]]
+The weapon can easily defeat weak, unshielded units, such as [[Unggoy|Grunts]], and even [[Kig-yar|Jackals]] can have trouble using their shield to effectively block the projectiles. When used consistently, the weapon can keep an unshielded or wounded enemy pinned down for a considerable amount of time, and can be very distracting and frustrating when trying to defeat the Enforcer. Therefore, it is usually a preferable tactic to disable the Enforcer's weapons first.
-*[[Quarantine Zone]]
 ==Trivia==
-*When fired, a rapid, pulsating beating sound can be heard, though to hear it requires the player to pay close attention during gameplay.
+The shard cannon's official name was first given in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Prior to this, it was commonly known by the name of "pulse beam"; a fan-made term originating from Halopedia and one of several fan misconceptions copied from Halopedia and accidentally canonised in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
-*The Pulse Beams can be destroyed by the player, causing the [[Enforcer]] to rely on its other weapon systems.
-*The Pulse Beam has many other nicknames amongst players, such as '''Enforcer Needler'''.
-*The [[Halo Encyclopedia]] suggests that the Covenant might have reverse-engineered the [[Needler]]s and [[Heavy Needler]]s from Pulse Beams.
-==Related Pages==
+==List of appearances==
-*[[Forerunner]]
+*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
-*[[Enforcer]]
+*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
-*[[Sentinel]]
-*[[Installation 05]]
+==Sources==
+{{Ref/Sources}}
-{{Forerunner2}}
+{{Forerunner|weapons|category=no}}
-[[Category:Weapons]]
+[[Category:Forerunner weapons]]
-[[Category:The Forerunner]]
+[[Category:Needle weaponry]]