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: @@
-{{era|Forerunner|HCW}}
+{{Status|Canon}}
-{{Ratings}}
+{{Weapon infobox
-{{FOF-1}}
+|name=Shard cannon
-{{ArticleName}}
+|image=[[File:Pulse beam 1.png|300px]]<br>An Enforcer firing its shard cannons.
+|manufacturer=
-'''Pulse beams'''<ref group="note">Though never officially named, the weapon is referred to as a "light energy beam" on page 119 of ''[[Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide]]''. 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.</ref> are a form of [[Category:Weapons|weaponry]] used and equipped by [[Enforcer|Enforcers]], large [[Forerunner]] machines designed to combat severe [[The Flood|Flood]] outbreaks.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign levels ''[[Sacred Icon]], [[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]''</ref>
+|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==
-The pulse beam fires a rapid stream of small, red semisolid energy bolts. These projectiles are very similar in appearance to that of the [[Needler]], but do not have the homing or explosive abilities that the Needler has. Once the projectiles have made punctured an enemy, they "shatter" within a few seconds, just like Needler rounds. However, pulse beams do not create the same explosion as Needler rounds do when stuck with [[List of "seven" references in Halo|7]] or more projectiles. They travel a considerable range and gradually lose altitude as they fly, giving Enforcers a decent advantage over the Flood as they can fire from long ranges and heights.
+[[File:Pulse beam impact.png|thumb|250px|Pulse beam projectiles impacting a surface.]]
+===Design details===
-The Pulse Beam is designed to effectively 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. Presumably, the explosion caused by the projectiles also aids in shredding Flood biomatter.
+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}}
-Since the projectiles have high energy power, they are also useful for combating other sentient beings, such as [[Spartans]] and [[Elites]]. However, like other attached weapons, they can be blown off to render the Enforcer harmless. The pulse beam is only one weapon used by the Enforcers, and is generally intended for use against infantry. The weapon is mostly ineffective against vehicles, so a more suitable weapon is used in its place.
-While 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.
+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.
-==Gameplay==
+==In-game information==
-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.
+[[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.
-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.
+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.
 ==Trivia==
-[[File:Enforcer01.jpg|right|thumb|200px|An Enforcer.]]
+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}}
-*When fired, a rapid, pulsating beating sound can be heard, though to hear it requires the player to pay close attention during gameplay.
-*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.
-==Notes==
+==List of appearances==
-<references group="note"/>
+*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
+*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
 ==Sources==
-<references/>
+{{Ref/Sources}}
-{{Forerunner2}}
+{{Forerunner|weapons|category=no}}
 [[Category:Forerunner weapons]]
-[[Category:Directed-energy weapons]]
+[[Category:Needle weaponry]]