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Canon Fodder

Welcome back! I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited about the particular moment in time we find ourselves. American football has kicked back off, playoff baseball is nigh, the leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, and there’s some sort of new sci-fi video game coming out soon as well. Spacehoop Eternal I think it’s called? As many of you are already well aware, we’re in the midst of a double-header weekend of flighting for Halo Infinite multiplayer, which means that more and more people are able to get their hands on more and more of the game as we hurtle towards the ever-impending December 8 launch date. With that all in mind, we thought we’d take a few moments (if you have them to spare, that is) to catch you up on some recent and/or upcoming elements you’ll be interacting with during your flight time. Unfortunately, none of them will be a “Wet Floor” sign.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TECHNICALLY SPEAKING</h2>



One of Halo’s greatest qualities is the underlying sense of “belonging” even the smallest object can seem to possess. Whether it’s hopping in a vehicle, picking up a new weapon or piece of equipment, or even just taking a good long look at some well-designed space crates, the universe always seems to try and help you feel at home in it—even if that also involves running for your life from encroaching aliens or enemy fireteams. The latest Halo Infinite multiplayer flights have added a few new sandbox items to encounter, both from last weekend’s Arena focus to the upcoming Big Team Battle bonanza. Let’s take a look at some of their underlying lore!



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SCORPION</h4>



M808 Main Battle Tank



Widely considered the apex of UNSC tank design, the M808 is effectively a massive mobile battle platform armed with an M512 smoothbore heavy cannon and supplementary machine gun for ancillary engagements.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_scorpion_watermarked_v2-06a33caefe3541c58c03ae29d4f9583b.png" alt="Image of the M808 Main Battle Tank"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">SHOCK RIFLE</h4>



Sicatt Workshop Volt Piercer



Charged and maintained at local armory outposts, the Shock Rifle is a long-range Banished electrolaser, the latest in a long line of experimental voltaic appli­cation devices that represent some of the only remaining vestiges of the Jiralhanae’s own great technological age.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_banished_shockrifle_01_darkbg-97b4b94cff77400aa729d156c2b032aa.png" alt="Sicatt Workshop Volt Piercer"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">HEATWAVE</h4>



Once employed by Forerunner Warrior-Servants, the Heatwave is a robust hard light projector that fires multiple energized shards which can effectively slice through living creatures while bouncing off dense terrain or architecture. Equipped with alternate firing modes that allow its wielder to tune the weapon’s variable impact geometry on demand.  



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_heatwave_watermarked-6cf04e56393c43fc81129c929c63c7b2.png" alt="Once employed by Forerunner Warrior-Servants, the Heatwave is a robust hard light projector that fires multiple energized shards which can effectively slice through living creatures while bouncing off dense terrain or architecture. Equipped with alternate firing modes that allow its wielder to tune the weapon’s variable impact geometry on demand. "/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAY PLACES</h2>



One of the best things about multiplayer maps is that they provide an opportunity to explore different locations or scenarios that you might not necessarily see otherwise. Two of the maps encountered in the current flight do just that, giving their own unique glimpses of Installation 07, inspiring players to ponder the form and function laid out before them.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">FRAGMENTATION</h4>



Set within one of Zeta Halo’s myriad canyons, Fragmentation is rife with enigmatic elements to take in and mull over. From ancient artifacts and nebulous nodes to networked beacons channeling untold energies, this map is one to add plenty of wonder to the wander.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_fragmentation_02_watermarked-3bacdec859bd4d4587c3aa3f2f196443.png" alt="Halo Infinite Map of Fragmentation"/></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">BEHEMOTH</h4>



Amidst the backdrop of a vast desert landscape, Behemoth offers a glimpse at one of Zeta Halo’s tectonic fabrication seams—architectural features built to serve a multitude of parallel purposes, from remediation to transportation.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/1120x630_haloinfinite_behemoth_01_watermarked-b23ee4a4cce44d47aeac035bcbfc546c.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite map of Behemoth"/></figure>



And speaking of Behemoth, content creator <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvPBZ8sacy_saMv3An3EIA">Sierra I07</a> put together a really awesome ambient edit of the map featuring some perfectly-fitting Halo Infinite music. Definitely check it out for the full vibe.



<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇 - ʜᴀʟᴏ ɪɴꜰɪɴɪᴛᴇ ᴛᴇᴄʜɴɪᴄᴀʟ ᴘʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BE7SsdtyU4c?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FROM ART TO FINISH</h2>



In case you missed it, last week we released a hefty collection of concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book, showcasing a host of early explorations into the game’s development. There’s nothing specifically story-spoilery in there, but it does give further insight into the intention and “feel” of Halo Infinite and its particular pocket in the universe. If nothing else, there is some primo desktop wallpaper material in here, that’s for sure.



Check out some of the available pieces below, and if it strikes your fancy, you can download the collection here: <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/artofhaloinfinite4k-d01181a15fa24d0a9dca4824f3db7003.zip">4K Zip File</a> | <a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/HaloInfinite/artofhaloinfinitehd-83543864d57b4722b7844b920a805cfe.zip">HD Zip File</a>



And of course, you can preorder a copy of the upcoming art book yourself <a href="https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3005-865/The-Art-of-Halo-Infinite-HC">right here</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/hd_haloinfinite_conceptart_046-959f3b5b79274f378d2b7c5b805466a6.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/hd_haloinfinite_conceptart_028-00b23daa874547e8bc1a9ebfd8e42ebc.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/hd_haloinfinite_conceptart_025-c9794675d0f04914a72b696a51e790cb.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RESOURCE INTENSIVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_previouslybannercrop-1f642246ea864f3ab265a54e49cfcfcc.jpg" alt="Catch up on the complete story of Halo through previouslyonhalo.com"/></figure>



Recently, community story stalwart <a href="https://twitter.com/haruspis">Alex “Haruspis” Wakeford</a> put together a monumental resource that helps summarize and catch folks up on basically every piece of Halo media available. It’s a brilliant exploration for fans both new and old, and it’s a great way to pass the time as you await the arrival of Halo Infinite’s campaign experience this December. If you haven’t checked it out yet, make sure you go do so on <a href="https://previouslyonhalo.com/">previouslyonhalo.com</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CANON, CURATION, AND CURIOSITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_issueone_banner-7c35cee599aa48a6aefc4c43f771b1e6.jpg" alt="Timestamp of Grimbrother One's first issue of Canon Fodder"/></figure>



Today’s edition is a bit of a special milestone I must say. Last week happened to mark the seventh anniversary(!) of the Canon Fodder blog series, which saw its first issue drop on Sept 24, 2014, during the lead-up to Halo: The Master Chief Collection. It’s been an epic adventure so far, and I certainly hope it will be around for many more issues and anniversaries to come. In thinking back on its run thus far, it’s only fitting that we now find ourselves in the midst of another runway to launch—this time for an adventure taking us to, fittingly enough, Installation 07. With Halo Infinite primed to introduce fans to a host of new moments, memories, and mysteries, and across more platforms and places to play than ever, it’s expected that we likely have plenty of new readers coming on board—both in recent months and still to come. With that in mind I thought it might be a good time to offer a bit of a refresher on not just the feature itself and its purview, but also on the nature of Halo’s lore and universe all up.



Long-time readers of this feature will no doubt have a good idea of what to expect from these particular pages (and this particular penman, for that matter). Canon Fodder was an idea that was built from the very beginning to look at the Halo franchise specifically through the lens of its lore, making fiction the foundational focus no matter what subject we tackled. Sometimes it was diving deep into hard core canon and continuity questions or looking closer at a particular event or element to offer new insight into its story significance. We’ve offered both elucidations and revelations alike, but we’ve also taken the opportunity to put a fiction-focused spin on other aspects of the brand. We interviewed real-life star-searching scientists to get their thoughts on the relationship between science and science fiction. We asked Halo pro players what their favorite campaign and story-related aspects of Halo were to celebrate the Season 1 Finals of the then-fledgling <a href="http://www.halo.gg/">Halo Championship Series</a>. And of course we’ve covered cross-over adventures with the likes of Killer Instinct, Gears of War, Rocket League, and more. Over the years, this feature has also become a go-to outlet for announcements and reveals of new story-related products, from new novels and comics to guidebooks and gear. Canon Fodder is a celebration of all things Halo, as viewed from a tailored perspective specifically aimed at fiction-focused fans.



Let’s talk about Halo fiction for a moment though. For newcomers, it might be daunting to dwell on the prospect of a universe with so much “established” detail and history. It can definitely seem like a lot. Fortunately, you have official outlets like this one alongside scores of others across the incredible Halo “lore” community all eager to welcome folks in to discuss and learn, from blogs and forums to YouTube channels and podcasts. And if you’re unsure what we mean by “canon,” it’s essentially the curated collection of “official” fiction and story elements, which includes a mix of games, novels, reference books, and comics, as well as various “linear media” elements like animated features, live action mini-series, and even certain marketing trailers and content. Part of what makes the Halo universe so enthralling is that very history. The depth that seems to always give you more to look for, to discuss and discover. Of course, even for old veterans there’s always more to learn. Sometimes it’s easy to make assumptions or jump to certain conclusions, but it’s always good to remember that world-building and storytelling in a universe as vast as Halo is an incredibly complex endeavor, and that surprises can be around any corner—no matter how long you’ve been exploring that universe.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf119_module-fc7957141bca4b72a4e78164a88c8889.jpg" alt="Concept art from The Art of Halo Infinite book"/></figure>



And with that, we draw today’s edition to a close. Thanks for spending the last seven years reading these crazy love-letters to lore, and here’s to at least another seven more! So don’t think we’re going anywhere. We have a lot to discuss in the coming age—new moments, new memories, new mysteries. Actually that also reminds me, we have another book coming up soon so we should talk about that a bit more in the nearish future, shouldn’t we?



In the meantime, go read the latest Inside Infinite article and also check out the most recent Technical Preview Overview to get updated on all the current flighting information. And when you’re ready, grab a fireteam, check your schedules, and go put your new Mjolnir to the test!



Until next time… Live well, play Halo, and always be ready to learn new things.



<a href="https://twitter.com/grimbrotherone"><3 Grim</a>

GrimBrother One

Issue 119

Preview Purview

Postums

MCC Development Update – September 2021

Technical Tales

Summer Send-Off

ISSUE 118

Myths & Mysteries

Master Class

Sunny Summary

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: July 2, 2021

<h4 class="wp-block-heading">ISSUE 116</h4>



So, it’s been a pretty good month for new Halo news I feel like. Last issue, we covered some of the more lore-related elements of our multiplayer reveal in the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, as well as touching on further similarly-themed goodness (speaking of which, have you signed up for the Halo Insider program yet?). This edition, we’re looking ahead to a brand-new addition to the story, one that will pair with your Halo Infinite campaign experience like an extra helping of your favorite dish. And speaking of dish, let’s do so.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CROSSING THE RIVER</h2>



Kicking things off, today we’re excited to announce the next novel in this universe we all love—Halo: The Rubicon Protocol, penned by our stellar stablemate <a href="https://twitter.com/KellyHGay">Kelly Gay</a>. In her last novel, <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Point-of-Light/Kelly-Gay/Halo/9781982147860">Halo: Point of Light</a>, Kelly made a pit stop onto the surface of Zeta Halo while on a galactic gallivanting tour with our favorite Mariner-class spacecraft and its daring denizens. This time, our popular pen pal is heading back to Installation 07, but on a very different mission, and with a very different cast of characters.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_the_rubicon_protocol_cover_art_lrg-cd9f507a658e442c9d43bd2e3a411366.png"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_trp-novel_1120_wmec-f74eeae7458d4384961774c677976ecb.jpg" alt=""/></a></figure>



Click the image for a bigger, cleaner version!



As you may have been piecing together throughout previous trailers and information drops, Halo Infinite’s campaign begins roughly six months after UNSC forces were ambushed at Zeta Halo. During that time, the UNSC has been mounting a resistance on a shorn fragment of the ring, desperately trying to hold out long enough for hope to arrive. In Halo: The Rubicon Protocol, you’ll get a unique glimpse of humanity’s struggle to survive amidst a growing Banished occupation that takes place in that period.



To be clear, this adventure stands on its own—but if you find yourself enjoying and eager to learn more about some of the scattered stories you might encounter while playing the game, then Halo: The Rubicon Protocol will be right up your alley when it drops next March.



We’ll certainly have more to share down the road, but in the meantime, enjoy the fantastic cover art above, composed by the talented <a href="https://twitter.com/pixelflaregfx">William “Pixelflare” Cameron</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MARK INSTALLATION</h2>



This week we launched Season 7 of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which focuses primarily on Sangheili customization items. If you’re interested in learning more about some of the lore behind the armors we added, check out Issue 114.  But that’s not all we added!



To celebrate the upcoming Halo Infinite, we’re adding the prototype for the Mk.VII helmet—KEYSTONE—into Halo 4 within the MCC. It’s a pretty awesome opportunity to look ahead to the studio’s latest brand-new adventure by placing a small piece of it in our first one.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_keystoneclean-343f3ddd8a11426bbe421e3901892dcc.jpg"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_keystoneclean_1120-3762ec83e14e499c808621031b6a472a.jpg" alt=""/></a></figure>



Behold! Even more pixel flair.



The KEYSTONE enhancement suite represents a Materials Group evolutionary design study that—when combined elements developed on earlier Mk. VII iterations, such as the example seen worn by Spartan Naomi-010, as well as the GEN2 DECIMATOR suite, among others—eventually formed the basis of the production Mk. VII in Mjolnir’s third development generation.



If you want to get your hands on—or, head in, I guess—one for yourself, make sure you pick it up for free at the Exchange in-game!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HIGHWAY TO HELMET</h2>



As we mentioned up top, last issue we touched on a number of different sandbox elements from our universe that fans saw show up in last week’s showcase of Halo Infinite multiplayer goodness. Several fans noted that were some obvious items that we didn’t highlight, including some examples of pieces—helmets in particular—that had actually already been seen as far back as our first Inside Infinite development blog this past December. We figured that seemed like a logical spot to reach a revelatory compromise, so today, we’re bringing back those items and giving you a few additional little lore details to attach to them.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">ANUBIS [GEN3]</h4>



Manufacturer: Lethbridge Industrial



The ANUBIS is unusual in that its structural frame and core electronics are “grown” inside Sangheili assembly forges, though final assembly and integration uses traditional fabrication techniques.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_anubis_1120-33b9deae14e4452dbc3546894ef014af.png" alt=""/></figure>



<a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_anubis_4k-26f9b829cdde48289e0da3725de54674.png"></a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">MK.V ZETA [GEN3]</h4>



Manufacturer: Materials Group



Spartans assigned to ONI’s Xeno-Materials Exploitation Group on Installation 07 found that their upgraded MARK V’s mix of high-threat response and surveillance interlinks were ideal for the ring’s peculiar operating environment.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_mkvzeta_1120-4c6cab5a1fdd4febae912757d648df97.png" alt=""/></figure>



<a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_mkvzeta_4k-4513ba57cee24a17b09d08e97ab96a94.png"></a>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">CAVALLINO [GEN3]</h4>



Manufacturer: Emerson Tactical Systems



The CAVALLINO expands Emerson’s offerings with MJOLNIR-platform helmets, tailored for the needs of fireteam leaders, trainers, and combat observers.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_cavallino_1120-9338ca49d2714378be8a0dda0ad9c6c9.png" alt=""/></figure>



<a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_cavallino_4k-32673c5c6416434db5b64088be00867e.png"></a>



The above options pieces were developed from the ground up as the initial wave of the GEN3 Mjolnir suite. Of course, you’ll also have the opportunity to pursue the GEN1 Mjolnir Mk.V(b) platform as well, with its own array of available modifications. This technology dates back to the Covenant war era but has been fully reconditioned and upgraded with newer and more optimized components, giving life to older tech at an integral time, and offering a new generation of Spartans the opportunity to take to the battlefield outfitted in the same style of armor that some of their own heroes once donned. Let’s take a look at once such example:



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">GRENADIER [GEN1]</h4>



Manufacturer: Materials Group



GRENADIER helmets are officially categorized as prototypes, as NAVSPECWAR wrestles with the overwhelming cost of its lightweight armored composite shell.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_grenadier_1120-bf50ff67891041239de4de04f5c5f918.png" alt=""/></figure>



<a href="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_grenadier_4k-afd9644d9ed44bb2859c02885672acf5.png"></a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DIVINE WIN</h2>



Before we close for today, we thought we’d bookend this issue with some extra bit of novel news. Back in Issue 112 we announced the next novel from the acclaimed penman Troy Denning, Halo: Divine Wind. We gave you the title, the author, and the cover—which you can see here again, by the fantastic Benjamin Carre. Today, we thought you might enjoy a more detailed description of the adventure to whet your whistle.



October 2559. With the galaxy in the suffocating grip of a renegade artificial intelligence, another perilous threat has quietly emerged in the shadows: the Keepers of the One Freedom, a fanatical and merciless Covenant splinter group, has made its way beyond the borders of the galaxy to an ancient Forerunner installation known as the Ark. Led by an infamous Brute named Castor, the Keepers intend to achieve what the Covenant, in all its might, failed to: activate Halo and take the last steps on the path of the Great Journey into transcendence…



But unknown to Castor and his new, unexpected ally on the Ark, there are traitors to the cause in their midst—namely the Ferrets, composed of Office of Naval Intelligence operative Veta Lopis and her young team of Spartan-IIIs, who have been infiltrating the Keepers to lay the groundwork for Castor’s assassination. But with ONI’s field operations now splintered and cut off by the Guardian threat, Veta’s original mission has suddenly and dramatically escalated in scope. There’s simply no choice or fallback plan—either the Ferrets somehow stop the Keepers or the galaxy faces an extinction-level event….



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/CANON_FODDER_Franchise/cf_dw_wrapart_1920-88850fb780384093939bcce7247e3a7f.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



Veta. Lopis. Fanclub.



Halo: Divine Wind is slated to hit store shelves, digital displays, and audio instruments on October 19, and you can <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Divine-Wind/Troy-Denning/Halo/9781982174903">secure your own copy by heading here</a>!



Before we head out, just in case you missed it, go and check out our latest edition of Inside Infinite, which dropped yesterday. It covers some cool new info about upcoming updates to Halo Waypoint (both in web and app forms!) as well as some new progression details on how you’ll be able to expand your personal arsenal in Halo Infinite—with new items within the Halo universe, as well as some that fall decidedly outside of our canon in some cool and unique ways. But more on that another day…



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/BlogPost/InsideInfinite-June2021/infinite_fractures_tenrai_branded_1120x630-bc5f89c7719a466d8d53a2a4590c4a9c.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



For now, that will do it for us this time around. Don’t wander off too far though… we do have a bit of a special milestone coming up next issue it seems like.



Until next time… Live well, play Halo, and it’s Spartan Agryna [ah-GREEN-yuh]. Laurette is her first name.



<a href="https://twitter.com/grimbrotherone"><3 Grim</a>

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