Do the Banished Have a Supercarrier? Unveiling the Flagship of Atriox’s Forces
Yes, the Banished possess a supercarrier. This massive vessel, not named in the text, serves as the flagship of the faction following the destruction of the Enduring Conviction. It’s a crucial element of the Banished’s formidable military power, playing a key role in their operations. This supercarrier, commanded by Imperial Admiral Rtyr ‘Jar ‘Refumee, is a testament to the Banished’s ability to adapt and repurpose existing Covenant technology to their own needs. The vessel participated in significant events such as the Fall of Reach and many other major battles.
The Banished’s Technological Prowess
Scavenged Origins and Adaptation
The Banished’s strength is not born of entirely new designs but rather a clever manipulation of existing technology. In their early days, the Banished primarily utilized technology scavenged from the fallen Covenant Empire. They didn’t merely reuse these tools; they adapted them to suit their own aesthetics, retrofitting Covenant vehicles and weaponry to better serve their purposes. This allowed them to distance themselves from their former masters and establish a unique identity as a formidable force. The modification of plasma and energy-based weaponry became a trademark of the Banished, showcasing their pragmatic approach to warfare.
Human Integration and Forerunner Tech
A key aspect of the Banished’s success lies in their unique approach to recruitment. Unlike the Covenant, who held humanity in contempt, Atriox harbors no animosity towards humanity. He actively recruits humans into the Banished ranks. This inclusion of humans isn’t merely about manpower; it’s strategically beneficial. Humans, recognized as Reclaimers, possess a unique ability to more easily utilize Forerunner technology. This knowledge is critical for the Banished’s long-term objectives, further solidifying their position as a powerful entity.
The Banished’s Internal Dynamics
Lingering Grudges
Despite their unified front against outside forces, internal tensions persist within the Banished. The Banished Elites and Brutes continue to fight each other, a consequence of the lingering hatreds between their species from the Covenant era. This internal conflict highlights the complex social dynamics within the faction and how they must be managed by Atriox.
Atriox’s Leadership
Atriox is unequivocally the strongest of the Jiralhanae shown in the article, surpassing even Tartarus and Decimus. This is evident in his battle with the Master Chief, highlighting his superior intelligence and armor. This leadership gives the Banished a tactical edge. Atriox’s cunning strategic mind has transformed a band of pirates and rebels into a force to be reckoned with.
The Banished’s Motivations and Actions
The Pursuit of Zeta Halo
The Banished’s actions are driven by specific goals. They seek to control Zeta Halo (Installation 07), believing it holds a secret that could provide them with a significant advantage. This also aligns with the goals of the Harbinger, who seeks to release her race, the Endless. The Banished are not simply conquerors; their actions are a part of a broader plan for strategic dominance.
Freedom and Respect
It’s important to understand that the Banished are not driven by a desire for mindless destruction. Their core motivation is to safeguard their freedom and earn the respect they were once denied. Their history of subjugation within the Covenant motivates them to build a society that values autonomy and strength. However, their growing power also led to fear from their former HomeWorld and an underlying desire for revolt.
Banished vs. the Covenant and UNSC
Power Dynamics
While the Banished pose a significant threat, it’s essential to understand their relative power. In terms of overall scale, the Banished are a fraction of the size of the Covenant empire. Post-war, they also remain smaller compared to the UNSC, which means they cannot engage in conventional warfare. Instead, they rely on guerrilla warfare, terrorism, and raids. This indicates that while they are individually formidable and tactically adept, they lack the raw size and resources to overwhelm the larger factions in open battle.
A Pirate Force
Initially, the Banished spent most of their time performing hit-and-run attacks against the Covenant. They were not strong enough to directly challenge the empire and operated as pirates. This history as a raiding force continues to influence their combat style, with an emphasis on adaptability and surgical strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Banished’s main goal in the Halo universe?
The Banished’s primary goal is to safeguard their freedom and earn the respect they were denied during their time under the Covenant. This pursuit of independence drives their actions. They are not simply seeking domination for its own sake but rather to establish a secure and respected place in the galaxy. They seek control of powerful technology like Zeta Halo, to solidify their power.
2. Are the Banished stronger than the Covenant?
In terms of overall size, the Banished are significantly smaller than the Covenant. While they are tactically adept, they are not powerful enough to directly challenge the full might of the Covenant empire. Instead, they relied on hit-and-run tactics in their early days.
3. Why do Elites fight alongside Brutes in the Banished?
Despite the historical animosity, the Elites and Brutes in the Banished fight together due to a shared resentment of the Covenant. However, lingering hatreds between the two species persist. This relationship is not entirely harmonious, and conflicts still occur within their ranks.
4. How do the Banished acquire their weapons and technology?
The Banished primarily use technology scavenged from the fallen Covenant Empire. They adapt and retrofit this technology to suit their needs. Over time, they have customized these weapons and vehicles to create a distinctive aesthetic and functionality.
5. Why did the Banished go to Zeta Halo?
Atriox went to Zeta Halo seeking a secret that would give the Banished a significant advantage. He saw the ring as the central point of his grand plans and wanted to control its immense power. He also sought the Harbinger for her knowledge of that power.
6. Did any humans join the Banished?
Yes, Atriox actively recruits humans into the Banished. He doesn’t hold animosity towards them and recognizes their unique ability to utilize Forerunner technology. This recruitment is a key element of their success.
7. Why are humans important to the Banished?
Humans are considered Reclaimers by Forerunner technology, allowing them to interact with Forerunner systems more easily than other species. This access is a strategic advantage for the Banished.
8. How does Atriox compare to other Brutes like Tartarus and Decimus?
Atriox is superior in intelligence, fighting skill, and strategic leadership to both Tartarus and Decimus. His combat prowess and tactical mind make him a formidable leader. This is shown in his fight with Master Chief.
9. What kind of supercarrier does the Banished have?
The Banished utilize a Covenant-derived supercarrier as their flagship, although the specific model and class aren’t detailed. It’s a symbol of their power and plays a critical role in their operations.
10. What is the relationship between the Banished and the Harbinger?
The Banished sought to align themselves with the Harbinger, who desired to free her race, the Endless. They believed that the Harbinger and her race held the key to the rings secrets.
11. Are the UNSC stronger than the Banished?
In terms of overall military size and resources, the post-war UNSC is significantly stronger than the Banished. The Banished cannot win a direct war against them and must rely on guerilla warfare.
12. What color are Covenant ships and why?
Covenant ships are predominantly purple, designed to create a distinct look that separated them from human architecture. This color choice is part of Bungie’s approach to making them seem alien.
13. How did the UNSC win the war against the Covenant?
While the UNSC lost most battles, the SPARTAN program and Cole Protocol helped turn the tide, enabling the human faction to survive and win the war. The UNSC also leveraged better AIs and tactics for information gathering.
14. Were the Covenant aware that the Halo rings were weapons?
Initially, some within the Covenant believed the Halo rings were weapons, but this understanding changed as the Covenant leadership started to believe it was a path to a great journey. This discrepancy caused infighting and political maneuvering.
15. Did the Covenant fear the Spartans?
Yes, the Covenant feared the Spartans. They were often referred to as “Demons” and were a major source of apprehension due to their combat effectiveness.
In conclusion, the Banished possess a supercarrier as a potent symbol of their power, a symbol built on scavenging, adaptation, and the strategic use of both alien and human assets. Despite their internal tensions, their unique approach to recruitment and technological adaptation makes them a significant force in the Halo universe.