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Subject: Forerunner Physiology
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The forerunner saga has really advanced our knowledge of the forerunners and their culture, as well as the new terminals in Halo Anniversary, but details of what they really look like without armor still seems really pretty sparse. So I posted this thread just to see what everyone's thoughts were on what they looked like.

Perhaps the most interesting thing is the huge difference in appearance between forerunners in Primordium vs. Cryptum; however, I suppose that this could be due to the differences between rates, which are described in many places to be rather extreme. Primordium describes Genemender, the forerunner that "hosts" the "refugee" camp with the large ape, as having pink skin and seven fingers, yet I have read others as having five or six fingers and pale, blue, or gray skin. There seems to be a ton of diversity with the forerunner race, and while we have some ideas, as one member said, with such vague descriptions, they could look like any of the Covenant species or something entirely unknown. But at least from the saga, we can be almost certain they are NOT human, and that humanity was chosen, whether of their free will or not, as their successors. As such humanity was perhaps implanted or influenced by the forerunners so they could pass on their "legacy." Any thoughts would be great.

  • 01.12.2012 6:49 AM PDT
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Deva Path


Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?

Primodium doesn't change anything we already knew other then there are black forerunners (lol,yes!). The Didact was said to have gray-pink furs along with most forerunners. As for the fingers i assumed that was because he was a life worker since they do vary genetically. Lifeworkers have 7 fingers while warriors have 6.

  • 01.12.2012 7:03 AM PDT
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other then there are black forerunners(lol,yes!) haha! That's cool

Ah, ok that would make much more sense then. My impression is that the warriors have a much more burly, grisly appearance than the lifeworkers, who are more graceful and gentle. I also read that forerunners can reach up to 3-4 meters in height, or about 9-14 feet.

  • 01.12.2012 7:13 AM PDT
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Deva Path


Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?

Forerunners are from 8-15/16feet.

Bornstellar was roughly eight and a half feet and we did some measurements that put the didact to about 15-16 feet. I think his mom was about 10 feet, i don't re-call.

  • 01.12.2012 7:21 AM PDT
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Wow, that's pretty cool. Then on average, they're around twice the size of humans, and given his very large size, why so many people were afraid/intimidated by the didact. So I must ask the question, does anyone think we'll see them make an appearance in some form or another in the upcoming "Reclaimer" trilogy?

  • 01.12.2012 7:27 AM PDT
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Deva Path


Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?


Posted by: Forerunner13
Wow, that's pretty cool. Then on average, they're around twice the size of humans, and given his very large size, why so many people were afraid/intimidated by the didact. So I must ask the question, does anyone think we'll see them make an appearance in some form or another in the upcoming "Reclaimer" trilogy?


It is a 100 percent fact that we will see forerunners. I am worried about that through because they need to be scaled properly.

In the games the races honestly aren't as tall as they should be regardless of john being 7 feet tall.

Next time you go to a fast food place check the drive through clearance and you will see that it should be around 8 feet, That is the size of a brute.

Next time you go to home depot as you exit the store they normally have a large measuring stick that goes like 20 feet or so. Look at the 10-12 feet and that is how tall a hunter is. If not look at the clearances for a low bridge or tunnel.


Now the Didact is about the size of an adult female giraffe. I will say that most average forerunners would be slightly taller than a hunter.

  • 01.12.2012 7:40 AM PDT
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That is definitely very exciting. And I agree with you on the scaling concern. Given that game engines and graphics processing abilities have come leaps and bounds since Halo: CE, I have higher hopes that scaling will be correct or at least more realistic. Although 343i did announce that Halo 4 at least, will use a modified version of the Halo: Reach engine. Halo 5 and 6, however, are supposed to be written for the next-gen Xbox console--whatever this means as far as photo-realism or gameplay I'm not sure. But I suppose we can hope that it continually gets better. Do you have any ideas as to where the forerunners might fit into the story line? I know that Frank O'Connor said that Primordium and the Halo 4 teaser both contain elements and easter eggs that allude to what will take place in the game.

  • 01.12.2012 7:55 AM PDT
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Deva Path


Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?

Well they cannot be enemies unless MC is going to get a combat skin, different AI,and use forerunner weapons. I have no idea if they are using the same technology but their past tech would be too too strong to fight.

  • 01.12.2012 7:59 AM PDT

yas334229812

Although we have this the fear for me is that while they are made the forerunners will either looks ridiculous or funny.

But if the width and height are fixed and certain armour build is made properly they may look like a great powerfull race with extreme beuty and elegance.

For some reason their character and culture remind me of the elves from Lord of the Rings.

  • 01.12.2012 8:01 AM PDT
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Deva Path


Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?


Posted by: risay_117
Although we have this the fear for me is that while they are made the forerunners will either looks ridiculous or funny.

But if the width and height are fixed and certain armour build is made properly they may look like a great powerfull race with extreme beuty and elegance.

For some reason their character and culture remind me of the elves from Lord of the Rings.


I feel like the San Syhuum would be more like the Elves, not the forerunners- who were described to be odd looking but not ugly.

  • 01.12.2012 8:03 AM PDT

yas334229812

True but in the time of the games they look nothing like elves anymore.

The forerunners i had a feeling yeah by skin odd looking but armour wise elf style.

  • 01.12.2012 8:08 AM PDT
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For some reason, I always imagined the forerunners to look slightly avian, and kinda like a cross between the Kaminoians, Na'vi, and humans. Very tall, lanky, and graceful.

  • 01.12.2012 8:14 AM PDT
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Well they cannot be enemies unless MC is going to get a combat skin, different AI,and use forerunner weapons. I have no idea if they are using the same technology but their past tech would be too too strong to fight.

Let's hope they're an ally! That would be much better IMO than making them the new bad guy. Plus, I think that would destroy their intrigue and mystery that has captivated fans since the CE days. But if they're not really the enemy, then who is...?

  • 01.12.2012 8:17 AM PDT

yas334229812


Posted by: Forerunner13
For some reason, I always imagined the forerunners to look slightly avian, and kinda like a cross between the Kaminoians, Na'vi, and humans. Very tall, lanky, and graceful.


True but i have never imagined them without armour thats why i always had an imagination of elven style armour with avian kind impression.

  • 01.12.2012 8:19 AM PDT
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Yeah, I can follow you there too. Several other member have seen really notable parallels or similarities with LoR in halo, and I would definitely have to agree. The books and backstories are really vague, especially on their facial features other than things like "forerunners rarely smile" and "noble, inteligent gray eyes."

  • 01.12.2012 8:24 AM PDT
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Ok quick question, maybe someone knows the answer... In the first two Forerunner Saga books forerunners are said to have either six or seven fingers, depending on rate. However, in the Halo anime series, forerunners are consistently shown to have five fingers like us. Is this potentially another rate (like Warrior or Builder) or mutation-state (like Manipular)? Thanks guys

  • 01.18.2012 5:08 PM PDT
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Do not waste your tears, I was not born to watch the world grow dim. Life is not measured in years, but by the deeds of men.

Posted by: goldhawk
We should know better, because we are better.

Probably artistic license or maybe that point was just not conceived at that point.

  • 01.18.2012 5:10 PM PDT

In memory of those fallen in the defense of Earth and her colonies.

March 3, 2553

I have yet to read the new forerunner book. I will soon.

  • 01.18.2012 5:29 PM PDT
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Probably artistic license or maybe that point was just not conceived at that point.

That is very possible. I'm not sure why they would decide to change this later on, but it certainly make them more interesting. Since they already have two different kinds of hands, perhaps a third kind isn't out of the question?
According to Halopedia,

"Manipular, or Form Zero, was the first and simplest form, assumed by Forerunners at birth.[1] It was noted that Manipulars bore a striking resemblance to humans; however, this would change with higher forms"

But I seriously doubt that this applies to everything in the anime, because even the leaders and soldiers are shown with five as well... hmm, interesting

  • 01.18.2012 5:44 PM PDT

Why are you here?

Since Forerunners on average are about 8-15 feet tall on average, take a look at this.

Look at the comparison between the 1st skeleton and the 2nd.

It's kind of scary thinking about having to fight Forerunners like Prometheans. We would get destroyed, and it doesn't look like MC could even take one of them. I really didn't have any idea they were so big. It almost seems weird to view them as that tall. Before Cryptum and Primordium came out I only viewed them as a bit taller and more slender than humans. Guess not.

  • 01.18.2012 5:50 PM PDT
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Do not waste your tears, I was not born to watch the world grow dim. Life is not measured in years, but by the deeds of men.

Posted by: goldhawk
We should know better, because we are better.


Posted by: Forerunner13
Probably artistic license or maybe that point was just not conceived at that point.

That is very possible. I'm not sure why they would decide to change this later on, but it certainly make them more interesting. Since they already have two different kinds of hands, perhaps a third kind isn't out of the question?
According to Halopedia,

"Manipular, or Form Zero, was the first and simplest form, assumed by Forerunners at birth.[1] It was noted that Manipulars bore a striking resemblance to humans; however, this would change with higher forms"

But I seriously doubt that this applies to everything in the anime, because even the leaders and soldiers are shown with five as well... hmm, interesting

Something interesting to note is that on the level "Sacred Icon" in Halo 2 the first switch you press has a hand on it. A hand with six fingers.

  • 01.18.2012 5:52 PM PDT
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There is a thin line between insanity and genius, i would put myself right in the middle and i enjoy every second of it.


Posted by: grey101

Posted by: Forerunner13
Wow, that's pretty cool. Then on average, they're around twice the size of humans, and given his very large size, why so many people were afraid/intimidated by the didact. So I must ask the question, does anyone think we'll see them make an appearance in some form or another in the upcoming "Reclaimer" trilogy?


It is a 100 percent fact that we will see forerunners. I am worried about that through because they need to be scaled properly.

In the games the races honestly aren't as tall as they should be regardless of john being 7 feet tall.

Next time you go to a fast food place check the drive through clearance and you will see that it should be around 8 feet, That is the size of a brute.

Next time you go to home depot as you exit the store they normally have a large measuring stick that goes like 20 feet or so. Look at the 10-12 feet and that is how tall a hunter is. If not look at the clearances for a low bridge or tunnel.


Now the Didact is about the size of an adult female giraffe. I will say that most average forerunners would be slightly taller than a hunter.



Actually, according to the halo reach signature series guide, hunters are not that tall, i studied all the enemies heights, and a hunger is more like 9 ft tall. measurements are a common mistake in shooters, scaling from sizes of explosions, to in this case, enemies. At least its not like gears of war with the disproportionate sizes and the odds against you in terms of size. NOT BASHING GOW AT ALL, I LUV THAT GAME. but like you said, John seems to be the same height in gameplay as the brutes/elites, but in cutscenes, its different.

  • 01.18.2012 9:14 PM PDT
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Deva Path


Posted by: DecepticonCobra

We are all going to get banned aren't we?


Posted by: LeTHaL BuLLeTs

Posted by: grey101

Posted by: Forerunner13
Wow, that's pretty cool. Then on average, they're around twice the size of humans, and given his very large size, why so many people were afraid/intimidated by the didact. So I must ask the question, does anyone think we'll see them make an appearance in some form or another in the upcoming "Reclaimer" trilogy?


It is a 100 percent fact that we will see forerunners. I am worried about that through because they need to be scaled properly.

In the games the races honestly aren't as tall as they should be regardless of john being 7 feet tall.

Next time you go to a fast food place check the drive through clearance and you will see that it should be around 8 feet, That is the size of a brute.

Next time you go to home depot as you exit the store they normally have a large measuring stick that goes like 20 feet or so. Look at the 10-12 feet and that is how tall a hunter is. If not look at the clearances for a low bridge or tunnel.


Now the Didact is about the size of an adult female giraffe. I will say that most average forerunners would be slightly taller than a hunter.



Actually, according to the halo reach signature series guide, hunters are not that tall, i studied all the enemies heights, and a hunger is more like 9 ft tall. measurements are a common mistake in shooters, scaling from sizes of explosions, to in this case, enemies. At least its not like gears of war with the disproportionate sizes and the odds against you in terms of size. NOT BASHING GOW AT ALL, I LUV THAT GAME. but like you said, John seems to be the same height in gameplay as the brutes/elites, but in cutscenes, its different.


*Sigh* hunters Are 12 feet tall normally and 9-10 when hunched over. Bungie never got the scaling right.

  • 01.19.2012 5:05 AM PDT
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Something interesting to note is that on the level "Sacred Icon" in Halo 2 the first switch you press has a hand on it. A hand with six fingers.

That's very interesting, it's be a while since I've played Halo 2 haha...maybe I'll have to break it out again...

  • 01.19.2012 7:10 AM PDT
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Madara, Tobi....call me whatever you want. I'M NO ONE. I DON'T WANT TO BE ANYONE. ALL I CARE ABOUT IS COMPLETING THE MOON'S EYE PLAN."


Posted by: grey101
Forerunners are from 8-15/16feet.

Bornstellar was roughly eight and a half feet and we did some measurements that put the didact to about 15-16 feet. I think his mom was about 10 feet, i don't re-call.


I do remember the heights given in cryptum almost exactly, from what i remember there was a large disparity between born's father and his mother.

his father was around 13'2'' (a foot taller than a hunter, and he wasn't even a warrior), and his mother was stated at "only" a bit above 2 meters, given that a bit for them would be like 3-5 inches for us, born's mother was close to 7 ft. Born's sister though, was said to be taller than her mother, so she was over 7 ft.

Born was obviously taller than his sister, and after his mutation, where he got even bigger (taller and more muscular) i estimated his height to be somewhere around 8'6'' to 9'6'' feet in height. Not bad given that he was just a teenager. about what you said.

Now the warrior servants are a bit trickey, it would only make sense that they would be the largest forerunner, at least the height of born's father, but with more mass (13-14ft). And then there are prometheans, from what i read a completely different breed.

Born never commented on how massive or incredibly tall his father was, yet whenever he spoke of the didact, he drew comparisons, such as his legs being like tree trunks, TREE TRUNKS! And the fact that he could crush a human skull with a single hand, ( a human skull could fit into his hand). I put didact somewhere around 16 feet in height. Again just as you said. But what i found interesting was the ancient humans, their warrior servants would have to be near equivalents to the forerunner in terms of size. Before they were biologically reduced, their warriors must have been at least 13 ft tall as well in order to have killed a respectable amount of forerunner.

And then there is the great Forthencho, the human equivalent to the didact. . .

  • 01.19.2012 7:25 AM PDT

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