Note: This would be done for Halo 5.
So I had a (guilty) spark of inspiration today. I’ve seen the kinds of things this community can churn out; maps, game modes, fiction, art, machinima, etc. Then it hit me, why not try to combine several of these into one large project?
And it would be a large project, and I’d need other people, no way could I do it alone. So before I embark on it, I’m curious if this is something there’d be genuine interest in in the first place. Let me lay out more or less what I have in mind for you.
It would mainly focus on episodic themed maps and matching game variants, each with its own backstory, intel, and a slice of episodic fiction to go with it (as well as perhaps some art, machinima, etc.)
All this would follow a story about a branch of ONI going rogue, possibly with ties to the United Rebel Front, as well as a fireteam of Spartan IVs at their disposal. What they were working on before going rogue, no one is quite sure, but what little they know is that it was dangerous. Something about combining various technologies from different species. This cannot be allowed to continue.
Thus ONI dispatches their own Spartan IV fireteam, the kind that officially does not exist, to “rectify the situation with extreme prejudice”.
In theory, this would hopefully have virtually every feature of a miniature campaign, but in multiplayer. Easter eggs, the whole nine yards.
And to me the beauty of it is you can delve as deep into it as you want. Or not. Just interested in very finely crafted custom maps? You can just take part in that too.
So the question is… if I did manage to get such a project rolling, who would be interested in enjoying the finished product, and just out of curiosity, who would want to help out?
Fiction Teaser:
“So,” Spartan Dastan Ablai remarked, his accent heavy and his tone almost melancholy, as he placed a hand against an interior strut, “This is our new home.”
The ship was near one-of-a-kind, a real Winter-class ONI Prowler. It was only one of a handful to every be produced and would serve as ONI Recon 108’s mobile base of operations for the foreseeable future.
Despite himself, Ablai grinned. He had trained as, been recruited as, and expected to be a recon specialist, but for ONI, especially Section One, “recon” often meant something entirely different.
His fireteam of Spartan IV’s were proof enough of that. They specialized in “purging” unwanted, dangerous, or at risk ONI assets. They even had a motto that either Dresden or Broca had come up with, “Burn it all and let the ash fall where it may.”
Their effectiveness in the field and that motto had earned the team its nickname: Ashfall.
It had also earned them special privileges, such as the top of the line stealth corvette.
“I know you,” said a deep rasping voice from behind Ablai and he turned swiftly to face it. On a holoprojector nearby stood the holographic image of a long haired man, more than middle age, but still strong and able by the look of him, wearing simple hide, leather, and fur attire.
“Welcome to the Purgatory’s Lathe, Spartan Ablai,” said the broad chested hologram, “You may call me Ishi.”
Ablai inclined his head slightly to the hologram. He had been briefed about this one. Ishi was a Smart AI and somewhat experimental. Not to mention a bit… finicky.
“It is good to meet as friends,” Ablai replied.
“Nice to meet-” began Uma Dresden, approaching the hologram, but Ablai raised a hand to silence her. Ishi let out a rumbling guttural laugh at this.
“I see you know of my customs,” the AI said, bemused.
“Ishi, this is Spartan Uma Dresden, exo-engineering and demolitions specialist,” Ablai chuckled, then pointed to another woman who had just arrived.
“My second, Spartan Katja Dahl,” Ablai continued, “Field medic and close quarters specialist.”
Everyone looked around, but as usual, Broca was nowhere to be found.
“And… somewhere,” laughed Ablai, “Is Spartan David Broca, acquisitions and overwatch.”
“Good! Good!” laughed Ishi, “You may all call me Ishi, for there are none now who remember my true name to speak it.”
At that moment, finally, Broca appeared carrying a heavy civilian style crate full of something that clanked loudly.
“Hey Ish,” Broca said casually to the hologram with a nod.
“David,” Ishi replied just as casually. Just about everyone else perked a brow at this but no one dared ask.
Suddenly a glowing orb appeared in the center of the room, a ring growing out from it to encircle it.
Ishi bowed and said, “Ah, that would be M.I.L.O.”
Images began to appear on the ring as Ashfall gathered around it to inspect them and a scrambled voice spoke from the orb.
“Hope you’re settling in alright, Ashfall,” M.I.L.O. said, “I was planning on giving you more time to get accustomed, but you know how things are.”
“We’re ready as ever, sir,” Ablai said sternly.
“Well that’s good because we’ve got a situation developing on Installation 03,” M.I.L.O. began, “Years ago we sent a team from Section Three, you know, R&D guys to work on some various prototype technology, integrating various alien tech with our own. We lost contact with them a year ago, and they were assumed K.I.A. but recently we’ve been picking up short bursts of data from near their original location. Nothing concrete, but none of it reads well. What we’ve intercepted mentions trade deals with the United Rebel Front, and some project of theirs called ‘Fractal Red’.”
“Our orders, sir?” Ablai inquired.
“We need that facility purged, Ashfall, but we want you to try to recover whatever this ‘Fractal Red’ is. Coordinates and all relevant intel will be forwarded momentarily. Any questions?” finished M.I.L.O.
“What can we expect in the way of resistance?” Dahl asked.
“Shouldn’t be anything serious,” M.I.L.O. replied, “Just a few security personnel, ex-ODST’s if memory serves. Nothing you can’t handle.”
“How do you want it done, boss?” Broca asked next.
“Ideally…” M.I.L.O. began, “Your usual, fast and silent. That said they’re believed to be in a remote basin so I’m greenlighting going loud and flashy, but only if you have no other choice. Anything else?”
Ablai looked around then replied, “No, that’s it sir.”
“Good,” M.I.L.O. replied, “Oh one more thing, you will be receiving a supply drop of a few extra goodies, just in case. ONI out.”
With that, the ring and orb disappeared. Ashfall all exchanged confident looks. After all, this was their bread and butter.