I’m curious about this artwork image - Cryptum Image Link
I think this structure is the resting place of the Cryptum and this is John’s first encounter. It’s the orange sphere (Cryptum) from the demo and also appears to be landing, launching or opening due to the structure around it in this image.
My speculation options so far:
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The Cryptum is opening as this structure is the device to open a Cryptum and resurrect the occupant.
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This is the first encounter prior to the demo sphere, where John “activates the Cryptum” and we’re seeing it launch or take off.
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It is landing and returning to this device/structure, which I don’t think is likely.
So far my best guess is #2, what do you all think?
Its likely a mix of 1 and 2. I assume the Didact, who is likely on your side due to Chief lowering his weapon at the sight of it, and their not really caring that its going towards the Infinity. So Master Chief and Cortana probably activated the Cryptum and awoke the Didact. Then we go to the demo where the Didact flies off in it. Though last time I checked Cryptums couldn’t fly.
> Its likely a mix of 1 and 2. I assume the Didact, who is likely on your side due to Chief lowering his weapon at the sight of it, and their not really caring that its going towards the Infinity. So Master Chief and Cortana probably activated the Cryptum and awoke the Didact. Then we go to the demo where the Didact flies off in it. Though last time I checked Cryptums couldn’t fly.
These are the Forerunners. Their brooms could probably fly 
I think the promotional image is just artwork, but at some point, yes, we’ll probably activate it and release whatever’s inside.
Or the Covenant will. They have a habit of opening and turning things on that don’t turn out well for anyone involved.
> Its likely a mix of 1 and 2. I assume the Didact, who is likely on your side due to Chief lowering his weapon at the sight of it, and their not really caring that its going towards the Infinity. So Master Chief and Cortana probably activated the Cryptum and awoke the Didact. Then we go to the demo where the Didact flies off in it. Though last time I checked Cryptums couldn’t fly.
I’m curious about Cryptum details too, I haven’t seen anything definitive regarding their operation and of course 343i have a fair amount of creative license with this new trilogy.
> These are the Forerunners. Their brooms could probably fly
>
> I think the promotional image is just artwork, but at some point, yes, we’ll probably activate it and release whatever’s inside.
>
> Or the Covenant will. They have a habit of opening and turning things on that don’t turn out well for anyone involved.
True on artwork, however they use this artwork as the basis for game assets, design, storyboards etc. I’m thinking the structure clearly has “arms with hinges” for grasping or releasing the Cryptum/Sphere.
The lighting from the Cryptum is ambiguous for me regarding opening or activation. Judging by the E3 demo I think this image is the first encounter and the E3 demo is the second encounter.
All signs point friendly so far.
I think the reason the Chief put down his rifle was because he didn’t know whether it was friend or foe, and/or he may not have been able to defeat it.
As for who’s inside, it’ll be The Didact / Bornstellar - his forerunner glyph / symbol appears behind the “An ancient evil awakens” in the trailer, and so it’s also most likely his voice we hear as well.
As for his position, I think he may be eager to be enemies, but will either get put back into place by Bornstellar, or some memories, or something else. Then he’ll help us take on the real ancient evil.
> I think the reason the Chief put down his rifle was because he didn’t know whether it was friend or foe, and/or he may not have been able to defeat it.
>
> As for who’s inside, it’ll be The Didact / Bornstellar - his forerunner glyph / symbol appears behind the “An ancient evil awakens” in the trailer, and so it’s also most likely his voice we hear as well.
>
> As for his position, I think he may be eager to be enemies, but will either get put back into place by Bornstellar, or some memories, or something else. Then he’ll help us take on the real ancient evil.
I also think there could be this fight him initially then the librarian tempers his anger and we all join up against the precursors.
However Greg Bear has stated there are two Didacts, although this may not play out in th games?
Eh maybe it’s your final showdown. The E3 video looked like that’s where you first meet him, so it can’t be its awakening. And the concept of it opening seems silly to me for some reason, so I would just say that it’s finally where you fight it for real.
> > I think the reason the Chief put down his rifle was because he didn’t know whether it was friend or foe, and/or he may not have been able to defeat it.
> >
> > As for who’s inside, it’ll be The Didact / Bornstellar - his forerunner glyph / symbol appears behind the “An ancient evil awakens” in the trailer, and so it’s also most likely his voice we hear as well.
> >
> > As for his position, I think he may be eager to be enemies, but will either get put back into place by Bornstellar, or some memories, or something else. Then he’ll help us take on the real ancient evil.
>
> I also think there could be this fight him initially then the librarian tempers his anger and we all join up against the precursors.
>
> However Greg Bear has stated there are two Didacts, although this may not play out in th games?
I think the 2 Didacts simply refers to how there was the original Didact (whom may still exist somewhere, but is presumed to have been killed) and the copy of the Didact, whose imprint practically replaced Bornstellar.