(John-117 in his Mark IV armor)
Happy Monday to all of you! To celebrate this auspicious occasion we’ll be taking a look at the very first example of production MJOLNIR armor, the Mark IV itself (image 1), and more specifically its history (maybe next week we’ll do the design)
(Trio of Mark IV Suits in use during the war)
Despite being retroactively used to describe a specific variant, Mark IV originally was a blanket term for numerous armor formulations operating alongside each other, which were later pursued as their own unique variants. Examples of this can be clearly seen by the existence of these three Mark IV variants that are all known only as Mark IV (image 2) or by the existence of Project COBALT and the Deimos variant serving alongside other Mark IV suits near the start of the war. In truth the Mark IV was never meant to exist at all, with Catherine Halsey hoping to provide upgrades to the suits as they became available rather than in the form of the much more limited “Mark” system, though a massive budget slash with the start of the Human Covenant War saw those dreams shattered, and the overall growth of MJOLNIR was stunted.
(A Mark IV variant known only by its physical similarities to the Cohort variant)
Despite this setback, numerous variants and suits were able to see completion and even complete R&D during the war (image 3), thanks to a smart allocation of time and resources. A few key upgrades were also able to be rolled out without being reclassified as the next generation, with the inclusion of micro-fusion reactors rather than the older micro-fission reactors, as well as refractive coatings and updated HUD firmware capable of identifying Covenant technology. Every suit designed before these upgrades were retroactively named to be Mark IV, despite differences in hardware.
(Modernized Mark IV variant in use circa 2560)
The end of Mark IV’s lifecycle is when the story becomes muddled and confusing. It became clear to ONI and the UNSC at some point prior to 2550 that Catherine Halsey’s detachment of Materials Group was nearing the proverbial wall with their expertise, and so funding began flowing to a second MJOLNIR development team based out of Songnam Korea, with a focus on producing infantry portable energy shielding for the next generation of armor. It would be a little later in 2551 that both the Songnam and Halsey’s team would achieve breakthroughs in shielding technology, with Materials Group gaining access to a Jackal Shield module, while Songnam was able to produce their own design using similar principles to Sangheili combat harnesses, albeit unknowingly at the time. Materials Group would be the first to have economical prototypes for their shielding systems, and would thus field the next generation of MJOLNIR, the Mark V. Mere months later however, Songnam would complete work on their own design, which would be dubbed the Mark VI as it was decidedly more efficient than the copied Covenant technology. Though by 2560 variants of Mark IV armor still in service with the UNSC (image 4) have been upgraded to include the latest energy shielding systems, fulfilling a dream of Materials Group that almost saw fruition with their first tests in 2531.
Happy Monday! And more specifically happy Machination Monday! Todays subject is the Mark IV MJOLNIR which is not a vehicle, despite being the subject for today. I simply wanted to talk about it, because it’s beautiful.
30.12.2025 03:44
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WVGA Finalists Round 2
Round 2 Ends December 16th
Are you tired of your voice not mattering for the Video Game Awards every year? Us too! That’s why we came up with our own Video Game Awards with help from @wernissage.bsky.social so swing by and make your voice heard! (I forgot to share the first two rounds, sorry)
forms.gle/GZemcQryTUQv...
10.12.2025 19:46
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Grizzly tanks being transported by heavy lift gear on D77 Pelicans.
An M850 Grizzly firing it’s dual 120mm cannons.
The M850 Grizzly Main Battle Tank is the single heaviest armored vehicle employed by the UNSC, at a whopping 71+ metric tons. Armed with dual 120mm high-velocity cannons, a pair of coaxial machine guns, and twin missile launchers mounted on the turret, the Grizzly also packs a massive punch, with its 120mm cannons (image 2) being comparable to vehicle mounted rail guns such as those mounted on the SP42 Cobra.
A pair of Grizzly tanks after a Covenant orbital strike
The Grizzlies design is very reminiscent of its little brother, the M808 Scorpion, though the addition of a fifth centrally mounted track pod provides much needed stability to the vehicle, and the increased armor plating provides superior protection from every angle of attack. Despite its incredibly heavy armor plating and massive weapons loadout, the Grizzly is still capable of reaching impressive top speeds of 69 kmph (43 mph).
Its service record is just as impressive as its mechanical design, even with an initial development shrouded in mystery due to competing corporate and military interests, the vehicle was taken in by Army and Marine units for acting as an anti-armor vehicle capable of outgunning anything the Insurrection could throw at it. Its secondary purpose was that of a mobile fortress, capable of holding entire sectors on its own thanks to both its traditional effectiveness, and the effect it had on morale for both sides of the conflict.
The start of the Human-Covenant War saw the Grizzly gain an even more fearsome reputation, this time among the ranks of the Covenant commanders, who would frequently be forced to deploy naval assets to prevent even just a pair of Grizzly tanks from decimating staging areas and supply columns (image 3). The Grizzlies effectiveness against the Covenant wasn’t limited to infrastructure targets though, it more than earned its title as the bane of armored vehicles, with it being considered practically unstoppable in open fields.
An armored group including Grizzlies present on Installation 00.
The Grizzly would unfortunately have a rather quiet retirement after the war, not due to lack of effectiveness but rather because of the costs associated with them. Most dedicated heavy lift craft were retasked to high-priority reconstruction efforts after the war, limiting the ability to deploy the heavy armored vehicle effectively, though several Army units continued to make use of them for planetary defense, where deployment isn’t dependent on heavy lift capable craft, and the UNSC Spirit of Fire continues to make use of them on the Ark in 2560 (image 4). The Grizzly is also (unsurprisingly) a maintenance nightmare, due to its large amount of unique parts, and complicated design requiring dedicated supply lines and schooling to adequately accommodate the vehicle.
Another Monday, another Machination being showcased in the LoreKorner! Todays topic is the M850 Grizzly MBT!
09.12.2025 03:47
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Danforth Whitcomb.
Born and raised on Earth, Danforth would claim to be descended from the Russian Cossacks despite his thick accent that suggested an origin somewhere around what used to be called Texas. His life during the Human-Covenant War was one full of impressive contributions and achievements, including the Siege of the Atlas Moons and the Battle of New Constantinople. His file was so well regarded by the UNSC Intelligence Community, that the Spartan-II’s frequently studied his service record, making special notes for his unorthodox tactics and strategies. Eventually, his insight would allow him to rise through the ranks to Vice Admiral, and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations.
His involvement was not limited to purely naval endeavors, as Danforth was also the lead for the YGGDRASIL program, and assisted with the research for the devastating and highly prototype NOVA bomb, which he hoped would help to level the playing field in space engagements.
The Portal Complex under Menachite Mountain.
In the summer of 2552, Danforth was stationed on Reach when it was invaded by the Covenant, and by August 3rd he was the highest ranking survivor of the UNSC Command Structure in the Reach Defense Coordination Zone. After requisitioning a group of Spartan-II’s to rescue him and his staff from the ruins of Reach High Command, and was able to make it to the location of the NOVA bombs, arming them with a 10 day timer on September 14. The following days were spent carrying out hit and run missions, and biding time until the timer ran out, hopefully destroying the planet and all Covenant forces nearby. On September 23 Whitcomb was rescued from Reach by John-117, and after retrieving Doctor Halsey and her escort from a section of Forerunner Ruins (image 2) the group returned to his captured DDS-class carrier, which had now docked with a crippled UNSC Frigate.
The Eridanus Secundus rebel base.
After an arduous battle left the already patchwork ships damaged and barely functioning, the group made contact with a rebel group (image 3), and convinced them to assist with repairs and rearmament in exchange for evacuation. Unfortunately, after it was revealed that a Covenant fleet was due to arrive imminently, Whitcomb made the difficult decision to leave the rebels to die, choosing the billions of people on Earth to the hundreds in the rebel base, despite his own feelings of honor compelling him to stay and die alongside them.
The Unyielding Hierophant and it’s accompanying invasion fleet.
Ultimately, Whitcomb would give his life to destroy a Covenant refueling and fleet mustering station, alongside its combined invasion fleet of over 500 vessels (image 4), all of which were mere days away from invading Earth. His sacrifice allowed John-117 and his team to return to Earth with important information, and perhaps more importantly, a glimmer of hope.
In the end, Danforth was a hero who understood that the greater good had to come before his own feelings, and his involvements with non-naval projects would help save Humanity during the days immediately after the Great Schism, thanks to the detonation of a NOVA bomb at Joyous Exaltation, and the continued development with the HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL program.
Happy Thirsty Thursday in the LoreKorner! Today we take a look at the man, the myth, the legend himself…
Danforth Whitcomb! Who did you think I was going to say?
As usual don’t forget to check out discord.gg/Wernissage for both more lore, and our currently ongoing community art contest!
04.12.2025 22:51
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Are you an artist with a love of Halo? Or even a passing recollection of Halo? Well we here at discord.gg/Wernissage are preparing for the end of another great year with our annual art contest, using the incredible pieces posted by YOU! (Or other people)
And for those wondering… there are prizes!
01.12.2025 20:03
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Ian Daniels mid chapter of a classic novel from the 21st century before a training exchange.
Ian Daniels preparing to test his new GEN3 MJOLNIR
Ian Daniels commanding a team of Spartan IV recruits in a simulation.
One of a few profile images for Ian Daniels’ personnel file
Happy Fanon Friday here in the LoreKorner! Todays entry is all about Ian Daniels, one of the first true characters I ever wrote for Halo! A former Marine turned Spartan IV, Daniels has a storied history in the UNSC and even the CMA. Interested in hearing more? Check out discord.gg/wernissage
28.11.2025 22:34
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Isaac-029 in his Mark IV armor (fanon representation)
Isaac-029 in his Mark IV armor (canon representation)
Mark V Operator without its iconic B5D-O/Optics suite
GEN3 Operator armor in service circa 2560
A brand new LoreKeepers LoreKorner post is live on Discord and YouTube, this time diving deep into the development and usage of the GEN1 Operator helmet! Check out discord.gg/wernissage for the full breakdown, and stay tuned for more content from Sage Gang…
25.11.2025 22:33
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Dripfinite returns to the Wernissage Discord server once again! This time around we’ll see who the real MVP’s are by taking to the sims and competing for the title of Drip Certified! Join the server to take part or just enjoy the creative armor builds done by our talented community! @halo.gg
07.10.2025 21:16
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V.O.T.E. Victory Over Tyranny Everywhere
just popped into my head and didn't show up in a cursory google search :P
21.08.2025 17:54
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@wernissage.bsky.social is back at it again, this time his artistic genius has been focused on the famous Bionicles of yesteryear, and his new coat of paint for perhaps Lego’s most iconic line is pure beauty.
15.08.2025 01:02
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Another entry into Fanon Friday because I remembered yesterday, this time around we focus on one half of a Headhunter duo.
25.07.2025 19:44
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Spartan Henry-261, a member of the fabled 'Phoenix Team', was always an oddball. While all Spartan II's knew what they lost, 261's Eidetic Memory caused him to remember what he lost far more vividly than his peers, and over time, assassination op after assassination op caused him to grow bitter. He developed an illicit affair with an Army Medic, snuck off of base, disobeyed no-witness orders. Eventually, years after the secret birth of his twin children, Henry's disobedience culminated in him incapacitating an ONI Agent that had been needlessly ""interrogating"" the daughter of a dead Insurrectionist Warlord, and dissappearing, never to be officially seen again. 3 weeks later, the Covenant would be spotted on Reach.
Rumor's have, of course, circulated that Phoenix Team are still in contact with Henry, but, these rumors hold little ground.
Henry would resurface in 2560 during the Battle of The Academy, fighting alongside the Spartan IVs defending what little remained of humanity, and, if rumors are to be believed, his own children. He may be a deserter, but in the face of The Banished, his past transgressions mean nothing.
After the glassing of New Alexandria, many Covenant kill teams were sent into the remaining skyscrapers for any possible stragglers. One team after another went missing, and even after destroying any buildings near their last location, every kill team that was sent afterwards disappeared. Rumor started to spread of the cause being from one Spartan, left behind after the evacuation, the urban wasteland his new home
Super delayed post, but Dripfinite IX has come to a gorgeous end with our two winners submitted by Wernissage community members Holdenplayz and Mercurydove!
And so begins the countdown to Dripfinite X, I hope to see you all there!
18.07.2025 21:03
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The first few days of Dripfinite have seen some beautiful Spartans returning to help defend Reach, and there’s only more to come over the next week and a half! Swing by the Wernissage Discord server to peruse the unique and interesting lore that accompanies these designs as well.
11.06.2025 20:37
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Halo Dripfinite returns to the Wernissage Discord server, more information will be revealed shortly at discord.gg/wernissage
04.06.2025 01:53
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Wernissage’s initial redesign
Jacob Kibbe’s 3D model
Welcome back to Fanon Friday, which definitely I definitely didn’t miss last week.
Todays entry is the XARR-915 Railgun designed by none other than @wernissage.bsky.social himself, and it’s a personal favorite of mine.
10.05.2025 00:29
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reporting for duty 🫡
05.05.2025 23:07
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Jordhan Nietze’s bio.
Jordhan Nietze’s appearance.
Welcome back to Fanon Friday, where we explore the Wernissage Artistic Universe together. This weeks entry is Jordhan Nietze, a contracted mercenary active in 2560
25.04.2025 16:20
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I Redesigned Blue Team!💥
With Halo 5 and Infinite going in two very different directions with Master Chief's team, I wanted to create something which honored both iterations, while also bringing something new to the table.
#Halo #HaloSpotlight
Individual pics in thread!👇
24.04.2025 16:36
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Master Chief helping a Soldier in the middle of battle because no one gets left behind
We want to take a moment to say that Halo is for everyone.
Halo has a diverse fan base that's had fans since the Bungie days as well as fans of the 343i games. Whatever background you come from, so long as you love Halo, we welcome you and want to be inclusive to you as well.
Welcome to Halo ❤️
30.10.2024 17:49
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Get excited for the ultimate Mark VI GEN3 fashion show, Redesigning Blue Team by the über talented @wernissage.bsky.social drops TOMORROW
23.04.2025 19:59
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Welcome to Fanon Friday, where I explore the contributions of the Wernissage community to the Wernissage Artistic Universe!
18.04.2025 17:46
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Taking a break from brute and covie weapons to work on some UNSC stuff again starting with this grenade launcher
18.04.2025 17:14
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Shoutout to the hugely talented @wernissage.bsky.social
Thanks for taking the chance on me and letting me have a creative outlet for my writing! (Also get well soon and all that)
16.04.2025 16:15
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Thinking about how the highest quality writing I will ever produce is in my buddies YouTube video
16.04.2025 16:14
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elite_ultra
#Halo #HaloSpotlight #sfm
15.04.2025 13:22
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🔥 Expanding HALO 3’s Armor Customization 🔥
I wanted to explore what Halo 3’s armor sets/helmets would look like with more customization options. I’ve also brought in four additional helmets made by @isaachannaford.bsky.social that never made the cut back in Halo 3.
Let me know what you think!❤️
19.12.2024 17:35
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Modernizing Halo 3’s Armor by the ever talented @wernissage.bsky.social drops tomorrow at 9 AM Pacific Time!
Be there or be a shape with four equal length sides.
18.12.2024 19:21
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I can confirm that Wern absolutely cooked with some of these.
15.12.2024 01:03
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Because @wernissage.bsky.social has forgotten to post this here as well I will.
Ever wondered what Halo 3's armor would look like with a more in-depth Armor Customization system?
STAY VERY TUNED💥
14.12.2024 19:37
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