Covenant Heros and Factions:
So essentially I propose that each faction have researchable one-time heroes that spawn when you choose a particular faction. I'm working on a third for the Covie loyalists, but what I have so far is two examples for the Covenant would be:
Research Subject: Swords of Sanghelios
Description: Thel ‘Vadam unites the keeps of Sanghelios against the tyranny of the Covenant.
Bonus: Wealthy Infrastructure
The wealthy state of Vadam has access to the finest forgemasters leading to a higher quality vessel, as a result production is slowed and fleet supply for each vessel is increased, but each vessel sees large performance increases.
Upgraded: Nanolaminate hull
Upgraded: Weapons Systems
One-Time Hero Unit Spawned:
Shadow of Intent:
Hull: 12,000
Shields: 55,000
Description: The Shadow of Intent is a Covenant CAS-class assault carrier, massive, and capable of carrying thousands of warriors and their instruments of war. It serves as the core of the Arbiter’s loyal fleet assets, and is commanded by the legendary Rtas ‘Vadum. In the post-War period, the vessel is both feared and revered as a herald of the Swords of Sanghelios.
Abilities:
“Evening the fight”
Description: Rtas ‘Vadum’s exemplary tactics allow the Shadow of Intent and her surrounding fleet to perform better when outnumbered. For each enemy vessel in system, the Shadow of Intent and her escorting fleet gain x% performance in hull, shields, and damage.
“Drop Slipspace beacon”
Description: Thel ‘Vadam tasked Shadow of Intent with retrieving long range exploratory fleets. These vessels may be called to assist when a slipspace beacon is dropped. (Basically similar to the Vasari loyalist Titan’s ability.
“Fore shield”
Description: Rtas’ bold tactics of ramming cruisers, while usually impractical made Sangheili commanders ponder the ability to focus shields on the prow of a vessel. Virtually all forward damage is reduced to 0. (Similar to the Vasari starbase fore shields ability)
“Broadside”
Description: The Shadow of Intent’s left and right weapons fire a continuous stream of weapons fire. (Can be used awesomely to take care of enemies trying to get around Fore shields)
Research Subject: Didact’s Hand
Description: Jul ‘Mdama, the Didact’s Hand has been blessed by a holy Forerunner in the flesh. He has successfully recovered several sacred relics that augment his fleet.
Bonus: Forerunner building
Description: Although ‘Mdama lacks the raw resources of the Arbiter, he has managed to salvage the building styles of Forerunners decreasing production speed. RCS and CRS cost less to build and the CRS can be built at reduced supply and be built faster. (This mini-faction emphasizes that Jul's groups are built for hit and run strikes)
One Time Hero Unit Spawned:
Song of Retribution:
Hull: 10,000
Shields: 50,000
Description: Sangheili warlord Jul ‘Mdama accrued a number of vessels in an effort to form a reasonably sized fleet capable of engaging humanity. At the head of this newly resurrected Covenant flotilla was ‘Mdama’s flagship, Song of Retribution. The ship was a traditional CAS-class assault carrier capable of impressive speed and incredible firepower.
Abilities:
“Gift of the Didact”
Description: As the Didact’s Hand a company of Promethean Knights are stored aboard the Song allowing quick boarding action.
“Power to engines”
Description: The Song of Retribution is capable of impressive speeds, and using Forerunner schematics this has been improved significantly. This allows the Song to outmaneuver, as well as scramble for an easier retreat.
“Raia’s vengeance”
Description: The Song diverts its shield power into its primary glassing beam. The resulting destruction renders if it destroys the colony, it renders the world uninhabitable for 5 mins, and severely reduces the max population for even longer. (3 minute cooldown though).
“Pinpoint Jump”
Description: The Song’s advanced slipspace drives and ‘Mdama’s willingness to use unorthodox strategies allow it to carefully navigate within the gravity well of a planet.
If this is an idea the devs kinda like then I'll work on the UNSC ones as well as the last Covenant one. If not, well its all good.