The Midnight Beta officially launched yesterday, giving players access to the expansion’s first four zones—including the vibrant forests of Harandar, home to the newly introduced Haranir allied race. But among the excitement of questing and exploration, one player stumbled upon an unexpected find: a subtle Halo 2 Easter egg.
Deep within Harandar, an NPC named Thel Bloodmee <Sunsail Arbiter> can be found entangled in roots. When interacted with, he declares: “Let the bloom consume me or set me free from this radiant growth, but do not waste my time with empty words!”
SpiffSpeedY on Reddit quickly connected the quote to Halo 2’s pivotal scene where Thel ‘Vadam, the Arbiter, and the Master Chief are both captured by the Gravemind, the central intelligence of the Flood. The imagery of Thel Bloodmee entangled in the radiant growth cleverly echoes the moment where Halo 2’s heroes are suspended in the Flood’s twisted, root-like tendrils.
The discovery adds a surprising touch of nostalgia to Harandar, blending Midnight’s new worldbuilding with a clever nod to one of Halo 2’s most memorable moments.
Source: Reddit
