405th Spartan Regime

During PRGE, we were visited by an alien invader. The grunt from the hit series Halo was the sole survivor of its landing. Unfortunately for it, the Spartan battalion did not have any casualties.

The spartans were specially invited to attend the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, and they could be seen everywhere. From playing LEGO Movie with kids.

Or even playing some DDR.

I got to hang out with them for a little bit in the breakroom. They were more than happy to answer questions. They were part of the 405th Spartan Fleet. If you check that link, you will find that there appears to be more girls than guys. I found that to be slightly true in real life.

The 405th Pacific division is evenly male to female. In fact, one of them cosplays as Daphne in her spare time.

The age range is from late twenties to a 10 year old. The spartans explained to me that the cost of one battle armor was cheaper than modern infantry.

“About $60,” said one, “which gets you your armor, and a little extra for the special edition of the next Halo.”

There was a great deal of design with each piece of armor. The Spartans had designed their own parts. One girl watched as her cords broke completely as she tried to take off the bulky cover. I was told velcro has become a great invention for them.

“One of our biggest problems is heat,” said one.

“Yeah,” said another, “you can get so hot and humid in these things it blinds you. I could put on my helmet, and walk up some stairs. By the time I get to the top, the visor has completely clouded over.”

One person walked in, and as her helmet came off, drips of sweat poured off her face and hair. A member was trying to sleep, and another was preparing for work.

“If you ever get mulched paper into your boots,” said a spartan who works as a wheelright, “get out quickly. Don’t let it dry, because then you have this weird slimy stuff that never leaves.”

I asked about the Stormtrooper contingent.

“They are way stricter than us. Your armor has to be bright shiny white, and thats it. If you have any color, you are not in the 501st.”

What about Roleplay.

“Not really into it. Too busy fighting off alien forces.”

As I was getting ready to go, they were talking about going to Rock Bottom. I didn’t mention the literary rock band of the same name. Calls were made, and parents talked to. The 405th were doing great.

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