Arbiter: Difference between revisions

The establishment of the Covenant led to the Sangheili losing most of their traditions and history. However, the title of Arbiter was maintained as a position of power for the Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|h2aterm7}} The appellation of Arbiter was bestowed upon the commander-in-chief of the [[Covenant military]], and was regarded as a great privilege among the Sangheili race. Arbiter was a noble title only given to a Sangheili that was considered worthy of bringing justice and peace to the Covenant—some considered it a "''badge of greatness''". The Arbiter's authority would not be questioned by any other individual in the Covenant.<ref name="wos295">'''[[Halo: Evolutions|Halo: Evolutions – Volume II]]''', "[[Wages of Sin]]", ''pages 294-295''</ref> Most notably, the Arbiter of the Covenant would serve as the "Will of the Hierarchs".{{Ref/Reuse|h2aterm6}} At some point the year before or in [[784 BCE]], during an [[Ages of Conversion|Age of Conversion]], the Covenant's [[Taming of the Lekgolo|war]] with the [[Lekgolo]] species had proved itself to be significantly more difficult than anticipated. Arbiter [[Jeht 'Lcmutee]] was tasked with traveling to the [[moon]] of [[Rantu]] to learn about the Lekgolo's strengths and weaknesses,<ref name="h2aterm8">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 8]]''</ref> and upon learning that the Lekgolo could combine into the powerful [[Mgalekgolo]] forms, he proposed the species' incorporation into the Covenant to the Hierarchs. The Hierarchs reluctantly agreed with the Arbiter, and the Lekgolo joined the empire.<ref name="ch269">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''pages 269-270''</ref>

[[File:HW Ripa is killed.png|250px|thumb|Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]] meets his end in [[Battle of the Etran Harborage|battle]].]]

==Function and duties==

{{Quote|The tasks you must undertake as the Arbiter are perilous, suicidal. You will die, as each Arbiter has before you.|The High Prophet of Mercy, to Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee{{Ref/Reuse|h2arbiter}}}}

Originally, the function of Arbiter was to serve as the ruler of the [[Sangheili]] species.{{Ref/Reuse|h2aterm6}} When the [[Covenant]] was established, the title of Arbiter was one of the few pieces of Sangheili culture that was left unmolested by the [[San'Shyuum]]. The Arbiter continued to serve as the commander-in-chief of the [[Covenant military]]{{Ref/Reuse|h2aterm7}} and served as the guardian of the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]].<ref>'''[[Halo Channel]]''': ''Who is the Arbiter? - Part 1''</ref> After the function of Arbiter was altered approximately four hundred years prior to [[2552]], the Arbiter followed the direct orders of the [[Hierarchs]].{{Ref/Reuse|Duel}} Every Arbiter was chosen during a time of great conflict.{{Ref/Reuse|h2arbiter}} Arbiters were charged with carrying out extremely dangerous missions that were meant to redeem themselves from past sins and heresies through death. Although the Arbiters were aware that their title was a death sentence, they would gladly carry out the Hierarchs' missions and anticipated a glorious death to regain lost honor.{{Ref/Reuse|enc138}}{{Ref/Reuse|h2aterm11}} To most members of the Covenant, especially the [[Unggoy]], the Arbiter was seen as a savior in times of dire need; their Sangheili peers consider them the living embodiment of the "Will of the Prophets".{{Ref/Reuse|h2arbiter}} Their corpses—or presumably memorials in some cases{{Ref/Reuse|Escape}}<ref name="ENC"> '''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 139''</ref>—were housed in identical caskets in the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]]. In the center of this room was a floating pod that contained the [[Arbiter body armor|armor of the Arbiter]] when one was not currently appointed. This armor, while highly decorative, is fully functional as battle armor.{{Ref/Reuse|h2arbiter}}

File:H2A Terminals - Ancient Arbiter 2.jpg|An Arbiter leading his people in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|terminals]].

File:H2A Terminals - Ancient Arbiter 3.jpg|An Arbiter raises his blade as a crowd cheers.

File:H2A terminal TH Arbiter 2.jpg|Arbiter Jeht 'Lcmutee, who oversaw the [[Taming of the Lekgolo]].

File:H2A Terminals - UR Arbiter 3.jpg|The Unggoy surrender to the triumphant Arbiter, before allowing them entry into Sangheili units.

File:KI-Arbys.png|Two Arbiters (based on Thel 'Vadam's ''Halo 5: Guardians'' and ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' appearances, respectively) dueling in ''Killer Instinct''.