Editing Ripa 'Moramee

{{Status|Canon}}{{Status|Featured}}
{{disambig header|the Arbiter in Halo Wars|other articles including "Arbiter"|Arbiter (disambiguation)}}
{{Character infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Ripa 'Moramee
|image=[[File:HW2 Render RipaMoramee-FullBody.png|300px]]
|homeworld=[[Moram]], [[Malurok]]{{Ref/Book|Id=evg|EVG|Page=10}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|birth=[[2478|June 2, 2478]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|death=[[2531#February|February 25, 2531]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}
|causeofdeath=
|parents=
|siblings=
|spouses=
|children=
|species=[[Sangheili]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}
|gender=Male{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}
|height={{Convert|246.3|cm|ftin|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|mass={{Convert|173.3|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|hair=
|eyes=Orange{{Ref/Anthology|Id=OSG|Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide|Privelege}}
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}
**[[Ministry of Preservation]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} {{C|formerly}}
**[[Ministry of Resolution]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}
|rank-title=Title(s)|rank=[[Arbiter]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}
|sn=
|notable=
}}
{{Quote|no=two|1=High Prophet of Regret|q1=Do you enjoy the slaughter?|2=Ripa 'Moramee|q2=I feel the joy of doing what I was born to. I have no regrets… save that I will not die fighting.|3=An exchange between Ripa 'Moramee and the High Prophet of Regret{{Ref/Comic|Id=genesis|HWG}}}}
'''Ripa 'Moramee''', the '''Savage''',{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P244|Enc22|Page=244}}  was a [[Sangheili]] warlord and military commander who served as the [[Arbiter]] of the [[Covenant]] during the beginning of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. 'Moramee was ruthless and unrelenting, concerned more with victory and glory over honor.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFOnceLost|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/what-once-was-lost|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - What Once Was Lost|D=28|M=03|Y=2017}} Though known for his intense rage and savagery,{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc139|Enc11|Page=139}} 'Moramee was an extremely effective commander and a highly talented strategist.{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}}

Serving the Covenant's [[Ministry of Preservation]] with glory during the [[23rd Age of Doubt]],{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} 'Moramee rose through the Covenant's ranks after subduing many civil conflicts within the empire, most notably quelling the [[Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience]] and [[Krith]]'s [[List of known Covenant heretics|heretic]]al reign. After being captured and imprisoned for leading a failed ''coup d'état'' against his [[kaidon]] on his homeworld of [[Malurok]], 'Moramee was given the title of Arbiter by the [[Hierarchs]], mainly at the urging of the [[High Prophet of Regret]] who sought to use 'Moramee's ruthlessness against the emerging [[human]] threat.{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}}

In his new role, he was given command of the [[Fleet of Glorious Interdiction]] and led the Covenant's [[Harvest campaign|renewed campaign]] on [[Harvest]], excavating a [[Forerunner]] [[Relic (location)|artifact]] on the planet's surface. Towards the end of the campaign in [[2531#February|February 2531]], he assisted the Prophet of Regret in an attempt to reactivate a dormant Forerunner fleet on a Forerunner [[Trove|shield world]]. This led to a series of violent engagements against forces led by [[Captain]] [[James Cutter]] of {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}. Ultimately 'Moramee was killed by [[Sergeant]] [[John Forge]] in the shield world near the end of the [[Battle of the Trove|battle]].{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}}

==Biography==
===Early life and military career===
{{Quote|He was a warlord thrall who had the honor of putting down the Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience. We questioned not his zeal, putting down those who would wrong the Covenant…|The High Prophet of Regret, referring to Ripa 'Moramee{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}}}}
[[File:HWG - Ripa kills Kig-Yar.png|thumb|200px|left|'Moramee quelling Krith's uprising]]
Ripa 'Moramee was born on [[2478|June 2, 2478]] in his familial state of [[Moram]], located in the craggy atolls of the [[Sangheili]] fortress world of [[Malurok]]. During the [[23rd Age of Doubt]], 'Moramee enlisted with the [[Covenant]]'s [[Covenant military|military]], serving the [[Ministry of Preservation]]{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} as a warlord thrall{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} to subdue internal uprisings within the empire.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}

Early in his military career, 'Moramee rose in renown due to his success in several ordained campaigns, quelling various rebellions. His quick rise through the Covenant's ranks began during the [[Sixteenth Unggoy Disobedience]], when he led a Covenant strike force to quell the dissenting [[Unggoy]] in a matter of days.{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}}{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} 'Moramee later ended the [[List of known Covenant heretics|heretic]]al reign of the [[Kig-Yar]] [[pirate]] prince [[Krith]], who rebelled against the Covenant on Malurok.{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} The campaign against Krith reduced 'Moramee's [[legion]] to a handful of hardened killers, while also cementing his reputation for ruthlessness. After butchering the notorious pirate prince and his allies,{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} 'Moramee personally retrieved the modified {{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}} known as "''[[Krith's Left Hand]]''" from the Kig-Yar's personal vaults.{{Ref/Game|Id=REQ|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Krith's Left Hand description|Quote=Reclaimed from the notorious Kig-Yar Pirate King's personal vaults by the previous Arbiter, Ripa 'Moramee. Advanced Beam Rifle that fires a burst of energy with each pull of the trigger.}}{{Ref/Site|Id=CFLocke|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-locke-load|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Locke & Load|D=08|M=11|Y=2020}} 'Moramee would continue to hone his skills in war in dozens of compliance campaigns at the fringes of Covenant space, [[glassing]] worlds to prove his devotion to the [[Great Journey]].{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}}

However, 'Moramee's ambition grew too great, leading him to attempt a ''coup d'état'' against his [[kaidon]] in Moram.{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} Having overestimated both his leadership ability and the strength of his own loyal forces,{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} 'Moramee was finally defeated in battle when his coup failed and he was captured by the kaidon's forces. After being brought before his kaidon and a Covenant court, 'Moramee was found guilty for not only rebelling against his kaidon, but for failing in the process—an even greater sin. For his crimes, 'Moramee was sentenced to a [[cycle]] in the [[Weeping Shadows of Sorrow]], a super-maximum security penitentiary,{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} followed by condemnation to a "living death".{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} 'Moramee was threatened by many of his fellow inmates for the dishonor he had brought upon his [[clan]], eventually culminating with him inciting a large-scale prison riot a short time later. Using the resulting chaos to his advantage, 'Moramee attempted to escape, though he was soon captured, heavily beaten, and placed in solitary confinement within a [[plasma]] grid.{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} 'Moramee's time in prison was not kind to his body physically and, while his incarceration did not break his spirit, he was left feeling purposeless.{{Ref/Anthology|Id=TDB|Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide|The Day Before}}

===Appointment to Arbiter===
[[File:HWG regret and Ripa.png|thumb|250px|The High Prophet of Regret gives the Arbiter command of the Harvest campaign]]
{{Quote|Your fate is already decided. Your name, it is gone, expunged from the records of this facility. Rise up, I name you Arbiter.|Ripa 'Moramee is pronounced Arbiter by the High Prophet of Regret{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}}}}
As the [[Human-Covenant War]] began in [[2525#February|February 2525]], the newly elected [[Hierarchs]] sought out a savage and cunning commander to name [[Arbiter]] to lead Covenant forces against the new [[human]] threat, as the empire massacred humanity's [[Outer Colonies]].{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} The [[High Prophet of Regret]] had heard of 'Moramee's audacious failure on Malurok{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} and recognized the Sangheili warlord's ruthlessness.{{Ref/Reuse|enc139}} Seeking an agent of his own to name Arbiter to advance his personal plans, the Prophet of Regret visited 'Moramee in his cell at the Weeping Shadows of Sorrow. After ensuring that 'Moramee was still devout to the Great Journey and loyal to the Covenant, Regret named him Arbiter and pardoned him of his crimes. As the seventeenth Arbiter in the Line of Immaculate Succession, 'Moramee became an agent of the Hierarchs,{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} now operating under the [[Ministry of Resolution]].{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}

Regret's decision led to concerned mumbling among the Prophets' [[Covenant Honor Guard|Honor Guard]], who had no prior knowledge of this plan.{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} 'Moramee was considered a radical choice as Arbiter;{{Ref/Game|Id=pl|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=The Arbiter}} the appointment displeased many within the Covenant, with 'Moramee's methods and strategies coming under scrutiny.{{Ref/Game|Id=Cards|HW|Target profile|Detail=Ripa 'Moramee}} The creation of a new Arbiter caused a split in the Covenant: an ever-growing faction of Sangheili, who were opposed to the new Hierarchs, seized control of several [[Forerunner]] relics, including remnants of a massive Forerunner space installation that supposedly contained a "key" of some sort capable of activating Forerunner technology. The Arbiter was sent by the Hierarchs to end this rebellion, resulting in a vicious battle that raged for days which ended with the destruction of many heretics. The rebellion was silenced, but the mysterious key, however, was never found.{{Ref/Game|Id=Timeline|HW|Halo Wars Timeline Events|Timeline Events|Detail=Excerpt from The Punished Deeds, Vol. III}}

Regret would later include 'Moramee in his plans to activate a Forerunner [[fleet]] of {{Class|Sojourner|dreadnought}}s found within the recently discovered [[Trove]]—known as the Etran Harborage. Regret intended to use the fleet to quickly wipe out humanity, though the Covenant lacked the technology to activate the [[warship]]s. Additionally, the parasitic [[Flood]] maintained a presence within the [[shield world]], complicating Covenant investigations.{{Ref/Reuse|TDB}}

===Harvest campaign===
{{Quote|I care not for your little life! Open the relic!|Ripa 'Moramee overruling Field Master Re'gish Wamik's objections to entering the relic{{Ref/Level|Id=approach|HW|Relic Approach}}}}
[[File:HW The Arbiter overseeing an operation.png|thumb|250px|left|Ripa 'Moramee and Re'gish Wamik uncover the Forerunner structure on Harvest]]
{{Main|Harvest campaign}}
Upon the return of [[Tartarus]] from the human [[agriculture world]] of [[Harvest]], Regret formalized the Sangheili-led [[Fleet of Glorious Interdiction]] to recapture the planet, electing 'Moramee as its commander.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} Regret personally tasked 'Moramee with securing Harvest to search for Forerunner artifacts,{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} believing that the world may contain a key that could activate the Forerunner dreadnoughts.{{Ref/Reuse|TDB}} When the Fleet of Glorious Interdiction arrived at Harvest in [[2526]], the fleet became entangled in a five-year long [[Harvest campaign|campaign]] against [[Admiral]] [[Preston Cole]]'s [[Third Fleet]].{{Ref/Level|Id=alpha|HW|Alpha Base (Halo Wars level)|Alpha Base}} The [[United Nations Space Command]] was aware of his presence, but was unable to gather more than cursory intelligence used to construct a [[Target profile#.2399 211 68|target profile]] on him.{{Ref/Reuse|Cards}}

Despite having command of the Covenant forces during the campaign, 'Moramee was not always present on Harvest. He also led Covenant forces in removing the Flood presence in the interior of the Etran Harborage. In around [[2531#February|February 2531]], while 'Moramee and Regret were visiting the recently cleansed interior of the shield world, forces of the Fleet of Glorious Interdiction had located a Forerunner "[[relic]]" beneath Harvest's surface, in the planet's northern polar region. When 'Moramee reported the discovery of the temple to Regret, the Hierarch chastised the Arbiter for not being personally present for the relic's discovery and sent him back to Harvest to search for the alleged key.{{Ref/Reuse|TDB}}

Upon returning to Harvest, the Arbiter met with [[Field Master]] [[Re'gish Wamik]], who was leading the Covenant forces in excavating the relic.{{Ref/Reuse|approach}} During the relic's excavation, 'Moramee sent in squads of Unggoy to ensure the interior was safe, fearing a possible Flood occupation. The Unggoy would live if the path was clear, but if they demonstrated any fear or if any trouble was detected, 'Moramee would detonate [[plasma]] bombs that were attached to their [[methane tank]]s to clear out any possible threat.{{Ref/Reuse|Timeline}} Despite concerns by Field Master Wamik that the Flood may be present in the installation, 'Moramee pressed on due to the impatience and pressure of the Hierarchs, and ordered for the relic to be opened. However, with UNSC forces closing in, the Prophet of Regret ordered 'Moramee to destroy the installation and return to the Covenant with the information he had gathered—coordinates pointing to [[Procyon system|a second system]]. The Arbiter was reluctant to destroy the Forerunner relic, though complied nonetheless upon the continued insistence of the Hierarch.{{Ref/Reuse|approach}} However, the attempt to destroy the relic failed when the demolition teams were thwarted by UNSC ground forces deployed from the orbiting {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}.{{Ref/Level|Id=interior|HW|Relic Interior}}

===Etran Harborage===
[[File:HW Arbiter talks to Regret.png|thumb|250px|The Arbiter discusses plans with the Prophet of Regret on [[Trove]]]]
{{Quote|[[Forerunner|The Ancients]] have granted us the power to doom your race. Let the deconstruction of our great gifts begin! The majesty of our new fleet will be unparalleled!|Ripa 'Moramee preaching to his brethren upon the activation of the dormant dreadnoughts{{Ref/Level|Id=beachhead|HW|Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead}}}}
{{Main|Battle of the Etran Harborage}}
The information from the Forerunner relic on Harvest led the Fleet of Glorious Interdiction to the human Outer Colony of [[Arcadia]], the location of a [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|Forerunner structure]].{{Ref/Level|HW|Arcadia City}} As the [[Battle for Arcadia]] began, some Covenant forces attacked Arcadian population centers, while others scoured the planet's dense jungles where the collection of Forerunner ruins was discovered. After they found the ruins, the Covenant deployed a massive [[Deployment spire|dome-shaped]] [[energy shield]] on the planet's surface to prevent the UNSC forces from reaching the structures. However, they ultimately failed to prevent the UNSC from assaulting the Forerunner site.{{Ref/Level|HW|Dome of Light}}

[[File:HW Anders captured.png|left|250px|thumb|The Arbiter's capture of Ellen Anders on Arcadia]]
Inside Etran Harborage, 'Moramee and the Prophet of Regret both continued to attempt to activate the dormant fleet of Forerunner dreadnoughts at the [[Apex Site]] within the shield world. During this operation, 'Moramee was concerned about why he was not fulfilling his task of destroying humanity, when he should command all their forces for a frontal assault; Regret stated that they need the Forerunner ships to increase the size of their fleets, so that the Covenant would not have to dedicate all their forces for the war effort and thus leave themselves defenseless. After attempts to interface with the Forerunner technology failed, 'Moramee was sent on a mission to capture Professor [[Ellen Anders]] at the ongoing Battle for Arcadia by the Prophet of Regret, as he believed she would have ability and knowledge of how to interface with Forerunner structures that the Covenant did not.{{Ref/Level|Id=scarab|HW|Scarab (level)|Scarab}} Following Regret's commands, 'Moramee returned to Arcadia and ambushed Anders while she was documenting the remains of a {{Pattern|R'awuw|Scarab}}. While the Arbiter attempted to capture Anders, [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] [[Sergeant]] [[John Forge]] intervened. The Arbiter dropped Anders and charged at Forge. Forge attempted to kill the Sangheili with his [[M6C magnum]], but it had little effect against the [[Arbiter body armor|Arbiter's armor]]. 'Moramee attacked the Marine with his [[energy sword]]s but before he could kill him, Anders surrendered herself to save Forge's life. Satisfied, the Arbiter grabbed Anders and escaped in a [[Dextro Xur-pattern Spirit|Spirit dropship]] to an awaiting ship seconds before [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[Red Team]] arrived.{{Ref/Level|Id=anders|HW|Anders' Signal}}

Forge and Red Team returned to ''Spirit of Fire'' and pursued 'Moramee's vessel through [[slipstream space]].{{Ref/Reuse|anders}} 'Moramee reached the shield world first and imprisoned her in a [[stasis field]] at the Apex. Shortly after, a Spirit [[dropship]] delivered the Prophet of Regret to the Apex. While the two commented on Anders' frail appearance, a [[Sangheili Zealot]] warned the Arbiter of ''Spirit of Fire''{{'}}s arrival. Angered, 'Moramee punched the Zealot several feet backwards and ordered Regret's Honor Guard to return him to [[High Charity]],{{Ref/Level|Id=shield world|HW|Shield World (level)|Shield World}} arranging for [[Jiralhanae]] [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|chieftain]] [[Avitus]] to accompany Regret to rob the Jiralhanae of any glory in the oncoming battle.{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} Then, he ordered for his fleet to intercept the human ship and destroy it.{{Ref/Reuse|shield world}} Although the {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}} ''[[Proclamation's Tithe]]'' intercepted and attacked ''Spirit of Fire'', the human ship was able to escape.{{Ref/Level|HW|Repairs}} Some time later, the Arbiter returned to Anders and released her from the stasis field. 'Moramee forced her to interface with the Forerunner controls and begin activating the Forerunner fleet. While the Arbiter began to charismatically preach about the activation of the dreadnoughts to his fellow Sangheili, Anders managed to escape from 'Moramee through the Apex's [[Teleporter|translocation system]] and alerted the UNSC of the Covenant's intentions.{{Ref/Reuse|beachhead}}

===Death and legacy===
[[File:HW Ripa is killed.png|250px|thumb|The Arbiter meets his fate at Forge's hands]]
{{Quote|My face will be the last thing your pathetic eyes ever see.|'Moramee gloating over Sergeant Forge, moments before his very own demise{{Ref/Level|Id=escape|HW|Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape}}}}
Sergeant Forge and Red Team were quickly dispatched to Apex Site with orders to destroy the shield world using ''Spirit of Fire''{{'}}s removed [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] by causing its core to overheat, thereby causing the shield world's internal sun to go [[supernova]]. As several [[Stealth Sangheili]] assaulted the Apex, 'Moramee used his [[active camouflage]] unit to ambush and kill the Marine lieutenant in charge of opening an elevator which led into the sun. While Red Team engaged in combat with the Stealth Sangheili, Forge took on the Arbiter.{{Ref/Reuse|escape}}

As the fight between the two began, Forge managed to disarm his opponent despite the physical disparity between himself and the Arbiter, relying on combat skill rather than raw strength. However, 'Moramee quickly fought off Forge and incapacitated him with a punch to the stomach. The Arbiter then proceeded to taunt and injure him by throwing him around the Apex. Feigning defeat, Forge challenged 'Moramee to look him in the eye before killing him. The Arbiter complied and lifted the sergeant by his neck while unwittingly bringing his own neck within the reach of his opponent. Forge drove his [[combat knife]]—"Lucy"—into his adversary's neck, then used the incapacitated Arbiter's dropped energy sword to stab him through the chest, killing 'Moramee. Ripa 'Moramee's corpse was rolled off the platform by [[Alice-130]] of Red Team shortly before the translight engine overheated and destroyed the shield world.{{Ref/Reuse|escape}}

The loss of 'Moramee's armor was mourned by the Covenant, as it could not be stored within the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]] on High Charity.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFZone|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-in-the-zone|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - In the Zone|D=23|M=12|Y=2019}} Some theorize that had 'Moramee survived the battle at Etran Harborage, [[Atriox]] could have convinced him to join the [[Banished]].{{Ref/Reuse|pl}}

His holdings on Malurok are still the source of bitter dispute among neighbouring keeps  who survived the fall of the Covenant.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=253}}

==Personality and traits==
{{Quote|Like the rest of your race, weak and undisciplined.|Ripa 'Moramee taunting John Forge during the battle for the Apex{{Ref/Reuse|escape}}}}
[[File:HW Arbiter Closeup Apex.png|thumb|250px|left|Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee at the Apex]]
Ripa 'Moramee was a ruthless and unrelenting [[Sangheili]] commander,{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} known for his nearly insatiable bloodlust and ambition.{{Ref/Reuse|pl}} Unusually violent and quick to anger, 'Moramee's temper was regarded as something of legend. In mad fits of rage, he could summon great strength and speed that was almost unmatched.{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} However, 'Moramee was noted for not discriminating who he directed his rage at.{{Ref/Reuse|enc139}} There were several accounts of 'Moramee being the sole survivor in skirmishes, having slain ally and foe alike while enraged. He was known to kill subordinates serving under him for failing their tasks or even bringing ill news.{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} While at [[Trove]], he struck a [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]]—throwing him to the ground—upon being informed that {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} had followed them to the [[shield world]].{{Ref/Reuse|shield world}} When his orders to open the [[Relic (location)|Forerunner relic]] on [[Harvest]] were questioned by [[Field Master]] [[Re'gish Wamik]], he verbally lashed out at his subordinate, telling him ''"I care not for your little life!"''{{Ref/Reuse|alpha}} Throughout his life, 'Moramee was said to have never found peace, living without a moment of rage.{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}}

[[File:HW The Arbiter head.png|thumb|250px|'Moramee was a ruthless and savage warrior]]
Driven to control and dominate, 'Moramee was highly ambitious. As the Arbiter, he came to enjoy the nearly unchecked power and authority he wielded as part of his title. For this, he was considered to be a radical choice as Arbiter.{{Ref/Reuse|pl}} 'Moramee was greatly concerned with ensuring victory on the battlefield, no matter the cost.{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} He held no ill-will about sending his troops to their deaths if he believed such actions would bring him victory.{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} His greatest weakness was that his audacity sometimes blinded his ability to choose his battles more wisely, as was the case when 'Moramee attempted to usurp his [[kaidon]] in [[Moram]]. He had overestimated his leadership ability and strength of arms, leading to 'Moramee finally seeing defeat on the battlefield.{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} While ultimately a skilled strategist, 'Moramee was unable to lead through loyalty or charisma.{{Ref/Game|Id=enforcers|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Elite Enforcers}} Instead, he often inspired a combination of fear and awe to those under his command.{{Ref/Reuse|pl}}

Unlike most Sangheili in the Covenant, 'Moramee had little concern for honor,{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} unbound by traditional notions of loyalty.{{Ref/Reuse|pl}} His appointment as Arbiter was controversial within the Covenant Empire, as his ruthlessness and strategies came under heavy criticism and scrutiny.{{Ref/Reuse|Cards}} Using his authority as Arbiter, he would often bind disgraced Sangheili with iron-clad oaths to his unquestioning service as vassals in exchange for a return to the [[rolls of honor]].{{Ref/Reuse|enforcers}} As noted by Volume III of ''[[The Punished Deeds]]'', 'Moramee did not fear death, though even he was afraid of the [[Flood]].{{Ref/Reuse|Timeline}} Had 'Moramee survived the battle for the Etran Harborage, some theorized that [[Atriox]] may have been able to have convinced the Arbiter to join the [[Banished]], as Atriox was impressed with 'Moramee's fearsome reputation and unconventional personality.{{Ref/Reuse|pl}}

'Moramee considered his life hard and difficult, his own path always murky and dark.{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} Nonetheless, 'Moramee was still a devout follower of the [[Great Journey]], having [[Glassing|glassed]] worlds to prove his piety and devotion.{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} Before his first encounter with the [[High Prophet of Regret]], 'Moramee felt the Great Journey did not include one such as himself stating he would "''be left here to rot like garbage''", having failed to rebel against his own kaidon. Upon his first encounter with Regret, he thought how easily he could end the life of the Prophet who disturbed his penance. It was not until he was made an Arbiter that he proved himself to be fanatically loyal to the [[Hierarchs]], especially Regret, and carried out his task to eradicate humanity with fervent zeal and efficiency as a means to secure his place in the Great Journey.{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} However, he remained impetuous before the Hierarchs, once activating his energy swords in the presence of Regret, unnerving the High Prophet's [[Covenant Honor Guard|Honor Guard]],{{Ref/Reuse|scarab}} for wielding a weapon before a Hierarch is traditionally punishable by death.{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Chapter=19}}

==Skills and abilities==
Having honed his skill at arms in dozens of compliance campaigns at the fringes of [[Covenant]] space,{{Ref/Reuse|CFOnceLost}} Ripa 'Moramee was a skilled warrior and a very talented strategist, wielding two [[Type-1 energy sword]]s with devastating skill.{{Ref/Reuse|pl}} When enraged, 'Moramee was capable of summoning remarkable strength and speed, proving unmatched and devastating on the battlefield. Considered a great force to be reckoned with, 'Moramee was an extremely effective, if brutal, commander on the battlefield,{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} though he inspired loyalty in his troops through fear rather than charisma.{{Ref/Reuse|enforcers}} Although a commander, he preferred to fight in single combat.{{Ref/Reuse|pl}} Martially savage in battle,{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} 'Moramee often maintained a ready swordsman posture.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}}

==Equipment==
While serving the [[Covenant]]'s [[Ministry of Preservation]], Ripa 'Moramee was adorned in a standard, silver-colored [[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]].{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} After his appointment to [[Arbiter]], 'Moramee was given custom-fitted [[Arbiter body armor|body armor]],{{Ref/Reuse|CFZone}} featuring an elaborate sallet.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} Although the armor had been fitted properly to his body, 'Moramee considered it to be uncomfortable, finding the armor to be sharp and unforgiving.{{Ref/Reuse|OSG}} His armor was destroyed with the destruction of [[Trove]], a loss mourned by the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|CFZone}}

'Moramee typically wielded two [[Energy sword (fiction)|energy sword]]s, which featured customized hilt guards.{{Ref/Reuse|evg}} He also preferred to arm himself with either a {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} or a {{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}.{{Ref/Reuse|enc139}} As Arbiter, 'Moramee was given unrestricted access to experimental [[Stasis field|stasis]] weapons.{{Ref/Reuse|pl}}

==Behind the scenes==
{{Linkbox|quote=yes|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
{{Quote|Our Arbiter is a mean guy. He's Darth Vader times ten.|David Pottinger{{Ref/YouTube|Id=ign|hMoq7kbtbgo|IGN|Universe Expanded: Halo Wars / Act 2 - Evolution|D=04|M=06|Y=2024}}}}
Ripa 'Moramee was created to serve as the primary antagonist of ''[[Halo Wars]]'' and a [[leader]] in the game's [[multiplayer]], debuting in [[2009|March 2009]].{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.gamepro.com:80/article/news/208560/new-halo-wars-screens-the-flood-arbiter-spartans-revealed/|Site=GamePro|Page=New Halo Wars screens: The Flood, Arbiter, Spartans revealed|D=24|M=02|Y=2009}} He is the second Arbiter to appear as a character in the universe, with the first being [[Thel 'Vadam]]. Lead designer David Pottinger described 'Moramee as a completely different character than 'Vadam, asserting his antagonistic behavior and comparing him to a worse [[Wikipedia:Darth Vader|Darth Vader]], the characterization coming from the desire to make the [[Covenant]] more menacing in order to provide a traditional good guy-bad guy conflict in the story.{{Ref/Reuse|ign}} The Arbiter's backstory was provided with ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'', a graphic novel released alongside ''Halo Wars''.{{Ref/Reuse|genesis}} His lines were performed by Canadian voice actor [[Wikipedia:David Sobolov|David Sobolov]] (who also later voiced [[Jul 'Mdama]] in ''[[Halo 4]]''), while the character was digitally animated for cutscenes by the California-based animation studio [[Blur Studio]].{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.sobolov.com/|Site=David Sobolov Voice Actor|Page=Main page|D=04|M=06|Y=2024}}

Ripa's armor was designed by Sean Mcnally for the [[Blur Studio]] cutscenes of ''Halo Wars''.{{Ref/Site|Id=sean|URL=http://mcnallyism.blogspot.com/2009/03/halo-wars-arbiter-redesign.html|Site=Sean McNally's Sporadic Sketch Blog|Page=Halo Wars: Arbiter redesign|D=04|M=06|Y=2024}} Sean felt that Thel 'Vadam in ''Halo 2'' "looked pretty hokey in halo 2...especially for what a bad-ass he was supposed to be". Mcnally and animation supervisor Dave Wilson began to redesign the Arbiter armor to "cool him up". The first round of sketches contained a full-face helmet and a "claw cape", as well as an energy halberd, but these designs were deemed to be too drastic a departure from the character. The concept went through several more variations to reign in the design, with the final ending up almost identical to the original ''Halo 2'' armor, though Mcnally was able to keep in the more ornamental design of energy sword hilt.{{Ref/Reuse|sean}}

An [[easter egg]] in the hint text from ''Halo Wars'' claims "Few people know that the Arbiter's given birth name is Shirley," referring to his line from the first level in response the Regret's command to destroy the relic on Harvest: "Surely you jest!" This refers to a running gag in the [[Wikipedia:Naked Gun|Naked Gun series]] which also appears in the movie ''[[Wikipedia:Airplane!|Airplane!]]'': "Surely you can't be serious!?" "I ''am'' serious, and don't call me Shirley!"

On [[2017|June 28, 2017]], Ripa 'Moramee was added as a leader for ''Halo Wars 2'' multiplayer as [[downloadable content]], released with new abilities and units.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/welcome-jerome-arbiter|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Welcome Jerome & Arbiter|D=15|M=09|Y=2017}} Sobolov was unable to return to voice 'Moramee for the DLC despite wishing to, due to the ongoing [[:wikipedia:2016-2017 video game voice actor strike|voice actor strike]] at the time.{{Ref/Twitter|volobos|1365947771753095168|David Sobolov|Quote=I was so bummed to not be able to voice The Arbiter in Halo Wars 2. The actors union was going on strike against video games at the time and they couldn’t get my part recorded before the strike started. :(|D=15|M=6|Y=2021}} As such, Ripa 'Moramee's voice actor was recast to a presently-unknown voice actor.

==Gallery==
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:HW-Concept-Arbiter-01.jpg|The first design of Ripa for ''Halo Wars'' cutscenes, with a "claw cape" and enclosed helmet.{{Ref/Reuse|sean}}
File:HW-Concept-Arbiter-02.jpg|A more reigned-in design of Ripa, still deemed too radical a change.{{Ref/Reuse|sean}}
File:HW_Arbiter_Blur_Concept.jpg|An iteration on the previous design.{{Ref/Reuse|sean}}
File:HW_Arbiter_Helmet_Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Arbiter's helmet, featuring a retractable face guard.{{Ref/Reuse|sean}}
File:HW_Arbiter_EnergySword_Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Arbiter's energy sword.{{Ref/Reuse|sean}}
File:HW-Concept-Arbiter-03.jpg|More finalized concept art for the Arbiter, by Ensemble Studios.
File:HW_Forge_Ripa_Concept.jpg|Concept art of Ripa facing down with John Forge.
File:HW Concept Render Arbiter.jpg|Arbiter armor study for Ripa 'Moramee, based on early concept art.
</gallery>
===Screenshots and renders===
<gallery>
File:HW Render Arbiter Ripa Moramee.png|Face-on view of Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW Render Ripa 'Moramee.png|Ripa 'Moramee in ''Halo Wars''.
File:HW-Arbiter-Front.jpg|A front view of Ripa 'Moramee.
File:HW Concept Render Arbiter face side view.jpg|A side profile of Ripa 'Moramee.
File:HWDE_Ripa_LeaderProfile.jpg|Ripa 'Moramee [[Target profile]].
File:HW Arbiter rage mode.jpg|The Arbiter in-game seen dual wielding two energy swords, in ''Rage'' mode.
File:HW John Forge vs Ripa.jpg|Ripa 'Moramee facing John Forge.
File:HW-Ripa.png|Ripa 'Moramee attacking an [[Insurrectionist]] [[M5 Talos]] base turret on Harvest.
File:HW-Riparage.png|The Arbiter lunging towards a T-26 Wraith while in ''Rage'' mode.
File:HW Arbitercloseup.jpg|In-game closeup of the Arbiter.
File:HW Arbiter front.jpg|In-game view of the front of the Arbiter.
File:HW Arbiterback.jpg|In-game view of the back of the Arbiter.
File:McF - Halo Wars arbiter toy 2.jpg|An action figure of Ripa 'Moramee released by [[McFarlane Toys]].
File:McF - Halo Wars arbiter toy.jpg|Another figure of Ripa 'Moramee by Mcfarlane Toys.
File:HW2 Ripa 'Moramee.png|[[Blitz]] card of 'Moramee in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HW2-Ripa&Butterflies.png|Ripa 'Moramee in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2-Arby.png|Ripa 'Moramee near a Banished Outpost.
File:HW2-Arbyrage.png|Ripa 'Moramee using his ''Rage'' ability against Jiralhanae and Unggoy.
File:HW2-Airnogo.png|The Arbiter uses his ''Rage'' to kill a Huragok.
File:HW2-FullyupgradedArby.png|A fully upgraded Arbiter attacking a Banished Outpost.
File:HW2 Arbiter enraged with a bubble shield.png|Arbiter with a bubble shield.
File:HW2 Arbiter under Rage effect.png|Under rage effect.
File:HW2 Blitz Arbiter comparison.png|Bubble shield comparison.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]]''
**''[[The Day Before]]''
**''[[Privilege]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]'' {{C|Hologram only}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}

{{HW Leaders}}
[[Category:Sangheili characters|Moramee, Ripa]]
[[Category:Nobles|Moramee, Ripa]]
[[Category:Covenant military personnel|Moramee, Ripa]]
[[Category:Arbiters|Moramee, Ripa]]
[[Category:Halo Wars 2 DLC]]