Editing Rtas 'Vadum

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{{Character Infobox|variant=Cov

|image=[[File:H2A-Rtas-01.jpg|350px]]

|homeworld=[[Sanghelios|Vadum, Sanghelios]]<ref name="visual"/>

|birth=[[2487|September 21, 2487]]<ref name="visual">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 175''</ref>

|height=241.3 centimeters (7 ft 11 in)<ref name="visual"/>

|mass=323 lbs (146.5 kg)<ref name="visual"/>

|eyes=Orange<ref group="note">'Vadum's eyes are green in ''Halo 2'', but all other media (including ''Halo 2 Anniversary'') depict his eyes as orange.</ref>

|affiliation=[[Covenant]] {{C|formerly}}

<br>[[Swords of Sanghelios]]

|rank=

[[Special Operations Commander]] {{C|Covenant}}

<br>[[Fleet Master]] of the [[Fleet of Retribution]]

<br>[[Shipmaster]] of the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''

|notable=

{{Quote|If it takes my death, so be it. You will not defeat the Covenant!|'Vadum, prior to the [[Great Schism]]}}

'''Rtas 'Vadum''', known as '''Rtas 'Vadumee''' before the [[Great Schism]], was a [[Sangheili]] [[Special Operations Commander]] who served in the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] before the Great Schism, and later served as a high-ranking [[Thel 'Vadam's Covenant faction|separatist]] official.<ref name="visual"/> As the [[shipmaster]] of the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' and the [[Fleet Master]] of the [[Fleet of Retribution]], Rtas 'Vadum played a pivotal role in the final year of the [[Human-Covenant War]].  

Born in the state of Vadum, Rtas 'Vadum graduated with honors from the top war college in the [[Iruiru]] region of [[Yermo]], [[Sanghelios]], a distinction he shares with [[Usze 'Taham]].<ref name="Coop">[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack '''Bungie.net''': ''The Tru7h About Co-Op in Halo 3'']</ref>

 

 

 

In an attempt to kill the Flood, 'Vadumee used the Engineering station to set a [[Slipstream space|slipspace]] course towards the nearby [[Soell|sun]]. During that time, it was revealed that the Legate had become infected, and 'Vadum had to battle his infected officer, 'Kusovai. He was able to make a mortal strike at the infected 'Kusovai by allowing the infected officer to strike him along his arm and face, severing his left mandibles. He managed to escape on board a [[Type-52  Phantom]], the ''[[Glorious Advance]]'', two minutes before the slipspace jump occurred. 'Vadumee is believed to be the only survivor of the ''Infinite Succor'' mission.<ref name="HGN"/>

Given the fact that Rtas had sufficient downtime to engage in a training duel prior to the ''Infinite Succor'' mission, and due to the extensive wounds incurred in said mission, it is unknown what, if any, fighting Rtas would have seen during the greater [[Battle of Installation 04]].

{{Quote|You are the [[Arbiter]], the will of the [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]], but these are my [[Sangheili|Elites]]. Their lives matter to me, yours does not.|Rtas 'Vadumee, expressing his care for his SpecOps Sangheili, but not that of the Arbiter}}

[[File:H2A-Rtas&Co.jpg|300px|thumb|left|'Vadumee encouraging his warriors before battle]]

Rtas 'Vadumee was assigned to hunt down [[Sesa 'Refumee]], the leader of a [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|heretic faction]], on a [[Forerunner]] [[Threshold gas mine|gas mining facility]] above the gas giant [[Threshold]]. Joining him was [[Thel 'Vadam|the newly assigned Arbiter]], formerly the Supreme Commander of the ''Fleet of Particular Justice''. Rtas 'Vadumee was to aid the Arbiter with his SpecOps Elites and Grunts to silence the Heretic. Aboard a Phantom for the majority of the mission, he provided valuable reinforcements to the Arbiter as he progressed through the facility. 'Vadumee joined the Arbiter in his search on foot as they closed in on the Heretic leader.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', [[campaign]] level ''[[The Arbiter (level)|The Arbiter]]''</ref>

After clearing the area of the [[Flood|parasite]], Rtas split up with the Arbiter to regroup with reinforcements. A short time later, they further pursued 'Refumee until he locked himself behind an unbreakable energy barrier. Forced to give up, Rtas was about to turn away when the Arbiter volunteered to cut the cables holding up the mine in a risky attempt to draw out the fugitive. The Commander agreed, loaning the Arbiter his [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]] for the task. Leaving the Arbiter to his work, 'Vadum and his remaining forces evacuated in a Phantom.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref>

====Changing of the Guard====

[[File:H2A - Rtas with Truth.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'Vadumee speaking to the Hierarch about the Changing of the Guard.]]

{{quote|This is unprecedented. Unacceptable.|Rtas 'Vadumee to the [[Prophet of Truth]]}}

Back on ''[[High Charity]]'', the [[Jiralhanae]] were [[Changing of the Guard|taking over]] the position of [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guard]] to the [[Hierarchs]], allegedly due to the fact that the [[John-117|"Demon"]] had successfully assassinated the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] and none of the Honor Guard Elites guarding the High Prophet could stop him. Because of his position, Rtas expressed his disdain to the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and [[Prophet of Mercy|High Prophet of Mercy]], disgusted by this radical switch in tradition and customs, also noting his belief that Regret could have been saved had Truth not halted their attempt to reinforce the Prophet. However, the Prophet of Truth dismissed his complaints and sent Rtas 'Vadumee and his two Elites away.<ref name="icon">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon]]''</ref>

====Search for the Sacred Icon====

{{Quote|We shall cut into the heart of this infestation, retrieve the Icon, and burn any Flood that stand in our way!|Rtas 'Vadumee}}

Soon after the [[raid on the Threshold gas mine]], Rtas was involved in the operation against the Flood and the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], rendering aid to the Arbiter as he searched for the [[Activation Index|Sacred Icon]] deep inside the [[Quarantine Zone]] on [[Installation 05]]. Rtas landed inside the Quarantine Zone in an [[orbital insertion pod]] but was separated from his squad during the fall. He held the Covenant camp at the foot of the [[Sentinel Wall]] alone until his squad and the Arbiter joined him. Afterward, Rtas left in a Phantom to command the Elite assault towards the Library. Later, he rejoined the Arbiter in a [[Type-46 Spectre]] and helped him push through a Flood barricade to access one of the Forerunner [[Anti-gravity gondola|gondolas]] that were the only way to enter the [[Library]]. Rtas stayed behind to hold off the Flood while the Arbiter took the second Gondola to reach the Sacred Icon.

{{Quote|The Brutes control that cruiser, Arbiter. I'll remain here, make sure no reinforcements get in behind you. Then, I'm going to take the Cruiser back!|Rtas Vadum's last words before leaving the Arbiter.}}

[[File:H2A - Rtas in Wraith.png|300px|thumb|Rtas in his Wraith]]

Commandeering a [[Type-26 Wraith]], Rtas spotted a [[Type-47 Scarab]] walker outside a Brute encampment. Making his way along the coast, a surprised Rtas met up with the Arbiter, this time on a quest to find the Icon before [[Installation 05]] could be activated. From the Arbiter he learned of the murder of the Sangheili [[Councilor]]s and the treachery of the Brutes. The two Sangheili were interrupted by the arrival of [[Tartarus]]' Phantom and its escorts as they entered Halo's [[Control Room]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level [[Uprising]]''</ref> Wishing to avenge their fallen brothers, 'Vadum and the Arbiter attacked them by surprise and met up with a squad of [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] and other Elites.  

There, Rtas 'Vadum again split up with the Arbiter to prevent any Jiralhanae reinforcements from attacking the Arbiter's rear, and was not present when the latter escorted [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Johnson]] to the Control Room; earlier, he had announced his intent to take back a Covenant {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}} that was hovering a distance from the battle area, and it can be assumed he attempted doing so.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey (level)|The Great Journey]]''</ref> It is not known what became of that ship as he later captained the {{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}, ''Shadow of Intent''.<ref name="floodgate">'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref>

====Battle of Earth====

{{Quote|One single Flood spore can destroy a species. Were it not for the Arbiter's counsel, I would have glassed your entire ''planet!'|Rtas 'Vadum to Lord Hood after glassing [[Voi]] to eliminate the Flood threat}}

After learning the truth of the Halo rings, he changed his name to '''Rtas 'Vadum''', dropping the "ee" suffix and signifying his secession from the Covenant along with most of his kind. Shortly after, during the late [[Battle of Earth]], 'Vadum took on the role of Shipmaster in the ''[[Fleet of Retribution]]'', a branch of the [[Thel 'Vadam's Covenant faction#Military structure|Sangheilian armed forces]]. He took command in quarantining Installation 05 and High Charity, and was likely instrumental in destroying the loyalist fleet still above Halo. However, a single Flood-infected cruiser broke through the quarantine and headed for Earth, with the separatists in pursuit. He went to [[Earth]] to the aid of the [[human]]s by glassing a large region of [[Voi]] to destroy the infestation of the Flood. Later, he joined the Arbiter, John-117, [[343 Guilty Spark]], [[Fleet admiral|FADM]] [[ Terrence Hood]] and [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] when a message from the UNSC [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Cortana]] was found in the [[Unidentified Flood-captured battlecruiser|crashed Flood ship]].<ref name="floodgate"/>

====Battle of Installation 00====

|1=[[Sangheili Major]]

|q1=Brute ships! Staggered line! Ship Master, they outnumber us, three to one!

|3=Rtas 'Vadum and his crew, upon encountering the Prophet of Truth's fleet.}}

Rtas and his fleet went through [[the Portal]] to lead the [[Battle of Installation 00]] in space, joining forces with Commander Keyes to destroy Truth's much larger fleet.<ref name="Ark">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]''</ref> After devastating Truth's fleet and discovering that Truth was located on the Ark's surface, 'Vadum led the assault on the [[barrier tower]]s from the ''Shadow of Intent'', bombarding the shield with plasma torpedoes. After the barrier was deactivated, 'Vadum moved the ship over the [[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]] and prepared to destroy it, but was knocked off-course by High Charity appearing out of slipspace. 'Vadum's ship was incapacitated and left the task of killing Truth to the Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and John-117.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref> After the death of Truth in the Arbiter's hands, 'Vadum gathered all surviving humans and Elite forces on the ship and returned to Earth through the Portal.<ref name="H3H">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref>

Rtas was last seen aboard the ''Shadow of Intent'' after the end of the war, where he gave the Arbiter the command of the ship and stated that he would like to see his own world to know that it is safe. The assault carrier then departed for Sanghelios.<ref name="H3H"/>

===Post-war===

By [[2558#March|March 2558]] 'Vadum, along with all other Sangheili administrative and military authorities, was designated a priority target by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]].<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm3003659_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post3003659 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 48'']</ref> At some point between May 6th and June 1st, [[2557]], the ''Shadow of Intent'' was involved in an operation against [[Piracy|pirates]] in a [[Joint Occupation Zone]].  

[[File:H2A-Arbiter&Rtas-01.jpg|300px|thumb|Rtas 'Vadum and Thel 'Vadam during the raid on the Threshold gas mine]]

Rtas 'Vadum is very switched on and is known for being a quick, smart, and ingenious tactician and an unparalleled fighter, especially with an Energy Sword, and an excellent leader. He is also a good decision-maker. Very much like his friend Thel 'Vadam, Rtas is able to think outside the box and doesn't rigidly adhere to the Sangheili's code of honor when it doesn't benefit him. He expresses great care for his soldiers, even the [[Unggoy]]. During this battle, Rtas displayed great care for the soldiers under his command, even for the Grunts, whom he tells to get behind the Elites. Such concern for the lower caste is particularly atypical for Elites.<ref name="HGN"/> He is eager to exact vengeance on the [[Jiralhanae]] and the Prophets after the Great Schism. In time, Rtas begins to have respect for certain humans, [[John-117]] in particular.<ref name="Ark"/>

Rtas held great trust and respect for Thel 'Vadam after the events of the mission on the Threshold gas mine. His trust was unwavering during the [[Changing of the Guard]] despite the fact that Thel (as the current Arbiter) answered only to the Prophets.<ref name="icon"/> Later during the Great Schism, Rtas and Thel became the catalysts who united the Sangheili against the Prophets and the Brutes. He acknowledged Thel's "counsel" enough to convince himself that the humans were worthy allies.<ref name="floodgate"/>

Following his arrival at [[Earth]], 'Vadum became more calm, possibly because he spent less time fighting on the ground and more time commanding ships. Though he pledges much respect for the humans, 'Vadum is still willing to argue with Hood on matters regarding both the Covenant loyalist and Flood threats, as shown when he revealed that he originally planned to destroy Earth after the Flood ship crashed in Voi. However, this was not because of the general hatred 'Vadum once held towards the humans but to protect the rest of the galaxy from infection, as he did not want to gamble that even one [[Flood Spores|spore]] might survive the glassing, and most probably would have had humanity die with what dignity they had left than be used as tools by the [[Gravemind]]. His experience on the ''Infinite Succor'' gave him unique insight into the terrifying nature of the Flood and he takes any threat of infection very seriously.<ref name="floodgate"/>

Rtas 'Vadum wears white armor in all of his appearances. In ''[[Halo 2]]'', he wears standard combat armor, while in ''[[Halo 3]]'' he wears the [[Assault Harness|Assault variant]] (with shoulder pads that are noticeably larger than the [[multiplayer]] models), with a Combat helmet. He has green eyes in ''Halo 2'', but orange eyes in ''Halo 3''. He stands an imposing 7 feet 11 inches (though he is erroneously shorter than Thel 'Vadam in-game) and can use either hand to wield a weapon. Perhaps the most memorable feature of his appearance is that he is missing his two left mandibles, as they were cut off in a fight with a Flood-infected [[Bero 'Kusovai]], his second in command. As such, he is commonly known as "Half-Jaw" amongst Halo fans and Brutes in-game.<ref name="Ark"/>

==Production notes==

{{Linkbox|quote=yes|gallery=yes}}

*Rtas 'Vadum was voiced by [[Robert Davi]] in ''Halo 2'' and also in ''Halo 3''.<ref>'''Halo 2''', ''[[Halo 2 credits|credits]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo 3''', ''[[Halo 3 credits|credits]]''</ref>

*The Rtas 'Vadum model for ''Halo 2'' was created by [[Marcus R. Lehto]].{{fact}}

==Trivia==

[[File:20506827-Medium.png|right|thumb|A dead [[Sangheili Ultra]] on [[Floodgate (level)|Floodgate]] that looks like Rtas 'Vadum due to the missing mandibles and armor.]]

*He is one of the few characters to propose a trade in-game, saying to the Arbiter, "Take my blade, I doubt the cable can withstand its bite." The only others are a Marine in [[Metropolis]] who offers the Chief a shotgun, and an Elite Major in [[The Great Journey]] that says, "Take my Banshee, Arbiter."

*In ''Halo 2'', Rtas 'Vadum is one of only three Elite [[NPC]]s shown carrying his weapon in his left hand at least once (the others are a SpecOps Elite in the level ''The Oracle'', and the Arbiter in a cutscene, which is also from ''The Oracle''). This occurs during the level [[Quarantine Zone]], in which he leaves the Arbiter to battle with the Flood, saying "On your way, Arbiter. I'll deal with these beasts."

*'Vadum is one of only two Elites, the other being the Arbiter, to call John-117 "[[SPARTAN Program|Spartan]]" rather than "[[Demon]]".

*[[Joyride Studios]] had originally planned to produce ''Rtas 'Vadumee'' [[action figure]]s in the [[Joyride Studios/Halo 2 Series 8|eighth series]] of the ''Halo 2'' 8-inch figures, but the production was canceled because they felt it was pointless to release another Sangheili figure with a different paint job. However, [[McFarlane Toys]] have made the action figure in their [[McFarlane Toys/Halo Series 6|series 6]] action figures.{{fact}}

File:Half jaw.JPG|'Vadumee listening to Truth in ''Halo 2''.

File:Rtas 'Vadum.jpg|Rtas, commanding the ''Shadow of Intent''.

File:shipmaster02.jpg|'Vadum argues with Lord Hood aboard the ''Shadow of Intent''.

File:Halo 3 - Shipmaster Rtas Vadum.jpg|Rtas on the bridge of the ''Shadow of Intent''.

File:Thel_Vadam_and_Rtas_Vadum.jpg|Ship Master Rtas 'Vadum and Arbiter Thel 'Vadam depart for Sanghelios.

*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''

==Note==

<references group="note"/>

<references/>

[[Category:Elites (Characters)|Vadum]]