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| {{Status|Canon}} | | {{era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|FS|TF|GOO|CH|TCP|HGN|UP|ILB|FA}} |
| {{disambig header|the saurian species|their language|Sangheili (language)}} | | {{Ratings}} |
| {{Species infobox | | {{Covenant Species Infobox |
| |name=Sangheili | | |name=Sangheili (''Macto cognatus'') |
| |image=[[File:Elite minor render.png|130px|left]][[File:H2A Sangheili-Minor.png|130px|right]]{{clear}}[[File:H5G-Render-SangheiliStorm.png|240px]]<br>Various Sangheili phenotypes (not to scale)
| | |image=[[Image:BestiarumElite.jpg|300px]] |
| |latin=''Macto cognatus''
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| |classification=Saurian | |
| |subspecies=
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| |diet=Omnivorous
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| |height=225–262 cm (7 ft 4 in–8 ft 6 in)<ref name="VIS">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 61''</ref><ref name="Library">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''', ''[[Library (feature)|Library]]''</ref>
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| |weight=139–178 kg (307–393 lb){{Ref/Reuse|VIS}}
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| |distinctions=Humanoid reptilian body structure; quadruple-hinged mandibles; binary circulatory system
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| |homeworld=[[Sanghelios]] | | |homeworld=[[Sanghelios]] |
| |techlevel=Tier 2 | | |height=8 feet, 6 inch (250 cm) (Varies) |
| |notable-person=*[[Thel 'Vadam]] | | |weight= 317 pounds (140 Kg) (Varies) |
| *[[Let 'Volir]] | | |skincolor=Brown, Grey, Black |
| *[[Jul 'Mdama]] | | |distinctions=Humanoid, reptilian-like body structure with some mammalian features, doglike teeth, purple blooded, quadruple hinged mandibles, binary vascular system. Its feet were thought to be hoofed, but in ''[[Halo 3]]'' the introduction of the split-toed boot changed that theory. |
| *[[Merg Vol]] | | |equipment=*[[Elite Personal Energy Shield]] |
| *[[Jega 'Rdomnai]] | | *[[Active Camouflage]] |
| *[[Avu Med 'Telcam]] | | *[[Overshield]] |
| *[[Fal 'Chavamee]] | | *[[Deployable Cover]] |
| *[[Ripa 'Moramee]] | | *[[Plasma Grenade]] |
| | |weapons=*[[Plasma Rifle]] |
| | *[[Plasma Pistol]] |
| | *[[Needler]] |
| | *[[Energy Swords]] |
| | *[[Fuel Rod Gun]] |
| | *[[Carbine]] |
| | |types=*[[Councilor]] |
| | *[[Arbiter (rank)|Arbiter]] |
| | *[[Aristocrat]] |
| | *[[Imperial Admiral]] |
| | *[[Supreme Commander]] |
| | *[[Zealot]] |
| | *[[Ultra Elite|Ultra]] |
| | *[[Elite Honor Guard|Honor Guard]] |
| | *[[Ossoona]] |
| | *[[Special Operations Elite|Spec Ops]] |
| | *[[Ranger Elite|Ranger]] |
| | *[[Stealth Elite|Stealth]] |
| | *[[Major Domo Elite|Major Domo]] |
| | *[[Minor Domo Elite|Minor Domo]] |
| | |affiliation= |
| | *[[Covenant]] (until the civil war broke out) |
| | *[[Heretics (Faction)|Heretics]] |
| | *[[Covenant Separatists]] |
| | *[[UNSC]] |
| | |notable=*[[Thel 'Vadam]] |
| | *[[Rtas 'Vadum]] |
| | *[[Zuka Zamamee]] |
| *[[Sesa 'Refumee]] | | *[[Sesa 'Refumee]] |
| | *[[Voro Nar 'Mantakree]] |
| *[[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]] | | *[[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]] |
| *[[Rtas 'Vadum]] | | *[[N’tho ‘Sraom]] |
| *[[Zuka 'Zamamee]] | | *[[Usze ‘Taham]] |
| *[[Ussa 'Xellus]]
| | |othernames=*Elite |
| *[[Inka 'Saham]]
| | *Split-Chin |
| *[[Thav 'Sebarim]]
| | *Squid-Head |
| *[[Okro 'Vagaduun]]
| | *Split-Lip |
| *[[Ordo 'Mal]]
| | *Calamari |
| *[[Chak 'Lok]]
| | *Chap Stick |
| |othernames=*Elite | |
| *Split Chin | |
| *Split Jaw
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| *Split Lip
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| *Squid Head | |
| *Alligator<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''' - ''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''</ref> | |
| *Hinge-head<ref>''[[Kilo-Five Trilogy]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', ''[[Spartan Ops]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Hunt the Truth]]''', ''Xenophobia''</ref> | |
| *Four-jaws {{c|among [[Kig-Yar]]}} | |
| *Boss flappy mouths<ref>[[Halo 5: Guardians]] [[Hamyap]]</ref>
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| |languages=[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]
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| }} | | }} |
| {{Series/Species/Sangheili}}
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| {{Quote|On the blood of our fathers, on the blood of our sons, we swore to uphold the Covenant!|[[Rtas 'Vadumee]] before the [[raid on the Threshold gas mine]].<ref name="H2Arbiter">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref>}}
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| The '''Sangheili'''<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 189'' (''"Sangheili: the Elite name for their race"'')</ref> ('''Macto cognatus''' in Latin taxonomy,<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> meaning "I glorify my kin") are a saurian<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=enemies&cid=24611 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach: Enemies - Elite'']</ref> sapient species known for their warrior culture and combat skill. Named after their home planet, [[Sanghelios]], they have historically been known to [[human]]s as '''Elites''' for their former role in the [[Covenant]]'s [[Covenant military|military]] hierarchy.<ref name="h2prima">'''[[The Official Halo 2 Strategy Guide]]''' ''page 43''</ref> Originally one of the Covenant's two founding species, the Sangheili formed the hegemony's military backbone until just before the end of its existence. They had a very strong rivalry with the [[Jiralhanae]],<ref name="ENC142">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 142'' (2011 edition)</ref><ref>[[Conversations from the Universe]]: [[Conversations from the Universe#Grunt Conversation|Grunt Conversation]] "And you have ears, you've heard the disrespect the Jiralhanae show the Sangheili. They hate each other. The Sangheili have lived too long under the shelter of the Covenant as the strongest of us. The Jiralhanae come stomping along and suddenly it's not so simple as it was."</ref> which finally led to genocidal violence during the [[Great Schism]] at the conclusion of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=GoO22|GoO2|Chapter=22 "In the confusion caused by the departing Prophets, the Sangheili's ancient feud with the Jiralhanae had escalated into xenocide."}}<ref>[[Halo 2]], campaign level [[Uprising]] "By the Prophets ... what have these Brutes done? ...They have shed our brothers' blood... and for that, they must die!"</ref>
| | {{Quote|On the blood of our fathers ... on the blood of our sons, we swore to uphold the Covenant!|[[Rtas 'Vadumee]] citing a small part of the [[Writ of Union]]}} |
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| After the [[High Prophets]] [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]] and [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]] ordered the genocide of the entire Sangheili race during the Great Schism,{{Ref/Book|Id=TEVG|Halo: The Essential Visual Guide|Page=25|Quote=...when the High Prophet of Truth appointed the Brutes for his own security, proclaiming the Elites to be heretics deserving extermination.}}{{Ref/Game|Halo 2|Quote=A bloody fate awaits you and the rest of your incompetent race, and I, Tartarus, Chieftain of the Brutes will send you to it! ...When they learn? Ha ha. Fool! They ordered me to do it!}} the species was forced into civil war against the Covenant proper.<ref name="Waypoint Jiralhanae"/> This was established after the assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] at the hands of [[John-117]]. The two remaining Hierarchs held the Sangheili responsible for the Prophet of Regret's death, and the species was seen as "unfit" to continue to guard the [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]]. The Prophets sought to achieve this through the use of the other Covenant races, primarily the [[Jiralhanae]]. Consequently, the Sangheili led [[Covenant separatists|a rebellion]] against the Prophets. [[Fleet of Retribution|A significant number of Sangheili]] sided with the UNSC against the Prophet-led Covenant; this alliance continued to hold in the post-war era. The Great Schism formed the bedrock of the Covenant Empire's [[Battle of the Citadel|ultimate collapse]] and the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]].
| | The '''[[Sangheili]]'''<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', page 189 - "Sangheili: the Elite name for their race".</ref> (Latin ''Macto Cognatus''<ref>[[Bestiarum]]</ref>, meaning "I honor my father's blood") are a species of very fierce, proud, strong, intelligent warriors, and skilled combat tacticians in the unified conglomerate of races known as the [[Covenant]]. They now lead the Covenant breakaway faction known as the [[Covenant Separatists]] due to the fact that the Prophets ordered the genocide of their entire race. This was established after the assasination of the Prophet of Regret by the hands of the "Demon" [[Master Chief]]. It was the [[Sangheili]] who were ultimately held responsible for the Prophet of Regret's death, and were seen as "unfit" to continue to guard the [[Prophets]]. The [[Prophets]] sought to achieve this through the use of the other Covenant races, primarily the [[Brutes]]. Sangheili are named after their home planet, [[Sanghelios]]. |
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| In the post-war years, the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], led by [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and a grand council of [[kaidon]]s, emerged as the effective Sangheili government.<ref name="hwp sos">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/swords-of-sanghelios '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Swords of Sanghelios'']</ref> However, they were opposed by multiple Sangheili [[Covenant remnants|factions]] with differing ideals of how to build a future for their civilization, and the species remained embroiled in [[Blooding Years|civil war]] for several years while [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war|continuing hostilities]] with Jiralhanae groups, in a two-front war.{{Ref/Reuse|esc3}}
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| __TOC__ | | __TOC__ |
| | == Overview == |
| | Known by most [[Humans]] as '''Elites'''<ref>''[[The Official Halo 2 Strategy Guide]]''</ref>, presumably due to their adeptness and their skills in combat, the Sangheili formed the military backbone of the Covenant, for almost the entirety of its existence. The rank of a Sangheili is indicated by the different color of armor worn(see ''Rank Structure'' below) by them. The Sangheili lead squads of ''[[Unggoy]]'' into battle as seen in the game ''[[Halo: CE]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]''. |
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| ==History==
| | The Sangheili are no longer part of the Covenant. After having been convinced by the current [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]] that the [[High Prophets|Prophets]]' [[Great Journey]] is a lie, the Sangheili allied themselves with the [[UNSC]] in order to bring justice to the Prophets, avenge the Sangheili who fell during the [[Covenant Civil War]], and to destroy the [[Flood]] without activating the [[Halo Array|Halo]]. They became known as the Covenant Separatists (they should not be confused with the [[Heretics]], who similarly left the Covenant). After doing so, they allied themselves with the UNSC forces in a war of vengeance upon the Prophets and [[Brutes]] and their [[Covenant Loyalists|Loyalist]] allies. They were aided by a few of the member-races within the Covenant, such as many Unggoy and most ''[[Lekgolo]]''. When the war ended, the Sangheili and UNSC emerged victorious. |
| ===The Ark and reseeding===
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| The Sangheili evolved in tropical wetlands of their homeworld, [[Sanghelios]].<ref name="bcpreview">'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''Chapter 1''</ref> Sanghelios had at one point been visited by or had been in contact with the [[Forerunners]]. During the [[Forerunner-Flood war]], the [[Librarian]] visited the planet to retrieve specimens of the Sangheili for preservation aboard [[Installation 00]]. After the firing of the [[Halo Array]], they were returned to their home planet to begin rebuilding their culture.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[Origins]]''</ref> | |
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| ===Development of civilization===
| | The Sangheili are, simply put, technological and societal equals of the Prophets yet, for a significant period, found themselves as the dominant military muscle for the entire Covenant structure-hardly surprising given the warlike feudal nature of their historical homeworld, [[Sanghelios]]. What was surprising was the cyclical stability this feudal society was able to offer. Technological and medical advancement prospered, and the intelligent, aggressive Sangheili were peerless until they encountered the Prophets. With exchange of goods and ideas, the Sangheili adapted to and eventually embraced the Covenant religion, grafting its tenets to their own belief system. |
| [[File:AncientSangheili.png|300px|thumb|left|Ancient Sangheili on Sanghelios.]] | |
| Much of the Sangheili's pre-Covenant history is being rediscovered by the Sangheili themselves.<ref name = "AuditoryAdditions"/>
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| After being returned to their homeworld, the Sangheili discovered artifacts left by the Forerunners on their planet. The Sangheili revered the objects these "gods" had left, and considered tampering with them a heresy beyond any other. However, some Sangheili scientists defied their species' dogma and studied Forerunner artifacts in secret; they would later become instrumental in helping the Sangheili reverse-engineer weapons against the San'Shyuum.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 62-63''</ref> Several hundred years prior to the formation of the Covenant, the Sangheili had developed slipspace technology and created dozens of independent [[Sangheili colonies|colonies]], though their homeworld of Sanghelios remained central to governance and culture. The planet of [[Creck]], discovered before the Sangheili's contact with the San'Shyuum was the seventy-sixth of designated worlds explored by Sangheili. At some point, an unknown number of Sangheili [[clan]]s waged war upon each other for numerous years on Sanghelios. These engagements became known as the [[Clan Battles of Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Reuse|bcpreview}}
| | Sangheili are physically powerful and bred for strength and ferocity. Raised from childhood to be warriors, other societal roles are treated as secondary endeavors or even hobbies. Even the most humble Sangheili citizen is skilled in most weapons and hand-to-hand combat. One interesting example of this martial focus is that only aristocrats are allowed to wield swords and that sword-wielders are then no longer eligible for marriage; however, they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure successful transmission of "swordsman" genes. |
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| ===Forming the Covenant===
| | Although Sangheili are naturally very intelligent, their culture's long dependence on a military-industrial schema has led to an emphasis on might over science. In some regards, the advent of the Covenant made this position easier-allowing the Sangheili to concentrate even more mono-manically on military endeavors, while Prophets took care of science and technology. |
| [[File:H2A Terminals - Sangheili surrender.png|left|300px|thumb|The Sangheili and San'Shyuum Reformists form the Covenant.]]
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| In [[938 BCE]] the Sangheili encountered the [[Reformists|Reformist]] [[San'Shyuum]], a race who also worshiped the Forerunners as gods, but had utilized Forerunner technology for their own needs, believing the technology had been left behind by the gods as gifts for their children.<ref name="reformist">'''Halo: Contact Harvest'''</ref> This sparked a [[Sangheili-San'Shyuum war|war]] between the two races over how to treat the relics. Even though the Sangheili were much more physically imposing and numerous, they suffered extreme casualties under the sheer power of the San'Shyuum's [[Forerunner Dreadnought|Dreadnought]], a surviving [[Keyship]], and by [[876 BCE]] even the most devout had to admit their survival depended on the reconstitution of their own Forerunner technology. This led both sides to an agreement that ended with the decommissioning of the Forerunner Dreadnought and a shaky alliance that eventually expanded into the [[Covenant]].
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| The San'Shyuum helped assuage the Sangheili by informing them of the [[Great Journey]]: by seeking out the [[Halo Array|Holy Rings]] scattered throughout the galaxy and utilizing them, a "Great Journey" would transform believers into godlike beings. The [[Writ of Union]] was drawn up in [[852 BCE]] in order to codify the Covenant. Its first canto clearly outlines the nature of the Covenant from the perspective of the Prophets.
| | One of the few species in the Covenant to achieve space-faring status without outside intervention, Elite interaction with the Prophets was initially strained but later formed into a prosperous relationship, eventually laying the foundation for the modern Covenant hegemony. That foundation is currently shaking under the strain of a civil war. The Sangheili have split from the Covenant for religious reasons and have formed a tentative and fragile alliance with ''Homo Sapiens''. It remains to be seen how this will play out in the long term. They are the leaders of the Covenant Separatists, and are assisted by many [[Unggoy]] and most [[Hunter]]s. |
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| Being one of the few races in the Covenant to achieve space-faring status without outside intervention, Sangheili interaction with the San'Shyuum was initially strained due to memories of the recent war. Many Sangheili felt that the Writ of Union meant surrender to the San'Shyuum, although most never voiced these concerns.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 48''</ref> The Sangheili [[Ussa 'Xellus]] led a major rebellion against the Covenant that was eventually neutralized with the rebel [[Ussans]] going into hiding.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 209-210''</ref> Over time, the San'Shyuum and Sangheili formed a prosperous relationship, eventually laying the foundation for the modern Covenant hegemony.
| | It is known that this civil war stretches from Earth all the way back to Sanghelios as Elites try to wrest their share of the hegemony away from their new-found enemies. Jiralhanae have stepped in to fill the military void in ever increasing numbers, sensing the vacuum and opportunity left by the departure of the Elites. |
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| During their membership in the Covenant, the Sangheili were simply put, technological and societal equals of the San'Shyuum. However, for a significant period, they found themselves as the dominant military muscle for the entire Covenant structure - hardly surprising given the warlike, feudal nature of their homeworld. What was surprising was the cyclical stability this feudal society was able to offer. Technological and medical advancement prospered, and the intelligent, aggressive Sangheili were peerless until they encountered the San'Shyuum. With exchange of goods and ideas, the Sangheili adapted to and eventually embraced the Covenant religion, grafting its tenets to their own belief system.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}
| | == Description == |
| | Sangheili are at least 8' 6" tall, look like a lizard or a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theropod Theropod], except for their jaws. Their jaws are four separate mandibles attached to their face. A few elites are missing mandibles, such as [[Rtas 'Vadum]]. The Elites are attributed for strength and intelligence, and are praised for their bravery and respect. Sangheili warriors augment these natural abilities further through use of [[Elite Personal Energy Shield]]s, integrated into their armor and they are commonly seen with [[Plasma Rifles]], [[Carbines]], [[Needlers]] and sometimes [[Energy swords]]. Sangheili employ coffin-like [[Orbital Insertion Pods]] as well as [[Phantom]] and [[Spirit]] Drop ships for military transit purposes and rapid-response operations. Historically, Sangheili have maintained a hatred towards Humanity, believing them to be an affront to their religion and a challenge towards their [[Great Journey]]; there are signs that this stance is being slowly abandoned, however, as a tentative alliance between the two enemies forms the core allied [[Covenant Separatists|faction]] at the end of ''[[Halo 2]]'' and during ''[[Halo 3]]''. |
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| ===Human-Covenant War===
| | Elites have thick torsos but thinner legs. Their skin is leathery with the colors varying from black, brown or grey. The color of their skin often changes when they put on or take off armor because of a covering almost like clothes that exists along with their armor. You can see this in the elite toy figurines. Their eyes are most often black, dark blue, or green. In ''[[Halo: CE]]'', upper rank Elites have a Forerunner symbol on their back. It's not known if the symbol varies from rank to rank. In ''[[Halo 3]]'', Elites have [[Forerunner]] symbols on their arms and on the sides of their torso, even the [[Multi-player]] models. |
| [[File:HW X06Covenant.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Sangheili soldiers engaging [[UNSC Marines]] during the Human-Covenant war.]]
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| {{Main|Human-Covenant War}}
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| When the Prophets declared war on a previously unknown species called [[human]]s, the Sangheili followed their lead without question. After a period of time, however, even though the Prophets insisted that the humans were "unclean beings" that must be eliminated from the galaxy, some seasoned Sangheili veterans began to question the refusal of the Prophets to even consider accepting the humans into the Covenant. They seem to believe that humans, although physically weak, at least compared to themselves, are brave and even honorable. As such, these few Sangheili believed that humans should be offered admittance to the Covenant due their ability to put up a fight on the ground.<ref name="conversations">'''[[Conversations from the Universe]]'''</ref> Some even believed that the humans were ''equal'' to them - a considerable step for a Sangheili, or any member of the Covenant, to make. These Sangheili admired how willing and brave the humans were when fighting to survive against outright extinction, they even respected to a certain degree those few soldiers who were willing to stay behind and cover their comrades from a Covenant attack. A few Sangheili even had more respect for the humans than they did for the San'Shyuum ''before'' the Great Schism.
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| {{Clear}}
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| ===The Great Schism=== | | == Culture == |
| [[File:H2A Great Schism.png|thumb|300px|Sangheili and Jiralhanae controlled vessels battling around ''[[High Charity]]''.]] | | [[Image:MinorElite4.jpg|thumb|left|Two [[Minor Domo]]s guard the [[Silent Cartographer]]'s security control room on the level [[The Silent Cartographer (level)|Silent Cartographer]] in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' on [[Installation 04]].]] |
| {{Main|Great Schism}}
| | Elites consider most other species to be inferior to them culturally and in fighting skill. In the case of culture, Sangheili believe that copulation without regard for the bloodline is uncultured. |
| During the final months of the Human-Covenant War, the political shift caused by the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and [[Tartarus]], the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], started a slippery slope that ended in the dissolution of the Covenant between the Sangheili and the San'Shyuum. Originally, the Jiralhanae were viewed as savagely aggressive and extremely goal-oriented, which the Sangheili viewed as a serious threat should the Brutes ever begin to desire political power. This fear became reality when the Honor Guards of the Prophets, originally an all-Sangheili class, were [[Changing of the Guard|transformed]] into a [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|duty of the Brutes]]. This was directly caused by the death of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] at the hands of John-117, the human "Demon", despite Regret's protection from his personal squad of [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]]. Soon the Jiralhanae found themselves in new positions of power, becoming veritable replacements for the Sangheili. During the concurrent [[Battle of Installation 05]] and the [[Fall of High Charity]], the Jiralhanae had begun to massacre the Sangheili under Truth's orders to exterminate the entire species.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=TEVG}} Additionally, [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] discovered the truth of the [[Halo Array|Halo]] rings from the [[Monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark]]. From this, they learned that the Prophets' promises of the Great Journey were false causing further turmoil.
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| These events led the entire Sangheili species to secede from the Covenant, unified to bring down the empire that had betrayed them.<ref name="Waypoint Jiralhanae">'''[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/jiralhanae Halo Waypoint]''' ''"The resulting conflict would be called the Great Schism, and it would divide the Covenant into two, ultimately forcing the Sangheili out." ''</ref> They were aided by a few of the member species within the Covenant, such as many [[Unggoy]] and most [[Mgalekgolo]], although many sided with the High Prophets despite the Sangheili's efforts. The secession included a movement to destroy the treacherous Jiralhanae and High Prophets, and the destruction of the [[Flood]] at all costs, eventually resulting in an alliance between the [[Fleet of Retribution]] and humanity.
| | During the events of ''[[Halo 2]]'', the political shift caused by both the [[Prophet of Truth]] and the [[Brute Chieftain]] [[Tartarus]], started a slippery slope that ended in the [[Great Schism|dissolution]] of the Covenant between the Elites and the Prophets. Originally, Brutes were viewed as savage and extremely goal-oriented, which the Elites viewed as a severe threat should the Brutes ever begin to desire political power. This fear became reality when the [[Honor Guards]] of the Prophets, originally an all-Elite class, was [[Changing of the Guard|transformed]] into a duty of the [[Brute Honor Guard|Brutes]]. This was in part caused by the death of the [[Prophet of Regret]], despite his protection from his [[Elite Honor Guards]]. Soon Brutes found themselves in new positions of power, such as Field Masters, Ship Masters, and veritable replacements for the Elites. This caused the Great Schism, and the start of the Covenant Civil War. |
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| The Great Schism stretched from the human homeworld, [[Earth]], all the way back to Sanghelios as the Sangheili attempted to wrest their share of the hegemony away from their new-found enemies. The Jiralhanae stepped in to fill the military void in ever increasing numbers, sensing the vacuum and opportunity left by the departure of the Sangheili.
| | All Elites are skilled in hand-to-hand combat and prove a challenge to a [[Spartan II]] in a powered exoskeleton. Promotion in the Covenant military is by merit; a Covenant soldier must succeed to advance among the ranks. Success is often measured in scalps. An [[Ultra Elite|Ultra]], for example, has slaughtered thousands of individuals to reach that status.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=697</ref> |
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| ===Fall of the Covenant===
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| [[File:Arbiter the return.jpg|thumb|left|300px|The death of Truth at the hands of [[Thel 'Vadam]] was fondly retold and remembered by the Sangheili.<ref>[[The Return]] "...For six years since the High Prophet died at the hands of our champion, the Arbiter..."</ref>]]
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| {{Quote|I am not Covenant. The Covenant is dead. It was a lie. I am Sangheili.|[[Jat]] to [[Dahlia]] on [[Carrow]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', ''[[Oasis]]'', ''page 374''</ref>}}
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| After the [[Battle of Earth]], the Sangheili and humans managed to stop and subsequently kill the [[High Prophet of Truth]], effectively dissolving the Covenant. However, the Sangheili and humans were coerced to deal with a more massive threat; the [[Flood]]. Finally, the Arbiter and the Master Chief, after activating the newly constructed [[Installation 08|replacement Halo ring]], effectively ended the Flood threat.
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| Following the destruction of the Covenant, Sangheili society plunged into crisis. Already lacking centralized governance and splintered to independent city-states spread across several dozen major colonies,<ref name="11th 2">'''[[Eleventh Hour reports]]''' - ''Report 2''</ref> they fractured into [[Covenant remnants|multiple infighting factions]] with varying ideas on how to run their society, despite their ongoing war with the Jiralhanae. This was largely due to the fact they had become reliant of the Prophets during the millennia of the Covenant's existence. As they regained their independence, they were forced to re-learn to manage their society on their own, without the direction of the Prophets or the manual labor provided by the other client races.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', Chapter 2, ''page 53''</ref>
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| During this time, Arbiter Thel 'Vadam managed to gather a sizable alliance of [[keep]]s under the banner of the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], which became the preeminent governmental entity among the Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}} Many other factions, such as the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]], opposed Thel 'Vadam and his allies, specifically their rejection of the notion of the Forerunners being gods.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', Chapter 1, ''page 20''</ref> This eventually led to the Sangheili civil wars known as the [[Blooding Years]].
| | ===Superstitions=== |
| | Despite their martial nature, the Sangheili have reservations to the spilling of one's own blood. This is an extension of the belief that the blood of a warrior is his essence (honor); thus, to spill one's blood is to lose one's honor. As a result, doctors in Sangheili culture are seen as scum because they "make [their] living slicing and causing another Sangheili to bleed without honor." <ref>[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]</ref> This belief also makes visiting a doctor very shameful for a Sangheili. |
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| As the Great Schism went on, the Sangheili continued their [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war|fight]] against the [[Jiralhanae]]. This was proving largely unsuccessful and the Sangheili were accepting serious losses. Without the Covenant to provide them with ships, technology, and repairs, they slowly lost warships and technologies they could not repair or replace. After the San'Shyuum went into hiding, the Sangheili began to prevail against the Jiralhanae, who in turn began to fight among themselves. Having abandoned the Covenant, the Sangheili were now in a state of mass confusion in regards to their religion, because even though the San'Shyuum lied to them, they had still given them purpose for their actions. Many Sangheili were still religiously devoted to the Forerunners and were attempting to uncover the meaning of their faith.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[The Return]]"</ref>
| | It is a belief among the Sangheili that a weapon is only drawn if it is to be used, because a "drawn weapon [demands] blood" <ref>[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]], pg. 138</ref>. |
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| Many Sangheili continued to relentlessly hunt down and slaughter the Jiralhanae.{{Ref/Book|The Return}}{{Ref/Book|Hunting Party}} While the two species typically did not work together due to their feud,{{Ref/Reuse|Envoy3}} a few were persuaded by [[Atriox]] to work for the [[Banished]], as he claimed to have no complicity with [[Tartarus]] and the other Jiralhanae who had [[Great Schism|betrayed and massacred]] their kind.<ref>''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]'' ''[[Hunting Party]] "I am not Tartarus or some fanatic. I am not Truth. I am not Regret. I am their remedy."''</ref> As such, a small minority of Sangheili joined the Banished as mercenaries, some of which used their earnings of military resources to fight out disputes with other Sangheili kin on their [[Sangheili colonies|homeworlds]].{{Ref/Book|Id=H:OSFM3|OSFM|Page=161|Quote=Strong and proud, with a refined martial tradition. The Elites in service to the Banished are primarily paid in resources and military equipment needed for inter-clan and factional warfare back in their home colonies.}} Joining the Banished was frowned upon in Sangheili culture, [[Let 'Volir|Let 'Volir's]] name was notably forever tarnished for working under a Jiralhanae.<ref name="ReferenceA">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', ''[[Phoenix Logs]]'' — "His decision to bind his crew to the Banished has forever tarnished his name in "proper" Elite culture"</ref>
| | ===Government=== |
| | Sangheili government appears to be a feudal <ref>[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]] Pg. 93</ref> meritocracy <ref>[Halo: The Cole Protocol], Pg. 89</ref> different clans ruling different areas. The ruler, a [[kaidon]], of these areas is elected by a group of council elders that reside in that area. If a council elder believes that his vote was "ill advised" or "had second thoughts", it was considered a tradition for council elders to send assassins to kill a [[kaidon]] in order "to test the true merit of a ruler's martial abilities" <ref>Halo: The Cole Protocol, Pg. 89</ref>. The belief was that "a [[kaidon]] who could not defend himself [...] was not a true leader." <ref>Halo: The Cole Protocol</ref> |
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| ===Human involvement=== | | === Family === |
| After the Human-Covenant War, there was competition between the UNSC and the Sangheili, when it came to examining Forerunner ruins and relics like the [[Portal at Voi]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''' - ''[[From the Office of Dr. William Arthur Iqbal]]''</ref> By March 2553, a [[Treaty of 2552|tentative ceasefire]] continued to exist between humanity and the Sangheili. Although Arbiter Thel 'Vadam campaigned for peace between the two species across various Sangheili states, many Sangheili continued to view humans with suspicion, perceiving them as a threat and wanting to destroy them once and for all. At the same time, the UNSC's [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] took advantage of the unstable political situation, attempting to keep the Sangheili splintered and disorganized by inciting the Servants of the Abiding Truth, led by [[Avu Med 'Telcam]], to rebel against 'Vadam. This was to ensure the Sangheili would not pose a threat to humanity again, in spite of the UNSC's alliance with the Arbiter's faction.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', Chapter 1, ''page 66''</ref>
| | Elites greatly value their family history and lineage, with each family having their own unique ''"Battle Poem"'' detailing the deeds and actions of its members during war times. These "war poems" of the Sangheili may have influenced the [[Mgalekgolo]] into reciting war poetry as well, due to the [[Hunters]]' deep respect for Elites. It is theorized that only Sangheili males are sent into service as warriors and soldiers, with no female Sangheili ''known'' to have been seen in military service, though whether there is a significant physical or cultural difference is not known. |
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| ONI's aid allowed the Servants of the Abiding Truth to amass enough weapons to begin an [[Blooding Years|all-out insurrection]] against 'Vadam and his allies in early 2553. Meanwhile, however, ONI's efforts also backfired; partially as a result of their actions the Sangheili [[Jul 'Mdama]] began a personal quest against humanity, forming a Sangheili-led [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|reconstituted Covenant]] mainly from ex-Covenant forces. Four years after the battle at the Ark, this group launched an invasion on the [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]] [[Requiem]], intending to find and awaken the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], a Forerunner [[Promethean]] they revered as a living god.
| | Only [[Aristocrats]] are allowed to wield the [[Energy Sword]] and are forbidden from marriage by Sangheili traditions, though they are allowed to mate with any female, whether married or not, to pass his "swordsman genes" into the next generation of Sangheili.<ref>[[Bestiarum]], Page 14</ref> |
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| [[File:Hunters in the Dark full cover.jpg|thumb|250px|Joint UNSC-Swords of Sanghelios operation on [[Installation 00]].]]
| | The Elites have very close knitted relationships, referring to their own comrades as brothers, and remaining intensely loyal to them. The grieving after the death of one of their numbers, where they would pray and mourn for their comrades, shows this loyalty. |
| In spite of ONI's underhanded mission, relations between humanity and Sangheili at large continued to be amicable. For example, the UNSC and the Sangheili under the Arbiter maintained mixed control over certain space territories, known as [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s. The UNSC and Swords of Sanghelios participated in joint operations, including the [[Mission to Installation 00]], where they successfully prevented the reactivation of the [[Halo Array]] and an [[Invasion of Earth|attack on Earth]]. The UNSC Navy and the Sangheili also participated in joint naval operations, including one against [[Piracy|pirates]] in [[2557]].<ref name="catalog15">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2969315)]</ref> Human and Sangheili scholars also gathered and studied the Covenant's records together on Sanghelios.<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969317_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969317 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2969317)]</ref> Collaborative weapons research (such as the study of the physics behind the [[Type-33 Needler]]) and exchanges in military intelligence between the two species is also known to have taken place.<ref name="CatalogBIG">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/catalog-interaction/4c3e1c6f-6519-4ee0-83a4-4bac13bf07a3/posts?page=14 '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Catalog Interaction'']</ref> and Zeta Halo containment efforts. In addition, a select number of Sangheili are known to have been offered the opportunity to train alongside Spartan-IVs in [[War Games]] simulations as part of the [[ANVIL initiative]].<ref name="Have S'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: 2-20-15'']</ref> A notable example of trust and technological exchange between humanity and Sangheili is the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Helioskrill|Helioskrill armor]], a variant of [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]], one of the most sophisticated pieces of human technology, which was designed by a Sangheili prodigy and manufactured by the [[Kolaar Manufactorum]], a forge based on Sanghelios.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta''', ''Helioskrill armor description''</ref> Not all humans were amicable towards coexistence with the Sangheili, as seen with the [[Sapien Sunrise]]. In [[Raid on Biko peace talks|one notable incident]], nine members from the aforementioned terrorist organization infiltrated [[Richard Sekibo]]'s delegation at a peace summit on the colony world of Biko. They intended to assassinate Sekibo and a Sangheili delegation while framing the Sangheili of the crime. The assassination attempt was foiled by Spartan John-117 though Sekibo was mortally wounded. Unfortunately, the truth was covered up and John-117 was used as a scapegoat to hide the UEG's laxity towards preventing the attack, much to the frustration of the Sangheili delegation. Later John-117's name was cleared.
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| During the crisis that followed the dissolution of the Covenant, some Sangheili sought [[Asylum seeker|asylum]] on Earth. In [[2558]], at least one settlement of former-Covenant races was based in the [[South America]]n city of [[Rio de Janeiro]] Between 2557 and 2558, at least one Sangheili [[Terrorism|terrorist]] infiltrated the settlement and attempted to detonate a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]] in the city, but was captured by UNSC forces.<ref>'''[[Spartan Ops]]''' [[S1/Departure|S1E1 ''Departure'']]</ref>
| | ====Children==== |
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| In one notable incident, the Office of Naval Intelligence deployed three [[prowler]]s to trail the allied Sangheili assault carrier ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''. All three stealth vessels were reported destroyed under unclear circumstances; the losses were not reported to UNSC Naval authorities.{{Ref/Reuse|catalog15}} Despite this, the alliance between the Arbiter and humanity continued to hold. On March 5, 2558, 'Vadam accepted the UNSC as mediators to oversee his peace negotiations with the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Lydus]]. However, the negotiations were put on hold due to an [[Battle of Ealen IV|attack]] by [[New Colonial Alliance]] [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenaries]].<ref>'''Halo: Escalation'''</ref>
| | Sangheili children are raised in "common rooms" so that they all start on an equal footing so that a Sangheili increases in rank due to his own abilities in some areas in some clans. |
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| On [[2558#October|October 28, 2558]], the Swords of Sanghelios emerged victorious over Jul 'Mdama's Covenant at the [[Battle of Sunaion]].<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''[[Guardians]]''</ref> However, following this victory, Sanghelios fell under [[Created]] rule, remaining this way until at least [[2559#November|November 2559]]. Three days after the [[Razing of Oth Sonin]], Arbiter Thel 'Vadam held a [[High Gathering]] with several [[High Kaidon|high kaidon]]s where he proposed the [[Concert of Worlds]], an alliance to further unify the Sangheili. However, given the reluctance at the gathering, he suspected that many of the high kaidons appreciated [[Cortana]]'s enforcement of "peace" and for protecting them from the Jiralhanae threat.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Out1|Out|Chapter=1}}
| | Sangheili in these area's rarely know their true fathers, being usually raised by their mother's brother instead. This is believed to be a way to reduce the ability for a Sangheili to gain high standing based on the deeds of their fathers. |
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| ==Description== | | == Naming == |
| [[File:H2A-ThelModel-Front.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A Sangheili's body.]] | | Elites have great value in their names, and are considered a privilege and an honor for only those proved worthy. The Elites generally consider [[Human]]s to be nameless, and resent that the Humans have assigned the label "Elite" to them (although they have been given many other names eg: squid head, squid lip, split face, etc.). The word "Elite" is often transposed as an English translation of their own name in-game footage and other media. |
| Sangheili are physically imposing beings, typically standing more than a foot (30 cm) taller than the average human. They are vaguely reptilian in overall appearance, with leathery skin, digitigrade legs, and sharp claws and teeth. Their large hands have two fingers and two thumbs. Their most distinguishing trait is their jaw structure, which is made up of four separate mandibles attached to their face.
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| Sangheili are intelligent, agile, and extremely strong, and are often characterized by their bravery and honor. Sangheili warriors augment these natural abilities further through use of [[Sangheili personal energy shield|energy shields]] integrated into their armor. Depending upon rank and mission objective, they are commonly seen in battle with [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|plasma rifles]], [[Vostu-pattern carbine|carbines]], [[Type-33 Needler|needlers]], [[Gadulo-pattern needle rifle|needle rifles]], along with their cultural signature weapons, [[Type-1 energy sword|energy swords]]. Sangheili employ coffin-like [[orbital insertion pod]]s as well as [[Dextro Xur-pattern Spirit|Spirit]] and [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantom]] dropships for military transit purposes and rapid-response operations.
| | The surname of a Sangheili is derived from his Lineage. [[Rtas Vadum]], for example, would be from the Vadum Lineage. The lineage's own states on [[Sanghelios]], and each Sangheili from that area adopts the name of the lineage. |
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| Historically, Sangheili have followed the Covenant mentality of maintaining hatred towards humanity, believing them to be an affront to their religion and a challenge towards the Great Journey. However, many Sangheili were able to put this animosity aside when an alliance of Sangheili joined the UNSC during their expedition to [[Installation 00|the Ark]]. After the Human-Covenant War, many Sangheili are still distrustful of humanity and some participate in [[terrorist]] attacks against them. Nonetheless a large number of Sangheili, most notably [[Swords of Sanghelios|those loyal]] to [[Thel 'Vadam]], have attempted to form steady alliances with their former enemies, as well as improving relations with other former Covenant species such as the Unggoy and Jiralhanae.
| | Elite names are constructed from a series of parts, each of them with a specific or special meaning. The first name is a given name that is attained at birth, which persists until adulthood. As they come of age, they earned the right to carry a badge name. This name is made up of three parts: an adjectival descriptor, such as "fast" or "deadly," a crèche or family name, and the "-ee" suffix, an honorific indicating that the Elite is a military participant. Since the [[Great Schism]] all Elites in the rebellious faction have removed their name of the '-ee' suffix. Most Elites will have names with this kind of construction.<ref>''[[Halo: Combat Evolved: Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets]]'', page 48</ref> It appears that additional titles may be given to those of very high rank, such as [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]]. Since "Jar" is not a part of the standard Elite name, it may be assumed that it denotes Xytan's status as [[Imperial Admiral]], although this has yet to be confirmed. There is no other reference, however, of other names with this sort of addition, other than the character in ''The Ghosts of Onyx'', Voro 'Mantakree who was given the additional title Nar to denote his status as a Fleet Master. |
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| ===Anatomy and physiology===
| | There are a few exceptions of some Elites who haven't had the "-ee" suffix like [[Kusovai]], [[Zhar]] and [[Veer]]. These are probably just their first names, but it is also possible that these are just nicknames or like [[Brute]]s an Elite must wait to gain the "-ee" suffix. However, since the aforementioned Sangheili held high ranks, this theory is quite weak, therefore there must be more than one naming method. |
| [[File:HCEA detailed Sangheili organs.png|thumb|300px|Sangheili internal organs. This wound reveals the rib cage, esophagus, hearts, intestine, and other organs.]]
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| Sangheili are muscular and very tall, usually standing between 2.25 and 2.62 meters (7.38 and 8.6 feet), although they often seem slightly shorter due to their usual hunched position, but the armor they wear makes them appear more hunched than they actually are.{{Ref/Reuse|VIS}}{{Ref/Reuse|Library}} Their jaws are quadruple-hinged, with an upper jaw and four lower mandibles arranged in two tiers. Mandible and upper jaw structure along with teeth shape and numbers result from different phenotypes, but they do not indicate reproductive isolation.<ref>https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2994218_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2994218</ref> These mandibles have between six and twelve teeth each, and some Sangheili have an additional, larger fang on the tips of each mandible.<ref>'''Halo Wars: Genesis''', ''page 7''</ref><ref>'''Halo Graphic Novel''', ''page ??''</ref> Anywhere from eight to more than a dozen broader teeth may be mounted on the upper jaw structure. Adult Sangheili mandibles can be found in varying shapes, sizes, and ranges of dexterity, and are as distinctive as a human fingerprint.<ref name="Waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sangheili '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Sangheili'']</ref> Some Sangheili also possess molars. Sangheili smell with the use of two nostrils, each slightly in front of and below the eye socket. Given their predatory nature, a Sangheili's sense of smell is likely very developed. Despite the Sangheili jaw structure, they are able to pronounce the letter "M" without difficulty, a fact that human scientists have been unable to explain.{{Ref/Game|Id=H2legendary|H2V|Legendary difficulty shield ([[:File:H2V LegendaryDifficulty.png|File link]])}} They do, however, have difficulty pronouncing "P". For example: Dr. Evan Phillips, one of the foremost human Sangheili experts, was addressed as and referred to as "Phillisss". Additionally, the Sangheili skull has a density sufficient enough to prevent a .40 caliber bullet from being able to exit the other side upon impact.{{Ref/Reuse|H2legendary}}
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| [[File:EliteSkull.png|thumb|left|200px|A Sangheili skull which was mounted on a pauldron worn by [[Tartarus]].]] | | ==History== |
| Their hands are [[wikipedia:tetradactyly|tetradactyl]], each having two fingers in the middle and an opposing thumb on either side. Contrary to what their anatomy might suggest, Sangheili could release a loud, sharp and piercing whistle by placing their thumbs on the same hand into their mouths and blowing through the narrow gap.<ref name="LoO">'''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''', ''pg. 2491'' {{C|Kindle ebook edition}}</ref> Their legs are [[wikipedia:digitigrade|digitigrade]], with short upper and lower legs, and elongated tarsals, using the distal and intermediate phalanges to support their weight when walking. This arrangement possibly allows them to run very quickly and jump large distances, compared to ordinary humans and other Covenant races.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 201''</ref> Their superior agility may also be attributed to their homeworld's higher gravity; the additional strength required to move normally in a high-gravity environment would likely cause them to be more powerful in lower gravity situations. (Although, curiously, their tall, large, and lean figure would be extremely disadvantageous and impractical on a high-gravity planet—an arrangement possibly allowed by other major factors in their biology and life cycles; alternatively, the impressive strength and agility may be the result of the capabilities of their standard-issue combat harnesses.) They also appear to have a double set of pectoral muscles, which contributes to their incredible strength. On the other hand, their digitigrade stance makes it difficult for them to climb vertical constructs such as ladders.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 200''</ref>
| | [[Image:Arbiter3.jpg|thumb|right|[[Thel 'Vadamee]] (the Arbiter) enters the Sanctum of the [[Hierarchs]].]] |
| | The Sangheili homeworld, better known as [[Sanghelios]], had at one point been visited by the [[Forerunners]], or had been in contact with the Forerunners. They revered the objects these "Gods" had left, and considered tampering with them a heresy beyond any other. It was not long until they encountered the [[Prophets]], a race who also felt the Forerunners had found salvation, but had utilized their technology for their own needs. This sparked a Civil War between the two factions on how to treat the relics. The Prophets had already suffered terrible losses from a Civil War based on the same argument they had with the Elites, and if it were not for the incredible power of the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]], they would have perished. The Elites suffered extreme casualties from the Prophet's hit and run techniques that utilized their "[[Key Ship]]" and it was not long before even the most devout had to admit their survival depended on the reconstitution of their Forerunner [[technology]]. This, of course, led both sides to an agreement that ended with the decommissioning of the Forerunner Dreadnought and a shaky alliance that eventually expanded into the [[Covenant]]. |
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| [[File:Halo Reach detailed Sangheili organs.png|thumb|300px|Bisected Sangheili torso revealing internal organs and bone.]] | | The Prophets helped assuage the Elites by telling them more of the [[Great Journey]]: That by seeking out the [[Halo|Holy Rings]] scattered throughout the galaxy and utilizing them, a Great Journey would begin. This Great Journey would transform believers into godlike beings, while providing salvation for their doomed existence of fighting with the [[Flood]]. The Elites then became the [[Elite Honor Guards|bodyguards]] of the Prophets, who would search the galaxy for the Halos.<ref>[[Media:Binding Covenant.ogg|Halo 2 dialog]] - [[Prophet of Regret]]</ref> The [[Writ of Union]] was drawn up in order to codify the Covenant. Its first canto clearly outlines the nature of the Covenant from the perspective of the Prophets. |
| Sangheili have a binary circulatory system<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 226''</ref><ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page ???''</ref> that pumps indigo-colored [[blood]]. They breathe oxygen and their homeworld has a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere comparable to Earth's, allowing them to breathe the same atmosphere as humans. Sangheili cannot breathe molecular nitrogen.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 200''</ref> Sangheili have a similar digestive system to that of humans. They are shown to have an esophagus and intestines,<ref>[[Halo: Combat Evolved]] - [[343 Guilty Spark (level)]] - "Something...scrambled the insides."</ref> and are also depicted to have an anus.<ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', [[:File:Halo2NakedSangheiliBackview.jpg|Naked Arbiter model]]</ref>{{Ref/Note|Thel 'Vadamee's naked model is depicted in Halo 2, but the cinematics don't offer a clear view of his anatomy. When placing his character model into other scenes via mods or simply viewing his model, more details can be seen. See also: [[Halopedia:What Halopedia is#Halopedia is not censored|What Halopedia is: Halopedia is not censored]]}}
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| Most Sangheili have leathery skin covered in many part by scales. Young Sangheili have pale protective scales hanging from their necks that they lose with age, an evolutionary leftover from the days when Sangheili parents used to carry their offspring in their jaws.<ref name="Halo page 19">'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 19'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Sangheili skin color can range from light brown to dark brown, light gray to black, and blue. They have forward-facing eyes with vertical slits and horizontal eyelids much like those of terrestrial reptiles,<ref name="H4">'''[[Halo 4]]'''</ref>{{Ref/Note|In most of their pre-''Halo 4'' depictions, the Sangheili have slightly laterally-oriented eyes. The Sangheili featured in ''Halo 4'' and later media have more forward-facing eyes befitting a predatory species.}} likely giving them high-resolution central vision and depth perception. Their eyes can have multiple colors ranging from red all the way to green and can be even gray. Most Sangheili, however, have yellow or orange eyes.{{Ref/Note|In ''Halo 2'' Thel 'Vadamee has magenta eyes and [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee has green eyes. In ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' they, like all other members of their species, have orange-yellow eyes. A Sangheili Zealot seen in ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn'' also has yellowish green eyes, Gek 'Lhar has yellow eyes, Jul and Rho have gray eyes and Vata 'Gajat from ''Halo: Escalation'' has red eyes. While 'Vadamee's and 'Vadumee's eye color was clearly retconned, the latter examples could be instances of artistic license, though they may instead indicate that other eye colors are exhibited throughout the species.}}{{Ref/Note|Sangheili NPCs in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' wear eye coverings corresponding to the color of their armor, while Elites of all ranks wear black lenses in ''Halo 2''. These devices were likely meant to project the combatant's heads-up display. However, these coverings have not been seen in any media since ''Halo 2''; ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'' and ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' instead depict all Sangheili with uncovered eyes.}}
| | In many ways the Elites are much like Humans. They communicate, become protective of their troops and become angry and vengeful if other Elites are killed. They fear very little, taking great pride in an ancient, honor-laden code. Even when mortally wounded, such as being stuck with a [[Plasma Grenade]], they may roar with pain and fury, but they still charge towards the enemy in a doomed last minute attack. |
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| Sangheili exhibit minor sexual dimorphism, with the females being slightly smaller than the males.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 189''</ref> Sangheili males possess a subtle leathery scent, while females have been described as smelling like "clean feathers".<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 208''</ref> Sangheili are [[Wikipedia:Oviparity|oviparous]], meaning that they lay eggs rather than giving live birth.{{Ref/Reuse|Catalog}} They incubate their recently hatched young in tank-like pods.<ref name="blood">[[Halo: Blood Line Issue 3|''Halo: Blood Line'', ''Issue 3'']]: ''"Reff and I hatched on ''[sic]'' the city-state of <nowiki>'</nowiki>Thasanee."''</ref> The species is remarkably long-lived; Sangheili over 60 or 70 years of age have shown to be fully fit for combat duty,<ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 29''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 11''</ref> and [[Jul 'Mdama]] was considered young, at least in keep elder terms,<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 61''</ref> at 64 years old,<ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page ??''</ref> Thel Vadam was considered to be one of youngest Sangheili to not only be promoted to Shipmaster but also one of the youngest Sangheili to achive the title of [[Supreme Commander]] between his late 40s to early 50s{{Ref/Game|H2A|Terminal 12}} while by [[851 BCE]], [['Crecka]] was over 90 years old.{{Ref/Reuse|bcpreview}} [[Nizat 'Kvarosee]] was stated to have served in the Covenant for roughly 200 human years.<ref>'''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''', Chapter 5</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/TDenningauthor/status/1176367940192653313 Troy Denning on Twitter]</ref> Circa 100,000 BCE Sangheili life expectancy was 27 [[Earth]] years.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2959975_Query--Catalog.aspx#post2959975 '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Query: Catalog'']</ref><ref name="catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2988575_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2988575 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 39'']</ref> This discrepancy was likely due to their primitive culture at that time having little, if any, function medicine, whereas Sangheili of the 26th century have medicine and medical technology surpassing humanity.
| | [[Image:54824016B6781FD7524EFC8ED60F9866.jpg|thumb|right|A Sangheili and a Human, riding a Mongoose against the Jiralhanae, during the [[Battle of Installation 00|Battle of the Ark]].]] |
| {{Clear}}
| | Despite the Prophet's insistence that the Humans were perversions that must be expunged, the Elites have begun to question the refusal of the Prophets to accept Humans into the Covenant. They claim variously that Humans are "tenacious", that their technology is "limited, but...useful", that their battle techniques are "impressive", and that they are "excellent strategists".<ref>[[Conversations from the Universe]]</ref> They seem to believe that Humans, although weak, are honorable and brave. Certainly, most Elites believe that Humans should be admitted to the Covenant. Some even believe that the Humans are equal to them - a considerable step for an Elite, or any member of the Covenant to make. It could be said that the only reason why the Elites insult Humans after admiration of them is so that their superiors do not accuse them of heresy. Some Elites even have semi-disrespect for the Prophets before the Great Schism. |
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| ==Culture==
| | It is not unusual for the Elites to have such an admiration for their adversaries. Their history is rife with victorious combatants welcoming the defeated enemies' remaining forces into their own arm. During the [[Grunt Rebellion]] the most tenacious of the [[Unggoy|Grunts]] who survived the conflict were admitted for the first time into previously all-Sangheili forces, much to the Prophet's discontent. <ref>[[Contact Harvest]]</ref> |
| [[File:H2A-WeightOfYourHeresy.jpg|thumb|left|300px|An example of Sangheili's mentality of being a superior species; here, [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee defies a Jiralhanae from handling him after a trial.]]
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| Although Sangheili are naturally very intelligent, their culture's long dependence on a military-industrial schema has led to an emphasis on might over science. In some regards, the advent of the Covenant made this position easier, allowing the Sangheili to concentrate even more monomanically on military endeavors, while Prophets took care of science and technology.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Despite this, their adeptness at using and creating technology is evident. In addition, despite their warrior culture being the most well-known, it has been noted that the Sangheili actually have almost innumerable roles within their society, from political entities like kaidons and keep elders all the way to the more technical artisan-engineers and farmers.<ref>'''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''', ''page 152''</ref>
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| Raised from childhood to be warriors, other societal roles are treated as secondary endeavors or even hobbies. Doctors are considered outright dishonorable as they "spill blood" outside the battlefield;{{Ref/Reuse|Cole Protocol}} despite this, the Sangheili are known to employ advanced medical technology{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} that is superior to humanity's.<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 131'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Few doctors exist within Sangheili society. Instead, Huragok and other species are employed as medical personnel. Most injuries sustained by the Sangheili can easily be treated by the medical technology employed by the species, otherwise they accept their fate. However, Sangheili hold disdain for using medical technology to treat themselves and some personally would rather suffer through their injury or die. There is evidence of this being overturned, however.{{Ref/Reuse|halo5med}} Some Sangheili recognize that other species do not share the same views on medical treatment and were willing to lend them their medical technologies or even treat the wounded individual themselves.<ref>'''Halo: Hunters in the Dark''', ''page 262'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Sangheili are trained to be skilled in most ranged weapons, as well as hand-to-hand combat. A prominent example of this martial focus is that only [[aristocrat]]s are allowed to wield energy swords and that sword-wielders are then no longer eligible for marriage; however, they may breed with any female they choose, married or otherwise, to ensure successful transmission of "swordsman" genes. Many Sangheili children are trained in basic swordsmanship early on, both for personal development and for them to be capable of using a sword later in life if necessary. Within the military, an aristocratic title is not necessary for wielding an energy sword.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 63''</ref><!-- The Essential Visual Guide states that non-aristocratic use of the energy sword is forbidden only within civilian society. This policy is not upheld within the military.-->
| | During the [[Battle of Installation 05]], the [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]] and [[Rtas 'Vadumee]] discovered the truth of the [[Halo]] rings from the [[Monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]] and persuaded most, if not their entire race to [[Covenant Separatists|secede]] from the Covenant and fight once again for the Elites. This included a movement to destroy the treacherous [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] and Prophets, and the destruction of the [[Flood]] at all costs, eventually resulting in the alliance with the Humans, persuaded by the Arbiter's counsel. |
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| Military promotion among the Sangheili is by merit. A Sangheili soldier must succeed to advance among the ranks, with this success being measured in combat kills. A Sangheili near the top of the military hierarchy may have personally slaughtered thousands of individuals to reach that status.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=697 '''Bungie.net''': ''The Covenant Primer'']</ref>
| | Finally, after the Second Battle of Earth, the Elites and Humans managed to stop and kill Truth, effectively ending the Covenant. However, the Elites and Humans were coerced to deal with the more massive threat; the Flood. Finally, the Arbiter and the Master Chief, after activating the newly constructed [[Installation 04 (II)]], effectively ended the Flood threat. On Earth, the Sangheili all agreed to return to their home planet, Sanghelios, to see if it is safe, on the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''. |
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| Historically the Sangheili have considered most other species to be inferior to them, both culturally and in fighting skill; this thinking has caused Sangheili to treat other species cruelly and in an arrogant manner. This eventually led to the feud between the Sangheili and [[Jiralhanae]], as the latter's strength threatened the Sangheili's superior military status. In the years following the Great Schism the Sangheili entered a period of cultural renaissance however, triggering a rethinking towards their practices under the Covenant. This included views on medicine,<ref name="halo5med">'''Halo 5: Guardians Intel log''', ''The Alliance''</ref> secularism (seen in the war between the theocratic Covenant and secular Swords of Sanghelios), gender roles,<ref name="halo5sos">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''Swords of Sanghelios''</ref> and technology, and there was also evidence to suggest that views on other species underwent a gradual ongoing alteration too. It was noted that an Unggoy was able to take command of Sangheili and lead them in such a way so as to inspire respect and admiration from them.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians Intel Log'''</ref> This was unprecedented given the past observed relationship between the two species. The longstanding feud between the Sangheili and Jiralhanae was well documented, but in 2558 Thel 'Vadam engaged in peace talks with a Jiralhanae Chieftain known as [[Lydus]] on Ealen IV. Lydus accused Thel of engaging with the talks so that the Sangheili could simply acquire Jiralhanae resources, however Thel rebutted the notion with the idea that the Sangheili cared for more than just that.<ref name="esc3">'''Halo Escalation''', ''Issue 3, page 3''</ref>
| | ==Homeworld== |
| | {{Main|Sanghelios}} |
| | Sanghelios is the homeworld of the Sangheili race. Temperatures on Sanghelios vary between -5C and 96C, with a population of 8.135 billion living in such conditions. Gravity on Sanghelios is approximately 1.375g. Atmospheric composition derives of Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Argon. Sanghelios is the fourth planet in a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_star_system Triple Star System] of stars [[Urs]], [[Fied]], and [[Joori]]. The planet has two Moons called [[Qikost]] and [[Suban]]. Many [[Forerunner]] artifacts exist on the planet, which are (or at least were) the topic of worship, as well as the cause of historical wars between the Sangheili and the San 'Shyuum before the formation of the [[Covenant]].<ref>[[Bestiarum]]</ref> Sanghelios is divided into provinces, which in turn into states. Each state is owned by a Lineage, and everyone born in that state adopts the lineage's name as a surname, whether the have the suffix 'ee' on the end or not. Each state is controlled by a [[Kaidon]], and is advised by Elders. |
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| [[File:H5G-Vale&SOSSangheiliStorm.png|thumb|230px|[[Olympia Vale]] conversing with a member of the Swords of Sanghelios.]] | | ==Anatomy and Physiology== |
| One great indicator of the Sangheili's evolving attitudes towards other species was their interactions with humans in the decade following the end of the Human-Covenant War. During and immediately after the conflict, many Sangheili espoused the Covenant's position towards humans as being heretics, and humans were subject to much of the same cultural arrogance from the Sangheili that the other species received; perhaps worse. Even by 2552, however, a growing number of human sympathizers existed among the Sangheili youth,<ref name="Coop">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack '''Bungie.net''': ''The Tru7h About Co-Op in Halo 3'']</ref> and by 2558, the social landscape within the Swords of Sanghelios appeared drastically different with regards to humans. Specific examples include the development of a GEN-2 Mjolnir variant known as [[HELIOSKRILL-class Mjolnir|Helioskrill armor]] by a Sangheili weaponsmith,<ref name="Halo 5: Guardians">'''Halo 5: Guardians'''</ref> training programs involving Spartan-IVs and Swords of Sanghelios troops in the ANVIL Initiative,<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: 2/20/2015'']</ref> joint-operations between UNSC and Swords of Sanghelios in the joint-occupation zone against pirate raiders, cooperative weapons and technology research and development (Such as with regards to the Needler{{Ref/Reuse|CatalogBIG}} and the [[ANUBIS-class Mjolnir]] variant's enhanced sensors{{Ref/Reuse|Halo 5: Guardians}}) as well as other cooperative endeavors between the two powers (Archivist teams{{Ref/Reuse|CatalogBIG}} and Zeta Halo containment efforts<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/catalog-interaction/4c3e1c6f-6519-4ee0-83a4-4bac13bf07a3/posts?page=48 '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Catalog Interaction'']</ref>). The obvious practical nature of much of these endeavors strongly implies that the Sangheili have come to view humans as a worthy investment, investor and ally, which is in stark contrast to their culture of 10 years past. Even in more remote locations on Sangheili colonies the culture appeared to be undergoing remarkable change. It was noted by [[Olympia Vale]] during her travel to [[Khael'mothka]] that she met many Sangheili who had become tired of the war and who were intrigued by the idea of a human staying with them. There were of course those who would try to harm Vale if they could, however she learned who to stay away from and for the most part found herself in no personal jeopardy.<ref>'''Halo: Hunters in the Dark''': ''Page 99 (Paperback Edition)''</ref>
| | [[Image:elite.jpg|200px|left|thumb|A Sangheili [[Minor Domo Elite]] warrior with a [[Covenant Carbine]].]] |
| | Elites have an unusual physical appearance and anatomy. Their jaw is quadruple-hinged, with an upper jaw and four mandible-like lips that are lined with sharp teeth. It is because of this unique mouth that [[Humans]] have given them the nicknames "split-mouth", "split-chin" and "split-lip" or "squid head". It is suggested that the Sangheili are a possibly carnivorous or simply more carnivorous than omnivorous, race, but either way would have to swallow food whole rather than chewing it. It is unknown, given this structure, how Elites speak, though it may be possible that they possess shaping vols or use their tongue (as referenced in [[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]). This may only apply to speaking English, since in [[Halo 2]] most of their language is translated from [[UNSC]] translation software. Their hands are [[Wikipedia:Tetradactyly|tetradactyl]], having four digits; two middle fingers, and two opposing thumbs on the outside for grasping. Their legs are [[Wikipedia:Digitigrade|digitigrade]], with short upper and lower legs, and elongated tarsals, using the distal and intermediate phalanges to support their weight when walking. This arrangement allows them run very quickly and jump large distances, at least when compared to ordinary Humans and other species of the Covenant<ref>''Halo: Contact Harvest'' Page 201</ref>. Their superior agility may also be attributed to their homeworld's higher gravity, causing them to be more powerful and able to jump higher than usual in lower gravity situations. |
| | [[Image:1223234085_Arbiter_kneel_2.jpg|200px|left|thumb|[[Thel 'Vadamee]] when stripped of his [[Zealot]] armor and rank in ''[[Halo 2]]''.]] |
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| There were many who refused to change their ways, such as [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]], this was highlighted by the [[Blooding Years|Sangheili civil war]]. Progressive factions in Sangheili society appeared to have won following the emergence of the [[Created]], as Jul 'Mdama's Covenant was entirely wiped out by Swords of Sanghelios forces.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]''</ref>
| | Given that Sangheili eyes are located on the sides of their elongated head, it is likely that they possess poor binocular vision, but greater peripheral vision, than humans. Elites have at least two hearts<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts Of Onyx]]''</ref>, possessing indigo blood, most likely a bimetallic hemoglobin, possibly cobalt-iron, rather than the monometallic iron based hemoglobin of Humans, although it is still unknown what chemical makes their blood this color. It is assumed that they breathe oxygen, as they can breathe the same atmosphere as Humans, and their homeworld has a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere, similar to Earth's. They also appear to have a double set of pectoral muscles, which contribute to their incredible strength. They have grayish-brown skin which in ''Halo 2'' looks like their skin is spotted, and the majority of Elites have either dark blue, black eyes, or brown eyes, although there are a few exceptions. It has been theorized that the reason Elites seem to have dark blue eyes is because they wear eye coverings (which gives them their in-game HUD). This hypothesis comes largely from the [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]]'s appearance - when standing before the [[High Council]] in his armor, his eyes were dark, but after his armor was removed, his eyes became a much lighter brown. This is also supported by the fact that in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' an Elite's eye color is always the same color as their armor. Elites have eyes with slit-shaped pupils, a large iris, horizontal eyelids, and are positioned laterally (this can only be seen in ''Halo 3'', Elites in ''Halo 2'' have all black eyes with no pupils and in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' they don't blink). In the ''[[Halo Wars]]'' announcement trailer, the Elites are different on several points. They seem far more muscular, although this could be because they're wearing much thicker armor because of the cold weather. They also have claws; they do not have claws in any of the other games. Another possibility is that there are several subspecies of Elites similar to how Humans have several ethnic races, however that probably isn't true, it's just new graphics created by the new animators. Also, there is a slight possibility that the Elites in ''Halo Wars'' have the ability to dual wield [[Energy Swords]] as it is seen in the ''E3 2008 Halo Wars Trailer''. They also have a more animalistic growl, which could simply be expanding on the sounds they make in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. |
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| | Elite females have something human females do: breasts. However when baby elites "suckle", they don't suck; they simply open their mouths and let their mother's milk drip from their mother's breast and down the baby Elite's throat. Bungie has stated that Elite females have breasts. {{fact}} |
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| The small minority of Sangheili who joined the [[Banished]] have had their names forever tarnished in Sangheili culture.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Sangheili working for the Jiralhanae was deeply frowned upon,{{Ref/Novel|Id=Envoy3|Halo: Envoy|Chapter=1 "The Covenant had failed, obliterated under the weight of many lies; as a result, the Sangheili did not make common cause with Jiralhanae anymore, at least not as equals. No, this was strange."}} especially after the massacres of the [[Great Schism]].
| | It is unknown how they mate due to the fact that they have no visible genitalia, as seen when the Arbiter was stripped of his armor in ''[[Halo 2]]'', although in ''[[Halo 3]]'', with the [[IWHBYD skull]] on if you stare at an elite long enough they will say "If you gaze at me much longer, we might as well exchange fluids!". They may have similar reproductive systems as earth vertebrates though. Their reproductive system seems to be internal, rather than external, similar to that of a dolphin.{{Fact}} |
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| ===Sense of honor=== | | ==Intelligence== |
| <choose>
| | {{quote|Although Elites are naturally very intelligent, their culture's long dependence on a military-industrial schema has led to an emphasis on might over science. In some regards, the advent of the [[Covenant]] made this position easier-allowing the Elites to concentrate even more singularly on military endeavors, while [[Prophets]] took care of science and technology.|[[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]] in the [[Bestiarum]]}}. |
| <option>{{Quote|What madness Sangheili honor can be. They should be careful, lest they lose their way.|The [[Prophet of Regret]]{{Ref/Reuse|cole341}}}}</option>
| | [[Image:FearlessLeader26001200.PNG|thumb|200px|left|A Covenant Sangheili [[Zealot]] from ''[[Halo 2]]'' on [[Earth]] in the city of [[Old Mombasa]].]] |
| <option>{{Quote|But you "warriors" have always been guided by...blinded by...the illusion of honor.|[[Atriox]] on Sangheili<ref>'''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''', ''[[Hunting Party]]''</ref>}}</option></choose>
| | Elites are extremely intelligent and always demonstrate this in combat. Elites are normally on the move when fighting, constantly running and ducking, strafing and dodging when firing at the enemy. When presented with an obstacle, such as a [[Warthog]] driving at them, they will leap out of the way, and if a vehicle stops, they will attempt to board it or disable it. They are also smart enough to utilize cover, ducking behind crates or other obstacles when their shields are drained until they recharge. It should be noted that not all Elites make use of cover, because of their superior strength; these are the Elites who hold the ranks of either [[Zealot]] or [[Councilor]]. |
| [[File:Halsey n' John.jpg|thumb|250px|left|[[Major]] [[Thel 'Lodamee]] challenges [[John-117]] to an energy sword duel.]] | | These Elites charge their enemies with reckless aggression, regardless of any damage they sustain; only very seldom do they admit temporary defeat. They are quite capable of luring their enemies into traps by falling back into cover; as the enemy approaches, the Elite will spring from its position and land a massive melee hit on the unsuspecting opponent, and is especially even more dangerous if the hiding Elite is carrying an energy sword due to the weapon's high melee power. Elites are incredible tacticians, renowned for their ferocity and decisive thinking. This is shown to be very true in space during ship-to-ship combat, even when being horribly out numbered; they can win the fight with only few losses. This shows them to have a greater degree of intelligence than [[Brute]]s. An example of this is the Battle above [[Installation 00]], when [[Truth's fleet]] outnumbered the Elites 3 to 1, yet the Elites prevailed with at least the Assault Carrier ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' surviving. |
| The Sangheili display respect and admiration for honorable fighters, whether they are allies of the Sangheili or not; it is not unusual for the Sangheili to have such an admiration for their adversaries. Sangheili respect and revere veterans and often follow their lead. Their history is rife with victorious combatants welcoming the defeated enemies' remaining forces into their own army, provided of course that they fought with honor. During the [[Unggoy Rebellion]], the most tenacious of the Unggoy who survived the conflict were admitted for the first time into previously all-Sangheili forces, much to the Prophets' discontent.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 151''</ref>
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| Despite their intelligence, the Sangheili often allow their obsession with honor to cloud their better judgement. The Sangheili usually employ complex strategy only if it either improves success in battle, allows them to inflict more casualties on their enemies, or if it conforms to their code of honor. Otherwise, in both tactical and strategic combat, Sangheili generally charge their enemies with reckless aggression, regardless of any damage they sustain. Only very seldom do they admit temporary defeat. While lower-ranked Sangheili might make numerous tactical mistakes, especially the Minors, such as standing in the open rather than taking cover, more experienced Sangheili tend to lure their enemies into traps and quickly dispatch them in close combat. Sangheili often sustain heavy casualties in the fervor to kill, though they use their client races to screen and protect themselves. The race's desire for grandeur has led to their defeat in many engagements, such as the [[Battle of Psi Serpentis]], [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]], and the [[Onyx Conflict]].
| | ==Weapon Compatibility== |
| | [[Image:922992-Medium.jpg|right|thumb|150px|An Elite player model using a [[Battle rifle]] in ''[[Halo 3]]'' multiplayer.]] |
| | Although Elites are most commonly seen with [[Energy Sword]]s, [[Covenant Carbine]]s and [[Plasma Rifle]]s, because of their strength and versatility on the battlefield, Elites can utilize ''any'' weapon in the field of battle, Human or Covenant, though most Elites would rather die than use a Human or Jiralhanae-oriented weapon. Lieutenant Junior Grade [[Fred-104]] theorizes that the Elites follow an edict of the Prophets that states that they should not use [[Human]] weapons, based on his own sightings of Elites happily dying rather than pick up a fully loaded [[MA5B Assault Rifle]] at their feet. The Brutes however do not behave in a similar manner, even attempting to steal FENRIS nuclear warheads during the [[Second Battle of Earth]]. The [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]], it appears, has no particular objection to sullying his already fraudulent honor with a Human weapon. Most other Elites will use a Human or a Brute weapon if it is given to them by the Arbiter, although usually with a derogatory remark (with the exception of the Spartan Laser), such as, "Bah! Even as trophies, these weapons are worthless!", or even "Worthless piece of crap!" However, in the hands of an Elite, any Human weapon, even an [[M6C Pistol]], can be deadly. Elites can hold a [[Rocket Launcher]] with one hand due to their prodigious strength, unlike normal [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]]s or even [[Spartan]]s. They will also use Human [[vehicles]] such as a [[Mongoose]], or a [[Warthog]]. Their marksmanship is easily comparable to a skilled Marine, and thanks to their armor and increased musculature they can survive attacks that would kill a normal human soldier, even with their personal shields down. In Halo 2 it is known that on the level Metropolis if left alone, the elites will kill Sergeant Stacker in the Warthog Gauss and take control of the Gauss cannon and start firing at you. Also, there is a pair of Elites on [[Cairo Station (Level)|Cairo Station]] that wield Plasma Pistols (works best on Legendary). |
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| One of the clearest examples of how zealous the Sangheili are for honor comes from when [[Thel 'Vadamee]] engaged the [[UNSC]] during his time as [[Supreme Commander]], when Thel and two [[Special Operations Sangheili]] attacked an unarmed [[3rd Battalion Reserves]] during the [[Battle of Camber|assault]] on [[Camber]]. When Thel saw the humans unable to defend themselves, he dropped his {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} and activated his [[active camouflage]] so the Marines could gear up and have a chance to fight. This was the first time the humans documented the Sangheili strive for honor, even if it endangered themselves or others.
| | ==Combat== |
| | Despite their advantages, Elites also have some vulnerabilities: |
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| Conversely, those who favor practicality over religious fervor in combat exhibit keen tactical and strategic acumen. The [[Zealot]]s, despite being among the most fervent adherents of the Covenant's religion, use shrewd, pragmatic tactics and are willing to engage in subterfuge in lieu of open combat. Similarly, [[Special Operations Sangheili|special operators]] and [[Stealth Sangheili|stealth specialists]] use active camouflage even in combat, though most would prefer to fight outright than to skulk in shadow. The separatist [[Fleet of Retribution]] destroyed the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[Truth's fleet|fleet]], despite the latter outnumbering the former three-to-one. Some Sangheili, such as [[Jul 'Mdama]], see honor as more of an aspiration than a way of life and are willing to engage in deception if need be, particularly after seeing humans use such tactics to great effect.<ref>''Halo: Glasslands''</ref>
| | {| border="1" cellpadding="5" width: 100%; border: 1px solid #999; margin: 0; ont-size: 20%; background-color: #000; ext-align: center; order-collapse: collapse;'''''Counter-Elite Tactics''''' |
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| | ||[[M6D Pistol]]|| The M6D Pistol has high damage per hit, high accuracy, and thus is very effective against Elites. The only thing you should worry about, however, is the Pistol's low rate of fire. It is best used in conjunction with an overcharged [[plasma pistol]] shot, as on legendary it can take 6-8 shots to take out a [[Major Elite]]'s [[Elite Personal Energy Shields|Shields]] and in that time you could easily die. |
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| | ||[[MA5B Assault Rifle]] || Not the most effective weapon. Your best strategy at close range with this weapon is to just hold onto the trigger - it'll take a little while, but the sheer weight of bullets will quickly overwhelm the Elites' Energy shield. From medium range it is better to pulse the trigger, as after the trigger is released, the bullet spread is reset. However, it is put in best effect when you are in close range, have depleted the Elite's shielding and slam the Elite with your melee. As one of the fastest melees, the Assault rifle's first melee will stun the Elite, whilst the second will kill it. |
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| | ||[[M6C Magnum]]|| It won't be effective if it's not [[dual wield]]. Can be somewhat effective against Elites. Not only can it kill Elites, if you bash the trigger, it can be rapid fire in ''Halo 2''. It's best to [[dual wield]] with a Plasma weapon, such as the [[Plasma Rifle]] to take down their shields, then aim for the Elite's head with the [[M6C Magnum]] for a quick kill. Be sure to headshot, as the effectiveness is exponentially increased. |
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| | ||[[BR55 Battle Rifle]] or [[Covenant Carbine]]||Both are a high step up from the MA5B Assault Rifle. The BR55 Battle Rifle's 3 round burst or the Covenant Carbine's semiautomatic mode is pretty effective against Elites. However, if the [[Noob Combo]] is used, any Elite can be killed in a matter of seconds. 3-4 head shots will usually bring down an Elite's Energy Shield entirely after which, only 1 head shot will kill. In addition, the zoom allows you to kill the Elite in a variety of zones, some of which will put you a good deal away from harm's way. However, be careful of the BR's spread effect; the Covenant Carbine's slightly weaker, though it is well worth the trade off. |
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| | ||[[SMG]]||Good when coupled with the Plasma Pistol or the Plasma Rifle, breaks Shields quickly, and is excellent when it does. Otherwise it works about the same as the MA5B Assault Rifle does, except the medium range accuracy is slightly less than the MA5B Assault Rifle. However, in [[Legendary]], the effect is dampened, as the [[Major Elite]]s can absorb enough damage to kill you first. |
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| | ||[[Shotgun]]||Instant kill weapon at close range, except against higher Elites such as [[Ultra Elite|Ultras]] and [[Councilor|Councilors]]. On Legendary, though, it takes at least two shots to kill a Minor, so you may wish to get an alternative, as the recoil time is excessively long. |
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| | ||[[Sniper Rifle]] or [[Particle Beam Rifle]]||One shot will deplete an Elite's Shielding on lower difficulty settings, but one head shot will neutralize one instantly, except [[Zealots]], Councilors, and [[SpecOps Elite]]s (On Legendary, a Major can also take 2 headshots). It would take about 4 body-shots to kill a [[Minor Elite]] on [[Legendary]] difficulty. Easily one of the best weapons at all ranges (at far, they can't even strike back; at close range, you don't even have to aim, as two-three body shots should suffice). |
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| | ||[[Fragmentation Grenade]]||Elites have good reflexes and dodge most grenades thrown at them, except for a frag grenade, though it won't kill them instantly, is harder to see and will destroy their Shield. They're useful in narrow areas, close quarters, or for making the enemy break cover. One blast will only kill [[Stealth Elite]]s. However, a common tactic is to "’nade spam"; that is, get/find the Elites all massed up, and chuck grenades ''en masse''. With a combination of Plasma Grenades as well, this is a truly deadly force. |
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| | ||[[Plasma Cannon]] or [[Shade]]||Very useful, though few and far between. Basically a 3 second way to break an Elite's Shield and put it away. However on higher difficulties as many turrets are found in fairly exposed areas, a group of Covenant could fire on you killing you in a few seconds. Try and use this against fairly small groups or with backup. |
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| | ||[[Rocket Launcher]] or [[Fuel Rod Gun]]||Very good against Elites in cover and for taking out groups of 2 or more, but for the sake of practicality, carry something else to switch to for one-on-one combat, except against sword-wielding Zealots, as you will need to put them down quickly before they can close the distance. Even if it doesn't kill the Zealot, it will still knock him aside and stun him for a few precious seconds you can then use to put more distance between it and yourself. However, in Legendary, the effectiveness is reduced because even the Majors can survive an entire rocket. For efficiency, the Sniper Rifle rules supreme. |
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| | ||[[Plasma Pistol]]|| Resist the urge to fire a charged shot; an Elite will most likely dodge it, unless you either get lucky or have skill enough to catch it off guard. Firing continuously may bring it down more quickly. This weapon's upgraded lock-on in ''[[Halo 2]]'' makes it practical for Shield breaking when using the charge-shot. An excellent tactic for killing an Elite very quickly, especially on Legendary, is to charge it up, fire at the target Elite, then quickly fire a shot from the [[M6C Magnum]] (or a shot from a Battle Rifle, which is easier to score a headshot because of the three round burst) for an instant kill. Also, if they receive a full charged Plasma bolt, they are stunned for a second, enough time to kill them or escape. By itself, however, the Plasma Pistol is useless; though his shields are down, each overcharge will only do a bit of damage. Therefore, when using the Plasma Pistol, try to have a backup Human weapon (ex. Battle Rifle). |
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| | ||[[Plasma Rifle]] or [[Brute Plasma Rifle]]||Very effective if you have good aim. If not, the overheat can leave you vulnerable to a charging and angry Elite. Dual wielding is good too. For the Brute variant, dual wielding is necessary to avoid overheating of both guns. However, as with the AR, it is advisable that you charge in and, at the last moment, melee at close range (especially with dual-wielding). |
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| | ||[[Needler]]||Highly effective if you use it right, but the rounds can and will be dodged, like Plasma Grenades or charge-shots from Plasma Pistols. If you catch an Elite in the open, fire about half a magazine then retreat and the needles will home in on it, piercing its Shield and killing it. An example of a "fire-and-forget" weapon. The only problem is that Needlers are slow, so have some patience. Also, do not be fooled by the low, piteous groaning when the Needler rounds explode-they will be able to survive an entire barrage. However, do not forsake this opportunity-fire immediately, or its shields will recharge. |
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| | ||[[Plasma Grenade]]||Run up close, or take good aim, and then throw it at an Elite. If it becomes scared, it runs toward the rest of its squad, blasting them as well. If it has not seen you, it will sometimes just stand there and look at the grenade, sometimes also growling in fury, or charge in a random direction. Beware against higher-ranking Elites or on higher difficulty levels as most Elites, when stuck with a Plasma Grenade will attempt to rush you, killing you in the explosion. In these circumstances simply back-pedal and fire at the Elite to stagger it until the Plasma Grenade detonates. Even if you miss your quarry, you can finish it off with a single shotgun headshot or a few headshots. |
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| | ||[[Brute Shot]]||The grenades bounce high unless you hit first try and the explosion radius is small compared to other grenades, but can take out an Elite in only one or two hits, though it takes around four grenades on [[Legendary]]. 1-2 grenades followed by a melee will usually kill most Elites on [[Heroic]]. |
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| | ||[[Energy Sword]]||This weapon is effective at close quarters, and is fatal in one hit for lower ranking Elites. Two lunges are required to slay an [[Ultra Elite]], even on the [[Easy]] difficulty. Be careful, though, as it is very common for the higher ranks to have an Energy Sword of their own as a secondary weapon, and they can often kill in one hit. Be warned; Elites in ''Halo 2'' can kill you in a single melee, so you'll have to kill it quickly. |
| | |} |
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| The Sangheili honor code is similar to a few throughout human history,<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20170702094510/http://www.tobiasbuckell.com/halo-envoy-ask-author/</ref> sharing concepts such as skill in combat (with an emphasis on swordsmanship), loyalty to master and family/clan, and views on death. Some such systems promote death in battle as being the most honorable and proper way to die. If a warrior is critically injured, incapacitated, or captured, the only acceptable recourse is to commit ritualistic suicide, ensuring one's honor is kept intact. This is of such importance to Sangheili warriors that even if they are incapable of killing themselves, they may request the assistance of their fellow Sangheili in doing so.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 170''</ref> The Sangheili consider being captured in combat to be dishonorable. To retain his honor, a valiant Sangheili would typically commit suicide while in prison. Often when imprisoned Sangheili are freed those who have not killed themselves are executed anyway, as was the case with one of Thel 'Vadam's ancestors. However, escaping or staging an uprising is acceptable, by the same example.<ref name="CP170">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 170, 195-196''</ref>
| | ==Rank Structure== |
| | Elites are promoted based upon their skills, abilities, and the number of casualties they inflict upon their enemy. This is usually measured by scalps. A high-ranking elite (e.g. a [[Zealot]]) may have personally slaughtered thousands of enemies throughout his military career. |
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| ===Customs and superstitions=== | | {| border="1" cellpadding="5" width: 100%; border: 1px solid #999; margin: 0; ont-size: 20%; background-color: #000; ext-align: center; order-collapse: collapse; |
| Despite their martial nature, the Sangheili have reservations to the spilling of one's own [[blood]]. This is an extension of the belief that the blood of a warrior is his essence, which is synonymous with his honor; thus, to spill one's blood is to lose one's honor.{{Ref/Reuse|Cole Protocol}} As a result, in Sangheili culture, doctors are seen by many as the lowest members of society because they "make [their] living slicing and causing another Sangheili to bleed without honor."<ref name="Cole Protocol">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 143''</ref> This means that the only 'honorable' way for a Sangheili to be injured or bleed out is from combat with the enemy. This belief also makes visiting a doctor very shameful for some Sangheili.
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| | | '''Rank''' || '''Image''' || '''Description''' |
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| | | colspan=3 | <center>'''[[High Council]]'''</center> |
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| | | '''[[Councilor]]''' || [[Image:Councilor1.jpg|150px]] || These Elites share power with the minor Prophets on the High Council. They are one of the highest ranks an Elite can achieve. They have extra strong [[Energy Shields]], which make them one of the hardest enemies to kill, but they are your ally for a short time in the level [[Great Journey (Level)|Great Journey]]. They wear a large headdress and brandish a single [[Plasma Rifle]] and Energy Sword. They were taken to [[Delta Halo]] where most were murdered by the Brutes, though a few were saved by other Elites and two were saved by [[Arbiter (Character)|Thel 'Vadamee]] during the beginning of the [[Covenant Civil War]]. During the final battle against Tartarus, the Councilor's were the only Elites whose shields could take the blow from the [[Fist of Rukt]] head on with only suffering minor injuries. |
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| | | colspan=3 | <center>'''High Commander'''</center> |
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| | |'''[[Imperial Admiral]]''' || || Revealed in [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]], the Imperial Admiral's role is to command the whole fleet of the [[Covenant]]. Only one such Elite, [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]], is known and it is likely that there is only one at a time. |
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| | |'''[[Supreme Commander]]'''|| [[Image:Supremecommander.jpg|150px]] || The Supreme Commander is the commander of a rather large or powerful fleet. In the [[Halo Graphic Novel]], he is depicted as clad in bright violet armor, with a long cloak that wraps around his shoulders. This particular Supreme Commander was a friend and superior to [[Special Operations Commander|SpecOps Leader]] [[Rtas 'Vadumee]] and would later become the [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]] of the Covenant. Thought to be a Zealot rank, due to the current Arbiter wearing Zealot armor at his trial in [[Halo 2]]. |
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| | | '''<center>[[Zealot]]</center><br/>- [[Field Master]]<br/>- [[Ship Master]]<br/>- [[Fleet Master]]''' || [[Image:Gold Elite.JPG|150px]] || The Generals and Admirals of the [[Covenant]] military; Commanders of Battalions, Ships and Fleets. Field Masters lead armies; Ship Masters command ships; Fleet Masters command armadas. 'Zealot' seems to be a general term, applying to all gold-armored Elites. Zealots appear to have been physically augmented somehow, as they are able to survive a whole magazine from an [[M6C Magnum]], or two [[Sniper Rifle]] head shots (However a magazine of dual M6C Magnums will kill them). Although, this may be due to higher-quality armor and [[Elite Personal Energy Shield|Shielding]] available to them or they may have gotten stronger from years of combat. |
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| | | colspan=3 | <center>'''[[Honor Guard of the Covenant|Honor Guard]]'''</center> |
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| | | '''[[Honor Guard Ultra]]''' || [[Image:M 9197dc856f0703d4b1220df27fc1808b.jpg|150px]] || The Lights of [[Sangheilios]] are one of the most elite combat units of the Sangheili, named for the cluster of stars near the Sangheili home system. It is assumed that they have stronger armor and better [[Elite Personal Energy Shield|Shielding]] than ordinary [[Elite Honor Guard|Honor Guards]]. They are seen clad in white armor with glowing Honor Guard plates and are known to wield Energy Staves. They are not to be confused with [[Honor Guard Councilor]]s, which are the creations of a glitch. |
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| | |'''[[Sangheili Honor Guardsman]]''' || [[Image:HonorGuard07.jpg|150px]] || The Elite Honor Guards are the personal guard of the [[High Council]], in particular the [[Prophet Hierarchs]], later replaced by the [[Brutes]]. They wear ornate, ceremonial red and orange armor which has a glow to it. Although they wield a large [[Honor_Guard_Pike|pike]] for ceremonial purposes, they generally utilize [[Energy Sword]]s, [[Plasma Rifle]]s, or [[Carbine]]s in actual combat. It is believed, although not confirmed, that they are slightly below [[Zealot]]s in the [[Covenant]] hierarchy. |
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| | | colspan=3 | <center>'''[[Covenant Special Operations]]'''</center> |
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| | |'''[[Special Operations Commander of the Covenant]]''' || [[Image:HalfJaw03.jpg|170px]] || The Special Operations Commander of the Covenant appears to be an even higher title than Field Master (perhaps around the same level as a Ship Master or Fleet Master), controlling all [[Special Operations|Spec Ops]] within the [[Covenant]] and taking missions personally from the [[Prophets]]. Also, in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'', the only Elite known to hold this rank is [[Rtas 'Vadum]], commands an [[Assault Carrier]], a ship usually used by Prophets, showing his high rank. It is believe that Spec Ops Commanders are higher in rank than Field Masters, but equal to Ship Masters, and that they are the highest Ultra rank. |
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| | |'''[[Special Operations Elite]]''' || [[Image:1216050893 Assault Elite.jpg|170px]] || Special Operations Elites are extremely skilled fighters, sent in by the Covenant to accomplish the most dangerous and difficult of missions. They have superior accuracy, fire in longer bursts and have slightly stronger shielding than regular Elites. Most notably, [[SpecOps Elites]] operate in squads, are extremely skilled and quite accurate grenade throwers. They are equipped with an [[Active Camouflage]] system, but rarely use it, except to get into position without being noticed. They can be seen leading Special Operation Grunts into battle. |
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| | | colspan=3 | <center>'''[[Special Warfare Group|Specialists]]'''</center> |
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| | |'''[[Stealth Elite]]''' || [[Image:StealthMajorElite01.jpg|150px]] || The Stealth Elites are the Covenant's assassins and spies, and they use [[Active Camouflage|Active Camo]] technology as their main ability, as the Special Operations Elites do. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', they do not have [[Elite Personal Energy Shield|Energy Shields]], but are nearly invisible to the naked eye. In ''[[Halo 2]]'', they have Energy Shields, but are still not as strong as normal. The Stealth Elite is never seen to have runaway from a force (but not very many have been seen due to their highly trained abilities.) They're often used on ambushes, which, with the help of their active camouflage technology, allow them to take down many enemies, if they're unseen. They usually fight in pairs and wield two [[Plasma Rifles]] each and, sometimes on harder difficulties, [[Energy Swords]]. You can only see their armor color when they have died. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', they had a light blue color, lighter than minor Elite Armour. In ''Halo 2'', it is a mix of dark brown, tan and silver. |
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| | |'''[[Elite Ranger]]''' || [[Image:Rangerelite2.jpg|150px]] || Rangers are a voluntary group of Elites that work in the least forgiving environment of all: vacuum. Their helmets completely encase their heads, protecting them from the vacuum of space. They wear a variant of Elite armor optimized for zero-gee, no-atmosphere combat, similar in appearance to ''Halo 3's'' Assault [[armor permutation]]. Their armor is cobalt in color, brighter than that of the [[Elite Minor]]. They can pose a substantial threat, due to their unique movement options. There are also variants that use their equipment to give them a tactical advantage planet side, flying above and shooting from the air, confusing and demoralizing the enemy, similar to a [[Yanme'e|Drone]], but with more power and fewer numbers. |
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| | | colspan=3 | <center>'''Regulars'''</center> |
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| | |'''[[Elite Ultra]]''' || [[Image:UltraElite01.jpg|150px|]]|| These are the Covenant's [[Colonel]]s and [[Captain]]s, just below the golden-armored Zealots in rank. Several white Elite corpses were seen in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', presumably killed in combat with the [[Flood]], but they do not appear in battle until ''Halo 2''. They command individual operations, unlike the Zealots who command fleets or armies. Although they do not possess the same level of natural resilience as the Zealots, they use [[Overshield]]s in combat to continue fighting long after their enemies are forced to retreat. They are also known to always carry Energy Swords as backup weapons. |
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| | |'''[[Elite Major]]''' || [[Image:MajorElite3.jpg|150px|]] || This veteran Elite warrior is the physical equal of the [[UNSC]]'s [[SPARTAN-II]] and the ranking equivalent of a UNSC Lieutenant. Overall they are more agile, more accurate and more aggressive than Minor Elites and seldom make tactical mistakes in combat. A single Major Elite can hold its own against an entire squad of UNSC [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]]. In ''Halo 2'', they can often be seen dual-wielding, piloting Covenant vehicles, or carrying heavy weapons. They are roughly equal in game play to the [[Master Chief]], but with somewhat inferior aim. They can be seen leading Grunts and Minor Elites into battle. |
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| | |'''[[Elite Minor]]''' || [[Image:MinorElite12.jpg|150px|]] || The most common and least experienced Elite, Minor Elites are still skilled warriors superior to any [[Human]] soldier, but they are a little weaker than Major Domo Elites and SPARTAN-IIs. Minors, however, can be considered the equal of an ODST. They are the possible Covenant equivalent of a Sergeant. Their Energy Shields are not quite as powerful and they often make many tactical errors such as standing in one place while firing, or rushing forward into enemy fire. They also fire in shorter bursts and have somewhat less accuracy. Along with Major Domo Elites, they often lead squads of [[Grunts]] into battle. |
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| The Sangheili seldom view personal weapons as anything more than tools of war, and rarely attach extra importance to a weapon simply because it once belonged to a great warrior. This was especially true during the Covenant's days, when weapons were mass-produced and warriors did not carry customized weapons. However, certain historical weapons, such as the [[Prophets' Bane|End of Night]], were so famous that they were said to possess a small part of the owner's heart, and were given names as a result.<ref name="waypoint prophets bane">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/prophets%E2%80%99-bane '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Prophets' Bane'']</ref>
| | ===Other Ranks=== |
| | ;[[Arbiter (Rank)|Arbiter]] |
| | In times of an extraordinary crisis, the [[High Council]] bestows the rank of the Arbiter on a single Elite. The most notable Arbiters are the ones of the [[Grunt Rebellion]], [[Taming of the Hunters|The Taming of the Hunters]], and most notable of all, [[Arbiter (character)|the Arbiter]] who stopped the [[Heretics (Faction)|Covenant Heretics]] on the [[Gas Mine]] and then fought in the [[Great Schism]]. The armor of the Arbiter is an ancient version of the current Elite armor. |
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| Many Sangheili believe that a weapon is to be drawn only if it is to be used, because a drawn weapon "demands blood."<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 138''</ref> However, it appears that the user's intention when it is being drawn matters more than the weapon actually being used. For example, a Sangheili may draw his weapon when he is not sure if an incoming dropship contains friends or foes, only to deactivate it upon seeing friends exit the dropship.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Guardians]]'' (epilogue cinematic)</ref>
| | ;[[Kaidon]] |
| | Kaidons are leaders of particular States on Sanghelios, and the heads of their Lineages. They are advised by a council of Elders, and are selected by this council. They may also serve in the Covenant military, though Kaidon does not appear to be a military rank in itself.<ref>''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''</ref> |
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| As a symbolic gesture of love for his people, a Sangheili leader may choose to walk among his followers and help them in their duties, even doing what is normally considered females' work such as helping them care for eggs. This is also done to inspire the Sangheili to work diligently so as to not be outdone by their superiors.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 43''</ref>
| | ;[[Oracle Master]] |
| | | Apparently advisers to the High Council and to the [[High Prophets]], specializing in intelligence gathering and religious advise to high ranking Prophets and the Sangheilian Councilors. They seem to be few in number, as only one has ever been mentioned. Their name can be considered linked to the Monitor's of Installations, known to the Covenant as Oracles, perhaps metaphorically suggesting their level of intellect on par with that of an Oracle. Little beyond this limited information and speculation is known of the rank. |
| In warfare, the Sangheili traditionally upheld a martial tradition known as ''[[Shrwssha'wash]]''; a ritual dismemberment of defeated foes. The tradition is most commonly manifested by the displaying of the enemy's skull as a trophy.{{Ref/Game|Id=Skullbearer|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=Skullbearer Trophy - Shoulder Description|Quote=The Prophets suppressed many Sangheili martial practices they deemed distasteful, including Shrwssha'wash: a tradition of displaying the skulls of particularly recalcitrant foes after their defeat and ritual dismemberment.}}
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| ===Government===
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| The Sangheili often had no unified government; typically they are splintered into numerous feudal,<ref name="tcp93">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 93''</ref> meritocratic states.<ref name="page89">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 89''</ref> A given state is governed by a single clan residence and assembly house known as a [[keep]], headed by a [[kaidon]] selected by a council of [[elder]]s. There are usually a number of "client keeps" belonging to different clans under the leading keep's rule,<ref name="glass2">'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 94''</ref> though a state's elders will assume the kaidon's clan name as a title signifying their position, regardless of the name of their own family keep.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 57''</ref> Sanghelios was once governed by the [[Council of City States]] during the early history of the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|bcpreview}} After the fall of the Covenant, the newly restored [[Swords of Sanghelios]] were able to unite the keeps of Sanghelios as a planetary government, along with controlling many other Sangheili colonies, after emerging victorious in the [[Sanghelios global war|Sanghelios global civil-war]].
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| In Sangheili culture, it is customary to settle disagreements with authority by assassination, though one has to use personal weapons in order for the practice to be considered honorable.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 93''</ref> For example, if a council elder believes that his vote was ill-advised or had second thoughts, it is considered a tradition for council elders to initiate some form of attack, such as sending assassins, against the kaidon in order "...to test the true merit of [the] ruler's martial abilities."{{Ref/Reuse|page89}} The belief was that "a kaidon who could not defend himself was not a true leader."{{Ref/Reuse|Cole Protocol}} Should the attack fail, the responsible elder will be executed immediately, and his family will be killed. However, punishment for this form of failure was usually flexible. As such, if the elder did something honorable, such as attack the kaidon himself, or attempted to make a final stand against the kaidon, then he would probably have managed to save his family from certain death, although they might still be banished.
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| ===Family===
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| Family history and lineage are greatly valued, with each family having their own unique "battle poem" and "[[saga wall]]" detailing the deeds and actions of its members during times of war.
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| Although Sangheili society is classified as being patriarchal,{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} and while most males serve as warriors, female Sangheili hold considerable power in issues within their family keeps, including political matters, civil duties and trade, while Sangheili males are sent into service as warriors. The status quo of gender roles in Sangheili society has lately been challenged however by the Swords of Sanghelios, as Olympia Vale noted after meeting [[Mahkee 'Chava]], a female shipmistress.{{Ref/Reuse|halo5sos}} Sangheili females have access to records of their own bloodlines, and are able to choose their mates.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 52''</ref> The maintaining of a clan's familial records is typically the duty of the wife of the keep elder.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 91''</ref> The concept of divorce is completely foreign to Sangheili.<ref name="hitd72">'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 98'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
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| Sangheili warriors form very close-knitted relationships, referring to their comrades as "brothers" or "sisters" and remaining intensely loyal to them. This loyalty is shown in the custom of grieving after the death of a fallen comrade, a ritual which includes prayer for the dead warrior.
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| ====Children====
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| Newly hatched Sangheili are called "childlings", and as they grow older, they are then referred to as "younglings".<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 227''</ref> During the first decade of their lives, Sangheili children have protective scales that hang from their necks, an evolutionary holdover from the days when the Sangheili used to carry their offspring with their toothy mandibles away from danger.{{Ref/Reuse|Halo page 19}} Sangheili children are typically raised in the communal environment of their family keep to ensure that all start on an equal footing and progress in rank by merit of their abilities. They are not allowed to know the identity of their true fathers and are usually raised by a maternal uncle instead. This is a method of preventing status from being inherited in order to force children to make their own way in the world so they actively work for and earn advancement,<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 321''</ref> thus minimizing nepotism and promoting loyalty to the whole clan rather than their parents.<ref name="soi18">'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 18'' (Google Play edition)</ref> However, as some children's fathers are swordsmen who have been granted the right to reproduce with any number of female Sangheili they desire, the use of a maternal uncle as a father-like figure is used to allow children to be raised equally.{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}} Sometimes the individual acting as a Sangheili's "uncle" is in fact the father, but this makes no difference to his role as the child will never know.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 93''</ref> To help enforce this custom, young Sangheili females may use a device known as a [[trysting pod]] to summon their mates on covert dates, as to keep the secrecy of the father in place.{{Ref/Novel|Id=OC3|HOut|Chapter=3}}
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| While traditional on Sanghelios, the custom of Sangheili children not knowing their fathers is not followed on all Sangheili-occupied worlds, particularly ones with smaller populations and tighter-knit families such as [[Rahnelo]].{{Ref/Reuse|soi18}} [[Ussan]] Sangheili, who diverged from the mainline Sangheili culture at the dawn of the Covenant, are allowed to know their fathers, presumably because they wanted to be sure who was descended from legendary figures such as [[Ussa 'Xellus]] and [[Ernicka the Scar-Maker]] and to possibly avoid inbreeding given their limited numbers.
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| Both male and female Sangheili are taught to fight from a young age. Though only males go on to become warriors, it is believed that the females should be able to defend themselves in the event their keep is attacked.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 54''</ref> A popular pastime for Sangheili children is to hunt small rat-like creatures that live on their homeworld.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 5''</ref> Young Sangheili also learned and sang old narrative poems, the most famous and widely known being the legendary [[Ballad of Kel 'Darsam|ballad]] of the demigod hero [[Kel 'Darsam]].<ref>'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 23'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
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| ===Language===
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| {{Main|Sangheili (language)}}
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| The Sangheili language, which served as a ''lingua franca'' to the Covenant, is rather harsh and guttural to untrained ears. While much remains unknown about its overall structure and conventions, it is known that certain sounds are largely absent from the Sangheili language due to their unique mouth structure; for example, Sangheili have difficulty pronouncing human words containing the letter "v" or ending with "p", resulting in the name "Evan Phillips" (As in Dr. [[Evan Phillips]], a scholar of the Sangheili language) being pronounced as "Efanphilliss" (however, there are names in the Sangheili language that use these letters, such as "Vadam" and "Ripa").
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| Certain Sangheili colloquial terms have been translated by human linguists; the majority of these are derogatory in nature. The word "Jir'a'ul" is a term of abuse for Jiralhanae, being a portmanteau of the name "Jiralhanae" and the word "a'ul," the Sangheili word for a lump of wool.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 24''</ref> The Sangheili often refer to humans using the word "[[nishum]]," which translates roughly to "worm" or "intestinal parasite." The origin of this term lies with the first encounters between Sangheili soldiers and human military personnel. Upon first sighting human infantry, the Sangheili mistook their body armor for an exoskeletal shell. After examining dead human soldiers, the Sangheili discovered the relatively weak, fleshy creatures underneath the "shells" and came to the conclusion that they were some sort of internal parasite. Even long after this misconception faded, the term remained in use among the Sangheili as an unflattering insult to their human enemies.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 79''</ref>
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| ===Naming conventions===
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| The Sangheili place great value in names and titles, and consider names to be a privilege given only to those who are worthy. The Sangheili generally regard humans as nameless, aside from generic labels, such as the "Demon" moniker for Spartans. They resent that the humans have assigned the label "Elite" to them, along with many other, far more derogatory names, such as Squid-head, Hinge-head, and Split Lip.
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| A Sangheili's first name is a given name that is attained at birth and persists throughout their life. After reaching adulthood, they are given a badge name. During the time of the Covenant, this was often composed of two core parts: an adjective describing the individual, and a family name. [[Ado 'Mortumee]] was one practitioner of this system, where 'Mor' was his personal descriptor, and 'Tum' identified his lineage.<ref name="ENCTS">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''The Sangheili (Elites)'', ''pages 130-131''</ref> Alternatively, some may have their badge name drawn from their State of origin, which could be tied to a specific Keep or family. For example: Thel 'Vadam, (formerly 'Vadamee when he served the Covenant,) was from the [[Vadam family|Vadam lineage]]. Some lineages, such as Vadam, have control over their own states,{{Ref/Reuse|tcp93}} although this is not always the case; it is typical for Sangheili of other lineages to occupy smaller keeps in a state named after another lineage. Client keep elders within a given state typically adopt the name of the state instead of using their own family name.{{Ref/Reuse|blood}}{{Ref/Reuse|glass2}} An "ee" suffix denoting military service was adopted by personnel that served in the Covenant military. This latter portion was abandoned by most Sangheili rebels during the Great Schism, as they believed that the martial focus of their culture made distinguishing military service unnecessary. Typically, most elites followed either of the previous systems, although they were exceptions. Lengthened names, such as the prefix "Ika" (which meant that the Sangheili had been an aide to a Prophet of some sort), gave them higher status among other elites.{{Ref/Reuse|ENCTS}} Additional titles, such as "Jar" and "Nar," appear to be related to specific ranks (Imperial Admiral and Fleet Master, respectively). Apart from the "-ee" suffix, the suffix "-ai" denotes swordsmanship, as with [[Bero 'Kusovai]] and [[Toha 'Sumai]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 125''</ref> The suffix "-dai" specifically denotes a swordmaster in the short-path method of combat.{{Ref/Novel|Out|Chapter=7|Quote=She had the same surname as her kaidon—Varo—because she was of the same clan, and the same suffix—dai—because she was also a swordmaster in the short-path method of combat}} Some Sangheili have names tied to heroes, battles, and legends that harken back to early Sangheili history. These more ancient family names often retain the idiosyncrasies of a more antiquated Sangheili dialect.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-know-for-an-answer '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Know for An Answer'']</ref> [[Human]] linguistic xenoanthropologists still have only the most rudimentary knowledge of Sangheili naming conventions, in part because the Sangheili are themselves still in the process of rediscovering much of their own pre-Covenant history.<ref name = "AuditoryAdditions">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-auditory-additions '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Auditory Additions'']</ref>
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| The apostrophe in front of the clan name indicates a sound resembling a glottal stop or click.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 326''</ref>
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| ==Homeworld and colonies==
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| [[File:Bloodline Sanghelios.png|thumb|150px|Sanghelios and its two moons, Qikost and Suban.]]
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| {{Main|Sanghelios|Sangheili colonies}}
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| Sanghelios is the homeworld of the Sangheili species with a population of under 4 billion as of [[2558]].<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/sanghelios '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Sanghelios'']</ref> Sanghelios is the fourth planet in a [[wikipedia:Multiple star system|triple star system]] of stars [[Urs system|Urs]], [[Fied]], and [[Joori]]. The planet has two moons called [[Qikost]] and [[Suban]].{{Ref/Reuse|Bestiarum}}
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| As a space-faring species, the Sangheili have colonized multiple planetary entities as they ventured space, first expanding the reach of their own civilization and later that of the Covenant empire. There are several dozen worlds considered as major centers of their civilization. Like their homeworld, the colonies house a number of independent city-states as opposed to a unified government.{{Ref/Reuse|11th 2}} [[Joyous Exultation]] was a significant nexus of Sangheili military during the Covenant hegemony's reign, while [[Hesduros]] is an example of a more remote Sangheili colony.
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| ==Technology==
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| Even before contact with the San'Shyuum the Sangheili had developed several types of starships like the [[Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runner|''Hekar Taa''-pattern blockade runner]] and {{Pattern|Lursu|brigantine}}.
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| After ties deepened with Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and his Swords of Sanghelios following the Human-Covenant War, his Sangheili artisans began to reap the benefits of cheap and simple human automation aides, revelations of Forerunner language and command codes that had been locked away by the San'Shyuum, and entirely new modalities of thought and systems of investigation. Using Forerunner knowledge reclaimed by humans a Renaissance has begun among Sangheili artisans eager to explore new avenues of knowledge, demolishing opaque rules and taboos that shackled their craft under the Covenant. Even as the Created move to control both species and safely circumscribe their destructive tendencies it seemed inevitable that the combination of iconoclastic Sangheili artisans and insatiably curious human engineers would lead to wonders and terrors yet undreamed of.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-armory-amore 1/22/2016: Armory Amore]</ref>
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| {{Expand-section}}
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| ==Command structure==
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| ===Cultural and political===
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| ;[[Sangheili High Councilor|High Councilor]]
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| :The High Councilor was one of the highest positions attainable by a Sangheili in the old Covenant hierarchy. As members of the [[High Council]], they shared governance with the [[San'Shyuum High Councilor]]s and answered directly to the [[Hierarchs]].<ref name="H2-heretic">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref>
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| ;[[Arbiter]]
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| :The title of Arbiter was originally granted to the warrior ruler of the Sangheili clans,<ref name="h2aterm">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''' - ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''</ref> and was considered a great privilege.<ref name="duel">'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Duel]]''</ref> However the conflict caused by [[Fal 'Chavamee]] in his refusal of the [[Covenant religion]], had led the Prophets to significantly repurpose the role. In times of an extraordinary crisis, it would be reserved for the most disgraced Sangheili and offered as a means to regain their honor through suicidal missions of great importance to the Covenant.<ref name="H2-arbiter">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref> It also served as a convenient means for the San'Shyuum to silence Sangheili in positions of power who may have started to question the Covenant religion or the Prophets' rule.{{Ref/Reuse|h2aterm}} Following the fall of the Covenant, the Arbiter's role as leader of Sanghelios has been restored by [[Thel 'Vadam]], the incumbent Arbiter who killed the [[Prophet of Truth]] at the end of the [[Great Schism]].
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| ;[[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guardsman]]
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| :As part of the [[Covenant Honor Guard]] of the old Covenant empire, the Honor Guardsmen were highly skilled warriors, hand-picked for the duty of protecting members of the High Council and the Hierarchs.<ref name="contact381">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 381''</ref><ref name="evg95">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 95''</ref> Although it was a great honor and they were expected to eliminate anyone who drew a weapon in the presence of a Hierarch,<ref name="cole341">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 341''</ref> the position was seen by some Sangheili as merely a ceremonial duty too removed from battle. One of the most formidable groups in the Honor Guard is the [[Light of Sanghelios]].<ref name="h2-gravemind">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref>
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| ===Military===
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| ====Ranks within the Covenant Empire====
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| In Sangheili culture, it is customary to promote individuals based upon their skills, abilities, and the number of casualties they inflict upon their enemy.{{Ref/Reuse|h2prima}} In the original Covenant, a fresh Sangheili recruit would start as a [[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] (indicated by their blue-colored armor). When a Sangheili had acquired sufficient experience in the field, he would often be promoted as a [[Sangheili Major|Major]] (indicated by their red/crimson-colored armor), leading fellow Sangheili and lower-ranked species alike as field officers. Should a Sangheili choose to focus primarily on combat rather than leadership, he may eventually attain the rank of [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]], a class composed of the most skilled Sangheili infantry.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/log-of-war '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Log of War'']</ref>
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| A further advancement in the ranks is the rank of a [[Sangheili General|General]]. They have been observed personally leading both warships and infantry on the battlefield.<ref name="haloreach">'''Halo: Reach'''</ref> Whilst they can lead anywhere between hundreds to thousands of soldiers alone, when multiple Generals are required, they will fight in concert to resolve battles.<ref name="evg-general">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 57''</ref><ref name="encyclopedia">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 134'' (2011 edition)</ref>
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| One of the highest ranks attainable by a Sangheili, an [[Imperial Admiral]] bestows the control of large combined fleets and operate on powerful capital warships, such as an [[assault carrier]] or [[supercarrier]]. Rather than require groundside combat proficiency, they are requested to be tactically excellent and to hold a great influence over the vastly numerous troops within their command. The only known Imperial Admiral is [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]].<ref name="goo239">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 239-243''</ref>
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| ====Titles====
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| These military titles are retained for individuals who have garnered enough field experience and are not based on their military ranks.
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| The following are known titles:
| | ;[[Aristocrat]] |
| *'''[[Weapons Master]]''': Sangheili engineers who maintain and improve equipment used by the Covenant.
| | Important members of Sangheili society, allowed to wield [[Energy Swords]]. They are unable to marry, but allowed to mate with any female, married or unmarried, to "pass on the genes of sword fighting and the nobility." <ref>[[Bestiarum]]</ref> |
| *'''[[Artillery Master]]''': Sangheili who oversee artillery pieces.
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| *'''[[Field Master]]''': Sangheili who lead land-based armies.
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| *'''[[Shipmaster]]''': Reserved for Sangheili commander of individual ships, though they sometimes command small task forces, as well. The term "Shipmaster" is not exclusive to Sangheili, and is universally used by the Covenant to refer to an individual of any species in command of a starship.
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| *'''[[Fleet Master]]''': Given to a high-ranking Sangheili in command of a fleet.
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| *'''[[Supreme Commander]]''': The Covenant's equivalent of the human "Commander-in-Chief". The most well known Supreme Commander was [[Thel 'Vadam]], who commanded three fleets during the Fall of Reach, while serving as fleetmaster of his own Fleet of Particular Justice, which he took to Installation 04.
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| *'''[[Imperial Admiral]]''': The commander of the [[Covenant Fleet]].
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| ===Groups===
| | ;[[Light of Sanghelios]] |
| ====Zealots====
| | The Lights of Sanghelios, or Helios, for short,<ref>[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]</ref> wear silver armor and used [[Energy Stave]]s as weapons. Their only known appearance to date was in ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', where [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]] specifically chose them to protect him during his tenure as [[Minister of Fortitude]]. It is unknown whether these represent ''all'' Honor Guards, or whether they are just one sub-group of a larger organization. |
| Managed under the [[Ministry of Fervent Intercession]], the [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]] are a specialized group of Sangheili tasked with the search and recovery of Forerunner artifacts.<ref name="evg60">'''Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 60''</ref> They are involved in deep-infiltration, high-risk operations, sometimes led by a [[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]]. In addition to artifact retrieval, the Zealots can also serve in other command roles.
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| In the new Covenant order led by Jul 'Mdama, most of the Zealots originate from [[Hesduros]].
| | ;[[Ossoona]] |
| | This is a special rank of Elites that are meant to be spies and are not suited for combat, instead meant for information gathering. It is a temporary rank only granted to those who have attained the rank of Major Domo. The reason being that a Minor Domo's lack of experience could cause them to be very easily compromised (i.e. detected) or that they may outright abandon the mission in pursuit of personal glory. It is not given to Elites of higher rank because they are considered too valuable and would rather engage in combat. During the mission, the Ossoona's armor is equipped with Active Camouflage and recording equipment. One example of a Ossoona was an Elite named [[Isna 'Nosolee]] from the book ''[[Halo: The Flood]]''. In ''Halo: CE'', Ossoonas don’t have any shields. It is possible that the Elite seen in Another Day at the Beach is an Ossoona as he has an Energy Sword, and Active Camouflage. Evidence that they have no shields is that Isna 'Nosolee was killed with one pistol shot to the head from Captain Keyes. |
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| ====Special Warfare Group====
| | ;[[Ascetic]] |
| {{Main|Special Warfare Group|l1=Covenant's Special Warfare Group}}
| | The Ascetic Elites are like a special group of Elites made to ensure stability and purity. The Ascetic armor has been made to inflict a psychological fear by the use of special elements in the armor. Such as the two "tusks" protruding from the [[Helmet]] and bright, glowing orange eyes. They do not appear in the games apart from an armor permutation. |
| The Special Warfare Group is a military organization responsible for overseeing all special operations for the purposes of achieving the objectives for the previous Covenant body. | |
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| =====Fleet Security=====
| | ;Commando |
| A part of Covenant's Fleet Security, the [[Sangheili Ranger|Rangers]] are a group of Sangheili specializing in zero-gravity, exoatmospheric environment and extra-vehicular space combat.<ref name="evg58">'''Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 58''</ref> Their suits provide a great degree of mobility in such extreme environment.
| | It's s a new rank of Elite that has just been formed and is a branch of the Special Warfare Group, they are based upon pre-contact ground forces. Commando elites posses hardened communication gear and up-link capable equipment than an ordinary elite, their armor is streamlined for better maneuverability in close encounters. The armor is lightweight and advanced internal equipment increase the overall effectiveness of an individual Elite making them more deadly. |
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| The Fleet Security's cover units are the [[Stealth Sangheili]]. Their role focuses on acquisition of intelligence and strategic countermeasures than direct combat. Like the Special Operations, they utilize active camouflage in their operation. The [[Ossoona]], or "Eyes of the Prophets", is a subset that operates under the Stealth Sangheili for the purposes of information gathering on enemy weapons and military data.
| | {{Elite Ranks}} |
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| After the collapse of the old Covenant empire, the role of Rangers persists in the Covenant remnant faction led by Jul 'Mdama.
| | ===Heretic Rank Structure=== |
| | [[Image:HereticLeaderPlasmaRifle08.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Sesa 'Refumee]] |
| | '''[[Sesa 'Refumee|Heretic Leader]] - Heretic Red/Thruster Pack:''' [[Sesa 'Refumee]], the leader of the [[Heretics]]. He was wearing reddish Armour, similar to that of standard Elites, but the armor didn't cover as much of the body and was upgraded with an Elite Ranger's thruster pack. This gave him a unique advantage in combat, but it was not enough for him to defeat the [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]], who slew him in the [[Battle of the Gas Mine]]. Prior to his death, he had come into contact with [[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]], who told him the true purpose of the [[The Halo Array|Halo Rings]]. The Hierarchs sent the Arbiter to quell this heresy, and with Sesa 'Refumee's death, he did. 'Refumee dual-wielded Plasma Rifles. |
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| =====Special Operations=====
| | [[Image:HereticEliteCarbine03.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Heretic Elite Major]] |
| The [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] are the Special Warfare Group's division for unconventional warfare.<ref name="evg59">'''Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 59''</ref> Comparable to Zealots, the Special Operations are tasked with suppressing enemy progression and disable enemy installations. The division is controlled by the Special Operations Commander.
| | '''[[Heretic Elite Major]] - Heretic Gold:''' Work as commanders of the [[Heretic Grunts]] and Heretic Elite Minors. They wear gold-colored Heretic armor, and are equipped with Covenant Carbines and [[Sentinel Beam]]s. A select few, closest to the Heretic Leader, wield [[Energy Swords]]. While not so skilled in the Energy Swords use as Elite Honor Guards, Councilors, Zealots or even Ultras, they are quite dangerous due to their crafty flanking maneuverings and teamwork with other Heretics. |
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| Special Operations Sangheili operate in small squads and boast superior shielding system and active camouflage. They are often led by Special Operations Officers and supported by [[Special Operations Unggoy]]s.
| | '''[[Heretic Elite Minor]] - Heretic Brown:''' Group commanders of the Heretic Grunts. They wear brown Heretic armor, and wield Covenant Carbines, and occasionally, Sentinel Beams. They are excellent shots, far superior to normal Elite Minors. They are also skilled [[Banshee]] pilots, but fly in pairs, supplementing their effectiveness. |
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| =====Commando Unit=====
| | {{Elites}} |
| The [[Commando Unit]] is a branch of the Special Warfare Group based upon pre-contact ground forces.
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| ====Other groups==== | | ==Changes== |
| The [[Ascetic]]s are a special group of Sangheili devoted to ensuring stability and purity within Covenant society.<ref name="armor description">'''Halo 3''', ''armor description''</ref> At the formation of the Covenant, the [[Writ of Union]] termed the dissolution of their order. Instead, they were reconstituted as an organization under the Ministry of Abnegation. The wake of the [[Great Schism]] brought the return of the Ascetics as an independent group.<ref name="evg56">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 56''</ref>
| | Due to the constant upgrading of the ''Halo'' series from the [[Xbox]] to the [[Xbox 360]] below shows a list of changes to the Sangheili species from each ''Halo'' game. |
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| === Others === | | ===Changes from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' to ''[[Halo 2]]''=== |
| ;[[Oracle Master]]
| | *Sangheili are hunched over more to facilitate multiplayer use. |
| :Advisors to the Hierarchs, the Oracle Masters specialize in intelligence gathering and providing religious counsel to the Hierarchs.{{Ref/Reuse|goo239}}
| | *First Sangheili allies encountered. |
| | *Speech is now in coherent words and sentences instead of "Wort Wort Wort!", although they can be heard saying this on rare occasions. |
| | *Dodging animation removed for multiplayer purposes. |
| | *Zealot Sangheili ranked enemies are now only encountered on higher difficulty levels, rather than all difficulties. |
| | *Stealth Sangheili now have a Grey colored armor, rather than light blue and also have a Minor (grey) and Major (brown) ranking system. |
| | *Given a new melee that can kill in one hit on the [[Normal]] difficulty or above in campaign. |
| | *Rangers ranks are introduced. |
| | *Gain an animation to appear startled upon seeing Master Chief. |
| | *Mandibles and facial features are more defined. |
| | *Gain the ability to hijack vehicles. |
| | *Can wield Human weapons (mostly if given a Human weapon to hold). |
| | *Elites no longer have the occasional "spade" helmet |
| | *Elites no longer wear a [[Forerunner]] symbol on their backs and now have [[emblem]]s in multi-player only. While in campaign they have no symbols. |
| | *Elites can be seen now duel wielding weapons. |
| | *Elites now have secondary colors in both campaign and multi-player. |
| | *Regulars now wield [[Energy Sword]]s as well, instead of just the [[Zealot]]s. |
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| ;Prison Guard
| | ===Changes from ''[[Halo 2]]'' to ''[[Halo 3]]''=== |
| :Prison guards, as their name suggests, provide security for Sangheili prisons such as [[Weeping Shadows of Sorrow]]. | | [[Image:shd.JPG|thumb|right|A Sangheili in game|200px]] |
| | *Darker skin and Eyebrow ridges, although no hair on ridges. Has a shiny, "scaly" texture on the neck. |
| | *They have a more 'bulkier' appearance. |
| | *Varying eye color between some individuals. |
| | *Ranger, Ultra, Zealot, Honor Guard, [[Councilor]], and Stealth ranks are never encountered alive during gameplay but Ultras can be seen dead in [[Floodgate]] and [[Cortana]]. |
| | *Wider variety of armours to choose from in multiplayer. |
| | *Runs into melee regardless of what the enemies are armed with. This also results in a high chance on team killing among them. |
| | *The Elites, even more so with the [[Catch]] skull on, toss Plasma Grenades with reckless abandon, and many players have reported to be "team stuck" by the Elites. |
| | *Glitched melee (some weapons take numerous hits for it to kill Flood) |
| | *They also seem to generally avoid riding on a vehicle, taking great amounts of time for the player to get them aboard. |
| | *As with other [[Covenant]] races, the Elites have received minor aesthetic changes, mostly in their armor. In ''Halo: CE'' and ''Halo 2'', the pauldrons on the armor resembled a more pronounced version of the Spartan pauldrons, where as in ''[[Halo 3]]'' the pauldrons are much thicker and appear overlayed. The "Combat" helmet also has shorter side fins, and more spikes added to the back. The "fins" on the gauntlets have also been removed, as well as the orange crystals on the arms and legs, and their leg armour flares out at the bottom instead of being tight. However, this leads to clipping, as ''Halo 3'' largely uses old ''Halo 2'' animations. |
| | *They appear stouter, thicker and huskier. |
| | *The armor appears more elaborate and they seem to be stronger. |
| | *The grenade throwing animation is more of a catapult-like throw. |
| | *[[Minor Elite|Minors]] and [[Major Elite|Majors]] have varied armor. This meaning that a Minor may be blue, and another may be dark blue. Same with the Majors. |
| | *In Xbox Live if an Elite wearing the assault helmet is shot in a certain spot just behind the head, bullets and grenades will go through as though it isn't there. |
| | *All Elite armor has Forerunner glyphs, as well as multiple Marks of Shame adorning the body and shoulders. |
| | *The Elite armor now covers the entire abdomen as opposed to in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo: CE'', where it leaves the middle open. |
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| {{Sangheili Ranks}}
| | ===Changes from ''[[Halo 3]]'' to ''[[Halo Wars]]''=== |
| | [[Image:1209877878 1154 0002.jpg|thumb|right|Elites in the upcoming game ''[[Halo Wars]]''.|200px]] |
| | *In the new ''[[Halo Wars]]'' trailer, the Elite that the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] kicks down looks like it is wearing a [[Brute]]'s helmet. |
| | *They are seen dual-wielding Energy Swords. |
| | *In the E3 '06 Trailer, they appear to have red eyes. |
| | *They seem to be more muscular in the chest, and have thinner waists than in any of the other ''Halo'' games. |
| | *They appear to have nail-like claws. |
| | *In the most recent demo the only visible difference in rank is [[Unnamed Arbiter|the Arbiter]] and [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guards]], all others appear in the same color as the faction's colour unless you turn Friend/Foe colours off. |
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| ==Trivia== | | ==Trivia== |
| ===Production notes===
| | {{Elite Quotes Link}} |
| {{Other languages | | *In Halo 3 if an elite is standing on the left side of a prowler and there is a spartan in the turret and the elite boards the turret the elite will jump up, do a backflip and kick him out. |
| |fr={{Tooltip|''Les Élites''|The Elites}} in all media.
| | *''Macto'' means "to magnify, glorify, honor/slay, fight, punish, afflict". ''Cognatus'' means a relative, kinsman. This would mean "honorable kinsman".{{fact}} |
| |es={{Tooltip|''Los élites''|The Elites}} in all media.
| | *In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Marines "clank" when you melee them. Elites, despite their armour, make the sound of metal hitting flesh. |
| }}
| | *In ''[[Halo 2]]'', nearly every type of Elite ranks are encountered. |
| {{Linkbox|gameplay=yes|gallery=yes|quote=yes}}
| | *In Halo 3 the Elites seem to have kept the same armor--both in style and in color--that they had when they were loyal to the [[Covenant]]. |
| *The dialogue spoken by the Sangheili of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was made by reversing and slowing sound clips of [[Sergeant Johnson]]. The iconic "Wort! Wort! Wort!" is the reversed phrase, "Go! Go! Go!". With the [[IWHBYD]] Skull turned on in ''Halo 3'', they will occasionally say their trademark, "Wort! Wort! Wort!".{{Citation needed}} | | *In ''[[Halo 2]]'' you can see Elites wearing beige armor - in the level [[Cairo Station (Level)|Cairo Station]], in the corridor leading to the [[Armory]]; in the level [[Regret (level)|Regret]], in the underwater facility and in the level [[Gravemind (Level)|Gravemind]]. They're always seen with [[Active Camouflage]] engaged. |
| *[[Jason Jones]] at first wanted the Sangheili to have tails, but [[Shi Kai Wang]] talked him out of it by arguing that the Sangheili would look too animalistic, as opposed to being an advanced, intelligent race. An additional point was that when the Sangheili sit, the only place their tails could go was folded between their legs, creating an inadvertently phallic appearance.<ref>'''[[The Art of Halo]]''', ''page 23''</ref>
| | *The dialog spoken by the [[Elites]] of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' was made by reversing and slowing sound clips of [[Sergeant Johnson]]. "Wort! Wort! Wort!" is the reversed phrase, "Go! Go! Go!".{{fact}} |
| *Over the course of development for ''Halo Wars'', the Sangheili character model used in the cinematics went through at least two revisions. The initial version seen in the announcement trailer was later revised, being far closer in size, proportion, and overall physiology to the portrayal of the species in Bungie's games than the version in the trailer.
| | *In the ''Halo 3 Guide'' book it gives pictures of multi-player Elites on the campaign mission Floodgate debriefing. |
| *In ''The Duel'' the Sangheili [[Han (Sangheili)|Han]], [[Fal 'Chavamee|Fal]], and [[Roh]] keep their mandibles closed, using only the front two joints of their lower mandibles to speak, giving them a more humanoid appearance. This is an example of artistic license intended to humanize the protagonist and those close to him. | | *[[Jason Jones]] at first wanted the Elites to have tails, but [[Shi Kai Wang]] talked him out of it by arguing that the Elites would look too animalistic, as opposed to being an intelligent race. An additional point was that when the Elites sit, the only place their tails could go was folded between their legs, creating a somewhat awkward appearance.<ref>''[[The Art of Halo]]'', page 23</ref> |
| *In ''Halo 5: Guardians'', all Sangheili are depicted as similar to the phenotype introduced in ''Halo 4''. This includes Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, who is portrayed as having ''Halo 4''-style mandibles despite his updated model in ''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]'' being significantly more accurate to his original appearance in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3''. This is for reasons of time and resources and does not indicate a visual retcon. Canonically, the physical appearances and [[Sangheili harness|harnesses]] worn by the Elites and other species of both the Covenant and the Swords of Sanghelios during the events of ''Halo 5: Guardians'' would have been more diverse than depicted in the game.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/6e35355aecdf4fd0acdaee3cc4156fd4/topics/halo-5-sangheili/c73aceae-7ae4-4b4c-b419-0dffcffd0350/posts?page=1#post14 '''Halo Waypoint Forums''': ''Halo 5 Sangheili (post by GrimBrotherOne)''] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012646/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/why-the-heck-are-thel-s-covenant-wearing-h4-armor/662e9ed3-828e-448b-bd79-d6cf2c9bab06/posts?page=5 Archive link])</ref><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/why-the-heck-are-thel-s-covenant-wearing-h4-armor/662e9ed3-828e-448b-bd79-d6cf2c9bab06/posts?page=5#post98 '''Halo Waypoint Forums''': ''Why the heck are Thel's covenant wearing H4 armor? (post by GrimBrotherOne)''] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20181021053627/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/6e35355aecdf4fd0acdaee3cc4156fd4/topics/halo-5-sangheili/c73aceae-7ae4-4b4c-b419-0dffcffd0350/posts?page=1 Archive link])</ref>
| | *In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' the [[Zealot]]s and other [[Energy Sword|Sword]] wielders would have their forearm disintegrate when their [[Energy Sword|Sword]] did. |
| | | *In ''[[Halo 2]]'', any Elite can kill you with one melee hit on the difficulties of Normal or above. |
| ===Miscellaneous===
| | *In ''[[Halo 2]]'', specifically on the level [[Gravemind (Level)|Gravemind]], Elites might occasionally offer praise if you kill a Brute, despite your playing as the [[John-117|Master Chief]]. For example, if you kill a Brute with the lunge of an [[Energy Sword]], a nearby Elite may say "A mighty blow!", something usually directed at the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]]. |
| *In most games, the [[Legendary]] symbol features a Sangheili skull with a bullet hole through the left temple. In ''Halo 3: ODST'', the skull is that of a [[Human]], while in ''Halo 4'' it belongs to a [[Promethean Knight]].
| | *Elites appear in 85% of all levels in the three ''Halo'' games. This percentage is greater than that of [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]]. |
| *The Elites are the first Covenant species the player encounters in most of the ''Halo'' games: while heading to the ''Pillar of Autumn''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bridge in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''; at Thel 'Vadamee's trial in ''Halo 2''; in the opening cutscenes of ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo Wars''; and in the prologue cutscene of ''Halo 4'', as well as the first level of gameplay. In ''Halo: Reach'' a camouflaged Elite can be found at the beginning of the level ''[[Winter Contingency]]'', though only on the Legendary difficulty.
| | *Sangheilian culture is comparable to that of the ancient [[Spartans]] of [[Humanity]]'s past. Rank is achieved by success, and much of their lives revolve around war. This is ironic because the [[UNSC]] [[Spartans]] and Elites are bitter enemies in the first two games. |
| *During the first years of the [[Halo: The Master Chief Collection|Master Chief Collection]]'s original release, the allied NPC Sangheili in ''[[Halo 3]]'' have been observed to run faster than in the original Xbox 360 release.{{Citation needed}}
| | *Although the Elites [[melee]] attacks are devastating, a glitch causes the melee attacks of Elites wielding [[Covenant Carbine]]s in ''[[Halo 2]]'' to do no damage at all. However, the sound of a melee attack hitting the player is created, even if the player moves out of the way of it. This is most noticeable when fighting [[Heretic Elite]]s as they use the Covenant Carbine more frequently. |
| **This speed boost doesn't apply to the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]], [[N'tho 'Sraom]], and [[Usze 'Taham]] during co-op, for gameplay balance.
| | *The Elites are the only [[Covenant Separatist]] race that helps you in ''[[Halo 3]]'', all the [[Grunts]] and [[Hunters]] you see in the game are [[Covenant Loyalist]]s. |
| **Future updates and patches seem to have changed this. | | *In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' some Elites have helmets that are curved at the back. The curved helmets never appeared in ''[[Halo 2]]'' or ''[[Halo 3]]''. |
| *According to the original edition of ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'', Elites had not been deployed in combat against the UNSC prior to the Fall of Reach when John-117 encountered one above Reach, a claim ignored in subsequent media.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach (2001)''', ''pages 242, 309''</ref> The 2010 reprint of ''The Fall of Reach'' removes all references to the Elites being a yet-unencountered species.
| | *In ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'' an Elite's blood will always appear purple. But when concentrated, it develops to be a deep blue color in ''[[Halo: CE]]''. By meleeing a corpse multiple times it will habitually reveal the color. |
| *Although the player is not able to dual wield in ''Halo: Reach'', Elites are occasionally seen dual wielding plasma rifles and needlers. | | *Only [[List of "Seven" References in Halo|seven]] Elite ranks are seen in ''[[Halo 3]]'', possibly a seven reference. |
| *In ''Halo: Reach'', the Sangheili HUD compass has Covenant markings instead of cardinal directions. Sangheili [[night vision]] is also purple, as opposed to the green used by Spartans. However, Sangheili night vision is only available in ''Firefight Versus'', when playing as Elites. The Sangheili HUD also features a target tracking system. | | *On the level [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]], if you get an Elite into your [[Hornet]] during the battle against two [[Scarab]]s, the arm it holds its gun in will be twisted into the cockpit. |
| *In [[Halo 3: ODST]], with the release of [[Season]] [[Series 8: Mythic|8: Mythic]], the Elites will be added to [[Firefight (Halo 3: ODST)|Firefight]] mode. Since they're designed to be your allies, they tend to not take cover or move in any way.
| | *With the [[IWHBYD]] Skull turned on in ''[[Halo 3]]'', they will occasionally say the trademark, "Wort! Wort! Wort!" |
| | *In ''[[Halo 3]]'', Elites will sometimes crouch next to a dead [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] and mutter a prayer of sorts, similar to how they treated fallen allies in ''[[Halo 2]]''. [[IWHBYD]] Skull may be needed, but ironic either way, since Elites once regarded [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] with distaste.{{verify}} |
| | *Elites do not use [[Gravity Hammer]]s when given to them, they just run up to the enemy and look at them.{{verify}} |
| | *In ''[[Halo 3]]'', when you are an Elite and you make your character have a female voice, it sounds the same as a female Spartan voice. |
| | *In the original concept for ''[[Halo 3]]'', Elites were going to have the ability to dual wield [[Energy Swords]]. This feature was dropped from the final game.{{verify}} |
| | *In ''Halo 2'' and ''3'', some Elites can be seen meleeing while dual wielding [[Plasma Rifles]]. |
| | *The Elites' overall composition and anatomy is probably inspired by the Predator and Aliens movies. They share the Aliens' head profile as well as the Predator's mandible framework and warrior society. |
| | *There are no [[Zealot]]s in the ''Halo 3'' campaign, but they can be recreated in [[Multiplayer|Multi-player]]. |
| | *It appears that Elites have more upper body strength than [[Humans]], seeing as they can hold weapons that, for a Human, would take two hands to hold. Elites can be seen holding weapons like the [[Spartan Laser]], [[Fuel Rod Gun]], or [[Rocket Launcher]] with one hand. |
| | *If an Elite is on the back of a [[Mongoose]], the player model can't be seen. |
| | *In ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', an Elite is said to have green blood when it is clearly purple. <ref>''[[The Fall of Reach]] p. 327''</ref> |
| | *They are, fittingly, the very first [[Covenant]] species the player encounters in the ''Halo'' games; when you make your way to the bridge of the [[Pillar of Autumn (Level)|Pillar of Autumn]] in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''; the Trial of the Supreme Commander, in ''[[Halo 2]]''; and in the opening cut scene of ''[[Halo 3]]''. Both of the latter are filled by the [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]]. |
| | *In the ''[[Halo 3]]'' level [[Floodgate]], within the remains of the crashed flood controlled cruiser, some of the dead Ultra Elites are equipped with two helmets: the combat and assault variants. |
| | *When Elites are stuck in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]'' they will scream and then charge at you full speed, which can kill even the most skilled player. |
| | *In ''Contact Harvest'' it is said that Elite's knees are hinged backwards, giving them difficulty in climbing ladders. This, however, does not affect them in the game. |
| | *Inside the crashed ''Flood'' ship on the level [[Floodgate (Level)|Floodgate]], there is sometimes a dead [[Rtas 'Vadum in crashed Flood ship|Elite Ultra]] missing part of its jaw, just like [[Rtas 'Vadum]]. |
| | *In ''Halo 3'' there are much fewer Armour Permutations for Elites then Spartans, possibly because more people play as Spartans. |
| | *In multiplayer, your emblem appears both on your shoulder and on your upper back when you play as an Elite. |
| | *In ''Halo 3'' multiplayer, Elites have an animation different from a standard sword animation when the [[No Weapon]] glitch is used. This includes melee without a weapon (it doesn't hurt, unfortunately), and grenade windup time. |
| | *In the first [[Halo: CE]] trailer, the Elites have jaws instead of mandibles. |
| | *In the whole [[Halo]] trilogy, the Elites have eight different helmets in all. |
| | *In the ''Halo 2'' level [[Outskirts]], right after the Elite Drop Pods drop onto the beach, one Elite can be seen crouching up and down like some people do in multiplayer to communicate. This only happens if they don't see you and/or other enemies. |
| | *Clicking their mandibles is the Elite equivalent of a shrug<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]''</ref>. |
| | *In the ''Halo 3: The Ultimate Guide'' magazine, the [[Elite Ranger]]s were mistakenly called Jump Pack [[Jackal]]s. |
| | *Elites and Spartans are the only playable characters in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]'', along with the [[Monitor]] mode in [[Forge]] only. |
| | *In ''[[Halo 3]]'', Elites have a habit of "Eating walls" when they look at them and are actually up against them. This is because [[Spartans]] and Elites share the same hitbox, thus making the Elite's entire helmet and some of its neck glitch inside of it. |
| | [[Image:Elites.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The difference in helmet details can clearly be seen between the two Minors and their commanding [[Zealot]] in this scene from [[Two Betrayals]].]] |
| | *There is a glitch in ''[[Halo: CE]]'', where if you melee an Elite from behind and shoot his body, you will see that his shield is still active. This happens because meleeing from behind kills players without depleting their shields. So when you shoot them, the computer thinks that their shields are still up. |
| | *In ''[[Halo 3]]'', there is a spot in the upper portion of the Elite's neck that bullets and grenades will pass through without damaging the Elite. |
| | *An Elite Major has the same damage count as the Master Chief.{{fact}} |
| | *In ''[[Halo 3]]'', with the Thunderstorm Skull on in the level The Covenant, Elites that are already Majors will not become Ultras, however they will pull out an Energy Sword when stuck with a grenade or knocked down hard enough. |
| | *There is a running inconsistency in the franchise regarding when humans first encountered the Elites. According to ''The Fall of Reach'' the Master Chief first fights an Elite above Reach during [[Battle of Reach|the battle]]. [[Halo: The Cole Protocol|''The Cole Protocol'']] describes Gray Team's encounter with Elites several years before the Battle of Reach. [[Ghosts of Onyx]] reveals that the Spartan-IIIs first encountered the Sangheili [[Operation: PROMETHEUS|in 2537]]. In ''First Strike'', [[Spartan-104]] notes that the Elites ''never'' ran away. <ref>''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', Page 137</ref>. Halo Wars prominently features Elites during the [[Second Battle of Harvest]]. |
| | *Shaking one's head in a snaking motion suggests that something "is okay." <ref>''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]''], Pg. 145</ref> |
|
| |
|
| ==Gallery== | | ==Voice Talents== |
| <gallery>
| | *[[Keith David]] - [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]] |
| File:Elite Comparisons2.jpg|Different incarnations of the Elites from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' through ''Halo: Reach''.
| | *[[Robert Davi]] - [[Rtas' Vadum]] |
| File:HCE_Elite_Concept_H2LE.jpg|An early Sangheili study.
| | *[[David Scully]] - Elites |
| File:HCE_Elite_Concept_1.jpg|More concept art
| | *[[Miguel Ferrer]] - [[Heretic Leader]] |
| File:HCE_Elite_Concept_2.png|Concept art of a Sangheili for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
| | *[[Norm Woodel]] - Elites |
| File:HCE_Elite_Concept_3.png|Concept art of a Sangheili with a [[Sangheili point defense gauntlet|point defense gauntlet]].
| | *Ronald Hippe{{Fact}} - Elites |
| File:HCE_Elite_Concept_4.png|Concept art of an older Sangheili design.
| |
| File:HCE_Elite_Concept_5.png|Another piece of concept art for an older Sangheili design.
| |
| File:HCE Elite Concept Back.jpg|Concept art of an Elite's back.
| |
| File:HCE_Elite_Concept_6.jpg|Finalized concept art of the Sangheili for ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
| |
| File:PXH_MacworldElites_Screenshot_2.jpg|An early Sangheili during ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''{{'}}s production in 1999.
| |
| File:PXH MacworldElites Screenshot 1.jpg|Another screenshot of a Sangheili during an early development phase.
| |
| File:Goldlunge.jpg|A [[Zealot]] prepares to lunge in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
| |
| File:Shade.jpg|A [[Sangheili Minor]] fires at enemies with a {{Pattern|Mamua'uda|Shade}} in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
| |
| File:HCE-Sangheili Internal Organs.png|Comparison of the internal organs of in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
| |
| File:Halo 2 Elite - SMG.jpg|A Sangheili multiplayer character model from ''[[Halo 2]]''.
| |
| File:Speaking Elite.jpg|A Sangheili in ''[[Second Sunrise over New Mombasa]]''.
| |
| File:Kusovaitraining.jpg|Rtas 'Vadum and [[Bero 'Kusovai]] sparring together in ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''.
| |
| File:H3 Orange Elite.jpg|A Sangheili multiplayer character model from ''[[Halo 3]]''.
| |
| File:Clanofelites.jpg|A Sangheili multiplayer character model wielding an [[Type-1 Energy Sword|Energy Sword]].
| |
| File:HGenesis-ColesInterrogationAtGreatBear.png|A Sangheili in ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
| |
| File:HW_Elite_CinematicModel_Render_1.jpg|An unused high-res cinematic model of an Elite developed for ''[[Halo Wars]]'', intended for when the game would have had in-engine cinematics.
| |
| File:COVENANT Elite.jpg|Another look at the unused high-res model.
| |
| File:Halo Wars - Elite.jpg|An early cinematic render of a Sangheili from ''Halo Wars''.
| |
| File:HW SangheiliCreep Concept.jpg|Concept art for the Sangheili "Creep".
| |
| File:Human Execution.jpg|A Sangheili executing a UNSC Marine in ''Halo Wars''.
| |
| File:Covenant about to.png|Sangheili in ''[[Halo: Helljumper]]''.
| |
| File:Halo-Legends-20100121015154787-crop.jpg|Sangheili in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[Origins]]''.
| |
| File:Homecoming_Ultra_Concept.png|Concept art of a Sangheili in ''Halo Legends: [[Homecoming]]''.
| |
| File:SangheiliCermArmor.png|Sangheili Honor Guards wearing a different type of ceremonial armor from ''Halo Legends: [[The Babysitter]]''.
| |
| File:RoaringSangheili.png|A Sangheili roaring.
| |
| File:Hakaandco.jpg|Sangheili in ''Halo Legends'': ''[[The Duel]]''.
| |
| File:Thel 'Lodamee.png|Thel 'Lodamee, a Sangheili Major in ''Halo Legends'': ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''.
| |
| File:HEvol - Elite SpecOps Armor.png|Special Operations Sangheili in ''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''.
| |
| File:Midnight - Destroyer bridge.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with Huragok and a Kig-Yar in ''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''.
| |
| File:Henry.jpg|[[Henry]] in ''[[The Mona Lisa]]''.
| |
| File:Curveblade01.png|A Sangheili in ''[[The Return]]''.
| |
| File:BL Thon slams Reff into thing.png|[[Thon 'Talamee]] throws his brother, [[Reff 'Talamee]], into a wall in ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''.
| |
| File:DeliverHope - SangheiliUltra.png|A Sangheili Ultra in ''[[Deliver Hope]]''.
| |
| File:HR_EliteFace_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Sangheili face in ''Halo: Reach''.
| |
| File:HR_EliteMinor_Concept_1.png|Concept art of a Sangheili for ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', showing some planned anatomical features such as the additional claws or the skin braids.
| |
| File:HR_EliteArmour_Concept.jpg|Early concept art of several Sangheili designs for ''Halo: Reach''.
| |
| File:Reach Elite.jpg|A Sangheili Minor used to show how Sangheili were in ''Halo: Reach''.
| |
| File:Halo Reach Biped Comparison.png|A size comparison of a Sangheili from ''Halo: Reach'' and a [[SPARTAN-III]].
| |
| File:Energy Blade.jpg|A Sangheili defeating another in ''Halo: Reach'' multiplayer.
| |
| File:Reach 5704518 Medium.jpg|The model of an armorless Sangheili in ''Halo: Reach'' via a [[Armor Ability#Holographic Decoy|hologram]] glitch.
| |
| File:HR Elite armorless.jpg|The model of an armorless Sangheili in ''Halo: Reach'' via a hologram glitch.
| |
| File:HCEA Elite Concept.jpg|Concept art of a Sangheili Minor from ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
| |
| File:HCEA-SangheiliOfficer&Minor.png|A Sangheili Officer and Minor aboard the ''Truth and Reconciliation'' in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
| |
| File:CEA - Sesa Terminal 2.jpg|Sesa 'Refumee in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''{{'}} [[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|terminals]].
| |
| File:H4FUD-SangheiliZealot-Dorms.jpg|A Zealot in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
| |
| File:H4 EliteTongue Previs Concept.jpg|Previsualisation artwork for ''Halo 4''{{'}}s Sangheili design, with a tongue.
| |
| File:H4 EliteZealot.png|A Sangheili Zealot in ''[[Halo 4]]''.
| |
| File:H4-Terminal-JulMdama.jpg|Jul 'Mdama in ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]].
| |
| File:H4-SangheiliStormwithT52.png|Gek 'Lhar and Sangheili Storm in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.
| |
| File:Battle for Epsilon Expanse.png|A Sangheili Minor in ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''.
| |
| File:Halo Initiation Jul 'Mdama.PNG|Jul 'Mdama in ''[[Halo: Initiation]]''.
| |
| File:Zef 'Trahl.jpg|[[Zef 'Trahl]], a Sangheili mercenary in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
| |
| File:Nightfall - Sangheili attack.png|A Zealot in ''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''.
| |
| File:H2A - Rtas rallying troops.jpg|Rtas 'Vadum inspiring his fellow Sangheili in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
| |
| File:H2AElite1.png|A Sangheili multiplayer character model from ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
| |
| File:H2A Terminals - Ancient Arbiter 2.jpg|Ancient Sangheili being led by an Arbiter in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|terminals]].
| |
| File:HSS Elite and Conduit.png|A Sangheili Minor in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
| |
| File:Hunters in the Dark full cover.jpg|N'tho 'Sraom during [[Operation: FAR STORM]] in ''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''.
| |
| File:HFB-Rho.jpg|[[Rho 'Barutamee]] in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''.
| |
| File:GeneralH53.png|A Sangheili General in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
| |
| File:Elites Comparison.jpg|A comparison of in-game Elites across the Halo series in 2015.
| |
| HSOI-CoverArt.jpg|Rtas 'Vadum accompanied by Tul 'Juran in ''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''.
| |
| File:KI-Arbys.png|Two Sangheili of different phenotypes dueling in ''Killer Instinct''.
| |
| File:HO-Spartans&Elites2.png|Sangheili training with Spartan-IVs in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
| |
| File:HW2-Sangheilicommands.png|A Sangheili commands Banished T-32 Ghosts in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
| |
| File:HINF-EMcloseup.jpg|Close up of a Sangheili in ''Halo Infinite''.
| |
| File:HTV-Shleet.png|Close up of a Sangheili in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
| |
| File:HTV-elite closeup.jpg|A helmetless Sangheili in ''Halo: The Television Series''.
| |
| File:HTV-Unbound-Closedmouth.jpg|The same Sangheili closing their mandibles together.
| |
| </gallery>
| |
|
| |
|
| ==List of appearances== | | ==Appearances== |
| {{col-begin}}
| | *[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' |
| {{col-4}}
| | *''[[Halo: CE]]'' |
| *''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
| |
| **''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]'' | |
| *''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' | |
| *''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' | | *''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' |
| **''[[Halo: The Flood#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' | | *''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' |
| *''[[Halo 2]]'' | | *''[[Halo 2]]'' |
| **''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
| |
| **''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]''
| |
| **''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' | | *''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' |
| *''[[Halo 3]]'' | | *''[[Halo 3]]'' |
| **''[[Bestiarum]]''
| | *''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' |
| *''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' {{mo}} | |
| *''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'' | | *''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'' |
| *''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo Wars]]'' | | *''[[Halo Wars]]'' |
| *''[[Halo: Helljumper]]'' | | *''[[Halo: Chronicles]]'' (presumed) |
| *''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
| | |
| *''[[Halo Legends]]''
| | ==Images== |
| **''[[Homecoming]]''
| | <gallery> |
| **''[[Origins]]''
| | Image:Shade.jpg|A [[Minor Elite]] fires at enemies with a [[Shade]]. |
| **''[[Prototype]]''
| | Image:Goldlunge.jpg|A [[Zealot]] prepares to lunge. |
| **''[[The Babysitter]]''
| | Image:Early Elite Study.jpg|An early Elite study. |
| **''[[The Duel]]''
| | Image:Cryolab elites.jpg|A trio of Elites attacking the ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn]].'' |
| **''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
| | Image:Ossoona.jpg|An Elite multi-player character model. |
| *''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
| | Image:Banshee jump.jpg|A multi-player Elite jumps out of the way of a [[Banshee]] on [[Sandtrap]]. |
| **''[[Dirt]]'' {{Mo}}
| | Image:2973083-Medium.jpg|Elites checking a door. |
| **''[[Headhunters (story)|Headhunters]]''
| | Image:MinorElite14.jpg|A [[Minor Elite]] without any weapons. |
| **''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
| | Image:1208527543 Elites standard 2.jpg|An Elite with a [[Carbine]]. |
| **''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
| | Image:1209338456 32513177-Full.jpg|An Elite in an [[Assault Harness]] during the small [[Flood]] Contamination on [[Earth]]. |
| **''[[The Return]]''
| | Image:1210794836 20338127-Medium1.jpg|A group of elites lead by a [[Major Domo]]. |
| {{col-4}}
| | Image:1209877878 1154 0002.jpg|An Elite from ''[[Halo Wars]]''. |
| *''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
| | Image:Human Execution.jpg|An Elite executing a Human during the second [[Battle of Harvest]]. |
| *''[[Remember Reach]]''
| | Image:Elitevsflood.jpg|The different Elite helmet seen to the right. |
| **''[[Deliver Hope]]''
| | Image:1224473195 Dead elite.png|A dead Elite Minor. |
| *''[[Halo: Reach]]''
| | Image:Unknown_covenant_weapon.PNG|An Elite with an unknown staff-like weapon |
| *''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
| | </gallery> |
| **''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
| |
| **''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
| |
| **''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo 4]]''
| |
| **''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''
| |
| **''[[Spartan Ops]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
| |
| **''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
| |
| *''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' {{Mo}}
| |
| *''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
| |
| *''[[Know Your Enemy]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo Mythos: A Guide to the Story of Halo]]''
| |
| {{col-4}}
| |
| *''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
| |
| **''[[Lessons Learned]]''
| |
| **''[[What Remains]]'' {{Mo}}
| |
| **''[[Breaking Strain]]''
| |
| **''[[Into the Fire]]''
| |
| **''[[Rossbach's World (story)|Rossbach's World]]'' {{Mo}}
| |
| **''[[Oasis]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
| |
| **''[[On the Brink]]''
| |
| **''[[Hunting Party]]''
| |
| **''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
| |
| **''[[Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare|Awakening the Nightmare]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo Recruit]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
| |
| *''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Collateral Damage]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Meridian Divide]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
| |
| **''[[Sacrifice]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Point of Light]]'' {{Mo}}
| |
| {{col-4}}
| |
| *''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo Infinite]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
| |
| **''[[Contact]]''
| |
| **''[[Unbound]]''
| |
| **''[[Emergence]]''
| |
| **''[[Homecoming (TV Series)|Homecoming]]''
| |
| **''[[Reckoning]]''
| |
| **''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]'' {{Mo}}
| |
| **''[[Inheritance]]''
| |
| **''[[Allegiance]]''
| |
| **''[[Transcendence]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Vertical Umbrage]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Trial of Reckoning]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
| |
| **''[[Sanctuary (TV Series)|Sanctuary]]''
| |
| **''[[Sword (TV Series)|Sword]]''
| |
| **''[[Visegrád (TV Series)|Visegrád]]''
| |
| **''[[Aleria (TV Series)|Aleria]]''
| |
| **''[[Onyx (TV Series)|Onyx]]''
| |
| **''[[Thermopylae (TV Series)|Thermopylae]]''
| |
| **''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Fireside]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Anvil Accord]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Age of Retribution]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Flashpoint]]''
| |
| *''[[Halo: Empty Throne]]''
| |
| {{col-end}}
| |
|
| |
|
| ==Notes== | | ==Related Articles== |
| {{Ref/Notes}}
| | *[[Elite Personal Energy Shield]] |
| | *[[Dead Shielded Elite]] |
|
| |
|
| ==Sources== | | ==Sources== |
| {{Ref/Sources|3}} | | <references/> |
| | |
| | {{Covenant}} |
|
| |
|
| {{Navbox/Species}}
| | [[Category:The Covenant]] |
| [[Category:Sangheili| ]] | | [[Category:Elites]] |
| [[Category:Reptiles]] | | [[Category:Covenant Species]] |
| [[Category:Sapient species]] | | [[Category:Host Species]] |
| [[Category:Covenant species]] | | [[Category:Living Organisms]] |
| [[Category:Host species]] | |
