Editing Swords of Sanghelios

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Disambig header|the post-war Covenant [[Covenant remnants|splinter faction]]|the [[Halo 5: Guardians]] campaign level|Swords of Sanghelios (level)}}
{{Affiliation infobox
|name=Swords of Sanghelios
|image=[[File:Swords of Sanghelios symbol.png|110px]]<br>The symbol of the Swords of Sanghelios
[[File:H2A - Arbiter & Swords.png|300px]]<br>Thel 'Vadam's modern restoration of the Swords of Sanghelios
|section1-title=Overview
|type=Alliance of keeps{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
|founder=
|documents=
|head=[[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
|executive=
|legislative=[[Council of Kaidons]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
|judicial=
|branch=
|main=
|anthem=
|language=[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]
|script=
|religion=
|techlevel=
|notable=*[[Blooding Years]]
*[[Created uprising]]
|formed= Pre-[[938 BCE]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
|reorganized=*c. [[852 BCE]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
*After [[2553#March|March 2553]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Mythos144|HM|Page=144}}
|dissolved=
|affiliation=
}}
{{Quote|We Swords of Sanghelios are united under no less a warrior than the Arbiter himself. He who exposed the countless lies of the San'Shyuum, and drove back the Covenant. The Arbiter shapes our future with deference to our past.|[[Thon 'Kemtra]] on the Swords and the Arbiter.{{Ref/Game|H5G|Detail=[[Mission Intel#Alliance|Mission Intel - Alliance - Sangheili Personal Log 673]]}}}}
The '''Swords of Sanghelios'''{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos144}} is an alliance of [[Sangheili]] [[keep]]s{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} and the preeminent governing body on [[Sanghelios]].<ref name="waypoint-thel">[https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/arbiter-thel-vadam.html '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam'']</ref><ref name="hwp sos">[https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/swords-of-sanghelios.html '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Swords of Sanghelios'']</ref> Individual members of the faction identify themselves with the title '''Sword of Sanghelios'''.{{Ref/Level|Id=soslevel|H5G|[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]}}

Originally an ancient Sangheili order, the Swords of Sanghelios was reinstated in the aftermath of the [[Great Schism]] by the latest [[Arbiter]] and the organization's leader, [[Thel 'Vadam]].<ref name="hwp sangheili">[https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sangheili.html '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Sangheili'']</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}} However, many Sangheili disagreed with his ideals, planning to overthrow the Arbiter and rise against humanity.<ref name="glasslands">'''Halo: Glasslands'''</ref>

==History==
===Ancient origins===
[[File:En22 Irsu.png|thumb|200px|right|The Judge-King of Qivro, Irsu 'Labat.]]
Groups known as the "Swords of Sanghelios" have existed in several incarnations throughout history. The first Swords of Sanghelios were a sworn brotherhood of kaidons dedicated to the overthrow of a tyrannical [[Judge-King of Qivro|Arbiter judge-king]] who ruled the continent of [[Qivro]] centuries before the Sangheili became a spacefaring species. Their story of brotherhood, loyalty, honor, and sacrifice continues to resonate among the Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}} 

Ironically, the last incarnation of the organization prior to its current existence appeared in the tumultuous aftermath of the [[Covenant]]'s formation to subdue the last opposition to the [[Writ of Union]].{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}

===Postwar recreation===
{{Main|Postwar}}
{{Quote|The Arbiter has united the [[keep]]s and formed a new alliance, the Swords of Sanghelios!|[[Mahkee 'Chava]] to Fireteam Osiris{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}}}}
After the Covenant's defeat at the end of the [[Human-Covenant war]], soldiers returned to Sanghelios and found feuding and civil unrest due to the upheavel of the Covenant's social and political moors. Many turned to a reluctant Thel 'Vadam as an ad hoc leader.{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/sanghelios|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Locations|Page=Sanghelios|D=13|M=4|Y=2016|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/sanghelios.html}}

The Swords remained friendly to humanity and wished to build a mutual peace, as they both had made tremendous sacrifices in order to stop Truth and the Covenant forces. On [[Sanghelios|their homeworld]], however, they were challenged by a resurgent faction of religious fanatics known as the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]. They viewed the Swords as "blasphemers" and began [[Blooding Years|an insurrection]], secretly supported by the UNSC's [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], all the while resuming the [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war|conflict]] against the [[Jiralhanae]] in a two-front war. The Abiding Truth managed to gather a large amount of followers in a relatively short timespan; while the faction had a strong religious underpinning, many Sangheili had more practical motives for allying against the Arbiter, among them resentment toward humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|glasslands}}<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 58-61''</ref> Meanwhile, 'Vadam planned to visit each state to make his case for permanent peace with the [[human]]s they had battled for so many years. These reforms did not meet with universal approval. By [[2553#January|January 2553]], there was great dissent among disparate Sangheili factions, especially from the more devout believers in the [[Forerunner]]s' divinity.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 130''</ref>
[[File:HM-BloodingYears.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Thel 'Vadam and his allies engaging other hostile Sangheili forces.]]
====Siege at Kolaar====
{{Main|Siege at Kolaar}}
[[Avu Med 'Telcam]], leader of the Servants of Abiding Truth, decided that an immediate assault on the state of [[Vadam]] was necessary. Along with nine ships and forces from [[Nuan keep]] and [[Rtova keep]], 'Telcam commanded the assault from the [[Covenant frigate|frigate]] ''[[Unflinching Resolve]]''.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 114''</ref> Eventually, however, the ''Unflinching Resolve'' suffered a direct hit and crash landed, though most of the crew, including 'Telcam, survived. Despite being caught off-guard it appeared as though the Swords of Sanghelios would be victorious, however, news spread that he allowed humans to land on Sanghelios; this caused many keeps to ally with the Servants of Abiding Truth and the tide turned in their favor. The Arbiter was caught off guard and when his own reinforcements couldn't arrive on time, he reluctantly accepted [[Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]]'s offer for help in fending off the attackers. The tide turned when {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} arrived over Sanghelios and destroyed the rebel destroyer ''[[Defender of Faith]]'' before finishing off the rebel ground forces with a [[MAC]] round. The {{UNSCShip|Port Stanley}}, posed as a [[Kig-Yar]] pirate ship, destroyed a few of 'Vadam's ships in order to maintain the stalemate between the two factions, leaving the Arbiter with a Pyrrhic victory.

After the battle, Thel 'Vadam was in talks to visit the UNSC ''Infinity'' while 'Telcam retreated to [[New Llanelli]] until he would be able to convince more keeps to join his cause.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 122''</ref> At some point, the {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} ''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'' fell into the hands of the Abiding Truth. In turn, Kig-Yar [[piracy|pirate]] [[Sav Fel]] stole the ''Inquisitor'', with the intentions to sell it on [[Venezia]].<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 329''</ref> With 'Vadam occupied with the ongoing civil war, [[Kilo-Five]] was tasked with retrieving the ''Inquisitor'' with the purpose of reverse-engineering its energy projector for use against Sangheili-controlled worlds, though the ship was ultimately destroyed.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 436''</ref>

Following these events, the allied forces on Sanghelios consolidated under the old banner of the Swords of Sanghelios.{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos144}}

===Blooding Years===
Over the next six years, the Sangheili continued to wage war against the remaining San'Shyuum and the Jiralhanae. At first, the Sangheili were at a major disadvantage, as millennia of depending on the San'Shyuum for technology meant that the Sangheili were unable to properly repair or replace the ships they lost in battle. The odds began to even out when the San'Shyuum vanished and the Jiralhanae began to fall back into internecine conflicts.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', ''"[[The Return]]"''</ref> In addition to the conflict with the Jiralhanae, the Swords of Sanghelios also engaged [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant]] in hostilities, which saw the flagship ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' rendered combat ineffective temporarily.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref> 

===FAR STORM===
[[File:Hunters in the Dark full cover.jpg|thumb|right|250px|N'tho 'Sraom and [[Frank Kodiak]] fighting [[Blind Wolf|Blind Wolves]] on Installation 00 in 2555.]]
After discovering that a firing countdown timer had began on the [[Halo Array]], the UNSC notified the Swords of Sanghelios of the situation.{{Ref/Novel|HitD|Chapter=3}}
{{Expand-section}}
{{clear}}
[[File:HE Spartans Ealen IV.png|left|thumb|250px|Thel 'Vadam, his escorts, and the rest of the peace delegation.]]
===Peace talks===
In [[2558#March|March 2558]], the Swords of Sanghelios attempted peace talks with the Jiralhanae chieftain [[Lydus]] and his [[Children of Oth Sonin]] on [[Ealen IV]]. Thel 'Vadam, with several Sangheili escorts, led the negotiations. [[Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] volunteered to moderate the talks between the two governments. However, the meeting was interrupted by a [[Battle of Ealen IV|surprise attack]] by [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenaries]] under the command of [[Shipmaster]] [[Vata 'Gajat]]. [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]], [[Sarah Palmer|Commander Sarah Palmer]], and the [[SPARTAN-IV Program|Spartan-IVs]] defended the delegation and evacuated them from the chamber. When their [[DS-004|evacuation ship]] was destroyed, the security detail proceeded to escort the delegates to a nearby parts depot.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE1|HEsc|Issue=1}}

Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge. Captain Lasky ordered Palmer and the protection detail to escort the delegation to the redoubt. As the party escaped the depot, they were intercepted by a [[Kmiro'sish-pattern Lich|Lich]]. Palmer quickly acted and threw her helmet filled with grenades and destroyed the Lich. The delegation stayed back as [[Fireteam Jackknife]] and their bodyguards went ahead to ensure the redoubt was safe for them to use as shelter.{{Ref/Reuse|HE2}} However, as the delegates entered the redoubt, [[Vladimir Scruggs|Spartan Scruggs]] of [[Fireteam Jackknife]] had killed the Sangheili and Jiralhanae escorts and ambushed the group, holding Hood hostage. 'Vadam queried Scruggs on what his demands were; Scruggs stated that they would discuss them once his associates arrived. With Vata 'Gajat's mercenaries bearing on the site in force, the ambassadors' security detail discovered [[Covenant cargo tug|a craft]] they could use to evacuate. Thanks to the sacrifices of Fireteam Bailey, the delegation, Lasky and the surviving Spartans made it aboard ''Infinity'', which rallied the feuding Sangheili and Jiralhanae fleets and forced 'Gajat's forces into retreat. Due to Shipmaster 'Gajat's attack, the negotiations were left in a standstill and little progress was made in furthering the peace between the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #3''</ref>

===Created uprising===
====Global war====
{{Quote|Hunt them to the last. Today we extinguish the Covenant's light forever!|Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, as the Swords of Sanghelios eliminates Jul 'Mdama's remaining Covenant forces{{Ref/Reuse|BOS}}}}
[[File:H5G-SOSrally.png|thumb|250px|The Arbiter rallying his forces prior to striking Sunaion.]]
In October 2558, Sanghelios burst into [[Sanghelios global war|global war]]{{Ref/Novel|LoO|Chapter=21}} with Jul 'Mdama's Covenant attacking the Swords. The Arbiter received assistance from the UNSC's [[Fireteam Osiris]], who were searching for [[John-117|MCPO John-117]], in repelling the invasion.{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} After intense battles along the coast in [[Nuusra]], the Swords of Sanghelios eventually pushed [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] back to their final stronghold: [[Sunaion]], where 'Mdama's Covenant was finally defeated. Meanwhile, a [[Guardian]] that had lain buried beneath the [[Csurdon Sea]] emerged and departed for [[Genesis]]. Eventually Thel Vadam was successful in leading the Swords of Sanghelios in eliminating 'Mdama's remaining Covenant forces in the damaged city, ending the battle.{{Ref/Reuse|BOS}} Later on the Swords provided safe haven for surviving UNSC forces when [[Cortana]] and her [[Created]] took control of most of Earth's colonies.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFDF|https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-driving-force|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=News, Canon Fodder|Page=Driving Force|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-driving-force.html|D=01|M=6|Y=2020}} 

====Occupation and Netherop====
With the Sangheili resisting the Created's rule, Cortana sent a Guardian and Forerunner soldiers to pacify Sanghelios, starting with its major cities.{{Ref/Novel|BadB|Chapter=1}} The UNSC reinforced the Swords of Sanghelios with its expeditionary forces, conducting joint patrols to monitor and defend the Sanghelios badlands from Created scouts and any remnant of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] still present on the planet.{{Ref/Reuse|CFDF}}

In 2559, 'Vadam would participate in the [[High Gathering]] where he would propose the [[Concert of Worlds]],{{Ref/Reuse|outchapt1}} as a means of unifying the Sangheili. As well, [[Oath Warden]] [[Crei 'Ayomuu]] would inform Thel 'Vadam of a potential [[Divine Hand|anti-Guardian weapon]] located on [[Netherop]].{{Ref/Reuse|outchapt2}} 'Vadam would call for aid from colonial allies and would personally travel to the planet to begin a search for it.{{Ref/Novel|Id=outchapt4|Out|Chapter=4}}
[[File:HINF PrismSkybox.png|left|thumb|250px|The Swords of Sanghelios in combat with the Banished at Suban.]]
===New conflicts===
With the Created severely weakened at the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]], the collapsing security situation at [[Suban]] prompted factions to begin fighting over the moon. The Swords of Sanghelios have moved to support some local keeps in protecting high-value mining sites.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=230}} Eventually the Swords entered in [[Battle of Suban|open hostilities]] with the [[Banished]] when the latter attacked Suban seeking to claim its blamite crystal mines. The fleets of the two factions engaged each other in battle in the moon's skies.{{Ref/Site|Id=WaypointS5Maps|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/maps-overview-season-5|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Maps Overview - Season 5|D=12|M=10|Y=2023}}
{{clear}}

==Government and politics==
{{Quote|The Arbiter's [[Fleet of Retribution|forces]] eventually consolidated their strength under a single banner, the Swords of Sanghelios, an ancient title of honor expressing the nobility of their cause: the unification of the Sangheili people.|[[Curator]] on the formation of the Swords of Sanghelios{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos144}}}}
An alliance of [[Sangheili]] [[keep]]s, the Swords of Sanghelios is governed by a [[Council of Kaidons|grand council]] of [[kaidon]]s, with [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] serving as the organization's formal leader. Although it was originally formed as an alliance of convenience, the Swords effectively became Sanghelios' world government during the [[Blooding Years]].{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}

===Relations===
====Covenant remnants====
The Swords of Sanghelios are opposed by and are hostile in regards to several other [[Covenant remnants|Covenant remnant factions]], such as [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sangheili}}{{Ref/Novel|LoO|Chapter=5}}{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}}, the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=Out3|Out|Chapter=3}}, and recently the [[Banished]].{{Ref/Site|Id=WaypointS5Maps|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/maps-overview-season-5|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Maps Overview - Season 5|D=12|M=10|Y=2023}}
{{clear}}

====The Jiralhanae====
The Jiralhanae have remained a thorn in the side of the Swords, with the [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war]] continuing to rage on.{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}} Due to the wealth the Swords had amassed over the years following the Human-Covenant War, several Jiralhanae factions marked them as the perfect target for raiding, leading to increased conflict. The Swords and a powerful faction of the Jiralhanae known as the [[Children of Oth Sonin]] attempted to establish an official peace between them in 2558. However, this effort was [[Attack on Ealen IV|disrupted]] by [[Vata 'Gajat]]'s [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenaries]] and no peace was agreed upon.{{Ref/Comic|HEsc|Issue=2}}{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE3|HEsc|Issue=3}}

====Sangheili Colonies====
Several [[Sangheili colonies]] have demonstrated allegiance to the Swords of Sanghelios.{{Ref/Reuse|outchapt4}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=soi17|SOI|Chapter=17}} Two of the Swords' most loyal allies included [[kaidon]] [[Ghe 'Talot]] and his clan on [[Feldokra]], as well as the relatively new colony of [[Om'a'Varo]] through personal relationships with 'Vadam himself.{{Ref/Reuse|outchapt4}} Other notable Sangheili colonies that chose to ally themselves with the Swords include [[Duraan]]{{Ref/Reuse|soi17}} and [[Rahnelo]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=SoI81|Halo: Shadow of Intent|Page=81 (Google Play edition)}}

In addition, the [[Ascetics]] and Swords of Sanghelios enjoy a positive relationship, with [[Usze 'Taham]] acting as a liaison between them.{{Ref/Site|https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/usze-taham|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Characters|Page=Usze 'Taham|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/usze-taham.html|D=01|M=6|Y=2020}} At least one other member of the Ascetics served as a bodyguard for the Arbiter and was killed during the Ealen peace conference.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE2|HEsc|Issue=2}}

====Unified Earth Government====
{{Quote|multi=yes|q1=Arbiter's an ally, so these dead here are our brothers as far as I'm concerned.|Edward Buck|q2=Agreed. Time for payback.|Holly Tanaka|Spartans Edward Buck and Holly Tanaka during the Battle of Nuusra{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}}}}
[[File:Joint Operation 2015-06-16 01-46.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Swords of Sanghelios and Fireteam Osiris during the Battle of Sunaion.]]
A [[Treaty of 2552|formal treaty]] was signed between the Swords and the [[Unified Earth Government]], setting up the [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s, which would be administered and defended by both the UEG and the Sangheili. In addition to joint military exercises against [[Piracy|pirates]] in the Joint Occupation Zones,{{Ref/Reuse|Catalog}} the Swords and the UNSC made a cooperative effort to restore contact with remote [[human colonies]] after the war; the corvette ''[[The Lookout]]'', crewed by UNSC and Swords personnel, embarked on such a mission in early [[2553]].{{Ref/Anthology|Fra|[[Breaking Strain]]}} Several colony worlds residing in the Joint Occupation Zone were established under joint UEG/Sangheili governance. Among these was [[Carrow]], a former Outer Colony abandoned during the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Anthology|Fra|[[Oasis]]}}

The UNSC and the Sangheili worked together on archival research on Sanghelios,<ref name="C1">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969317_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969317 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2969317)]</ref> as well as joint investigations on Covenant weaponry, such as the [[Type-33 Needler]].<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969311_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969311 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2969311)]</ref> Additionally, a [[Onyx United Research Project|major joint research project]] and [[Paxopolis|settlement]] was established by the UNSC and the Swords at [[Trevelyan]], the enormous [[shield world]] located at the former site of [[Onyx]].{{Ref/Anthology|Fra|[[Lessons Learned]]}} As part of the [[ANVIL initiative]], Sangheili military personnel train with [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] inside the [[War Games]] simulator aboard [[Anvil Station]].<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>

In the wake of the Covenant War, the Swords of Sanghelios are often viewed as representing the Sangheili on the whole in their diplomatic relations with humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|glasslands}} Though some humans have mistakenly referred to them as "the Covenant".<ref>'''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'''</ref>

By [[2558]], the UNSC's ambassador to them was [[Rear Admiral]] [[Horatio Temkin]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE5|HEsc|Issue=5}}

==Society and culture==
The Swords of Sanghelios look to return the Sangheili to their ancient, pre-Covenant independence and nobility.{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sangheili}} Specifically, the Swords were in pursuit of the creation of a single union of all Sangheili worlds.{{Ref/Novel|Id=outchapt2|Out|Chapter=2}} Their proposed union, would come from the Arbiter as the [[Concert of Worlds]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=outchapt1|Out|Chapter=1}}

In general, most of the Arbiter's followers no longer revere the Forerunners as gods.<ref>'''Halo: Hunters in the Dark''', ''page 62'' (Google Play edition)</ref> This has provoked the anger of many of their enemies, mainly the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 20''</ref> However, the Arbiter has never explicitly denied the Forerunners as gods, and has assured other Sangheili that they have not lost the gods.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 59''</ref>

{{Expand-section}}

== Military structure ==
[[File:H5G-gruntnelitesittinginatree.png|thumb|275px|A Sangheili Storm and [[Dimkee Hotay]] on Sanghelios.]]
While the Sangheili are the dominant race within the faction, the Swords of Sanghelios also includes other former members of the Covenant hegemony, mainly [[Unggoy]] who found themselves under Sangheili command as well as [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Lekgolo]].<ref name="Alliance">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Alliance]]''</ref><ref>[https://www.halowaypointstore.com/p/halo_swords_of_sanghelios_premium_tee.html '''Halo Waypoint Store''' - ''Swords of Sanghelios Tee'']</ref> Notably, the Swords have forgone some of the Covenant's stringent species-based hierarchy, allowing even Unggoy of considerable capability—such as [[Stolt]]—to serve in positions of command over Sangheili.<ref>'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 24'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Contrary to Sangheili tradition, the Swords also allow females to serve in the military;{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} this change was instated following the precedent of [[Tul 'Juran]], who distinguished herself in combat alongside [[Rtas 'Vadum]]'s crew against [[Tem'Bhetek]] and his forces.<ref>'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 82'' (Google Play edition)</ref>

Crimson and ivory,<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 72''</ref> or red-gold<ref name="CFAA">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/canon-fodder-1-8-16-annual-achievements/ca5fc3ce-2113-45bf-9f4e-e9990132f18b/posts?page=2#post37 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder 1-8-16: Annual Achievements'']</ref> armor indicates some form of affiliation to the Swords of Sanghelios, though there are armors painted in other colors, such as blue.{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}}

The Swords of Sanghelios also established the [[Riftborn]], a new special operations division, fully committed to joint military operations with the UNSC. These hand-selected operatives maintain a local presence on [[Anvil Station]].{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=251}}

{| class="wikitable" style="width:660px; margin:4px auto; text-align:center;"
|-
!Classes
![[Sangheili]]
![[Unggoy]]
![[Kig-Yar]]
![[Lekgolo]]
|-
|colspan="5" | Ranks and type classes
|-
|Standard ranks
|[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]<br>[[Sangheili Storm|Storm]]
|[[Unggoy Storm|Storm]]
|
|[[Mgalekgolo]]
|-
|Specialized troops
|[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]]<br>[[Commando Unit|Commando]]<br>[[Special Operations Officer|SpecOps]]
|[[Unggoy Ranger|Ranger]]
|[[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]]
|
|-
|Veterans
|[[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]]<br>[[Evocati|Ultra]]
|
|
|
|-
|colspan="5" | Titles
|-
|Ratings
|[[Blademaster]]<br>[[Shipmaster]]<br>[[Fleet Master]]<br>[[Arbiter]]
|[[Scannermaster]]<br>[[Shipmaster]]
|
|
|}

==Military assets==
[[File:SwordOfHarmony.png|thumb|right|250px|A modified ''A'uzr''-pattern sword frigate, ''[[Sword of Harmony]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|CFConcert}}]]
The Swords of Sanghelios utilized much of the same equipment that the original Covenant used, but modified the designs due to the lack of restriction from the former Prophets. Most [[Unggoy]] used the [[Type-25 plasma pistol]],<ref name="SOI">'''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'''</ref> [[Type-54 plasma pistol]],{{Ref/Reuse|Alliance}} [[Type-33 Needler]],{{Ref/Reuse|C1}} and [[Type-56D needler]],{{Ref/Reuse|Alliance}} while [[Sangheili]] personnel were typically armed with the {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}},<ref name="Mythos142">'''Halo Mythos''', ''pages 142-143''</ref> {{Pattern|Zubo|beam rifle}},{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} {{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}},{{Ref/Reuse|CFAA}} {{Pattern|Elo'Nakada|concussion rifle}},<ref>[https://twitter.com/GrimBrotherOne/status/781987887726198784 '''Twitter''' - ''GrimBrotherOne'']</ref> {{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}},<ref name="HitD">'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'''</ref> {{Pattern|Tufasumo|plasma caster}},{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} {{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}},<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref> {{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}},{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}} {{Pattern|Gespu|fuel rod gun}},{{Ref/Reuse|REQs}} and the [[Type-1 energy sword]].{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}} Several of their energy swords, most notably the [[Prophets' Bane]], were shaped in new designs based on pre-Covenant fashions.<ref>[https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/prophets%E2%80%99-bane.html '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Prophets' Bane'']</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 53''</ref>

Like the original Covenant the [[Type-26 Banshee]] remained as the main aircraft of the faction for much of the Blooding Years.{{Ref/Reuse|REQs}} {{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}}s were used as the main troop transports, although these sported a green color instead of the usual purple and utilized [[active camouflage]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}} The Swords used orange-painted {{Pattern|Bmur'resh|Shade}}s{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} and {{Pattern|Upisa'weri|Shrike}}s<ref name="Shrike">[https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/shrike-turret.html '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Shrike Turret'']</ref> for static defense. As the Covenant fragmented and technology changed, the Swords began using more individualized craft. They began manufacturing Sword variants of [[Type-54 Ghost#Sword Ghost|the Type-54 Ghost]], {{Pattern|Kemu|Wraith}}, and [[D'nomlhe-pattern Banshee#Sword Banshee|D'nomlhe-pattern Banshee]], which had orange-painted plating and more durable armor than their Covenant versions.<ref name="REQs">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''REQ card descriptions''</ref> The faction also used crimson-orange {{Pattern|Kmiro'sish|Lich}}es and {{Pattern|Mikpramu|Phantom}}s, though it is unclear if these also had improved armor.<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''campaign level [[The Heretic]] ([[The Heretic#Target Locke|Anniversary Prologue]])</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}

The Swords' naval forces are composed of multiple {{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}s, {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s, {{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}}s,{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}} {{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}}s,{{Ref/Map|HINF|[[Prism]]}} at least one {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}},{{Ref/Reuse|HitD}} and at least one {{Pattern|Makar|light corvette}}. The Swords possess the majority of the {{Pattern|Lursu|brigantine}}s in service following the Covenant war.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=271}} The Swords have also commissioned the [[Kolaar Manufactorum]] to help continue in the creation of new {{Pattern|A'uzr|sword frigate}}s.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFConcert|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-concert-of-words|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Concert of Worlds|D=25|M=09|Y=2023}} They also made use of other ancient Sangheili ships like {{Pattern|Hekar Taa|blockade runner}}s,  {{Pattern|Rwaru|carrack}}s and {{Pattern|R'sikosh|man o' war}}s.{{Ref/Level|Id=BTS|H5G|[[Before the Storm]]}}{{Ref/Level|Id=BOS|H5G|[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]}}
=== Units ===
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-3|state=plain
|title-1=Fleet units|
*[[Sanghelios home defense fleet]]
*[[Fleet of Retribution]]
*Unidentified Fleet at the [[Battle of Ealen IV]]
|title-2=Individual ships|
*{{Pattern|Kerel|assault carrier}}
**''[[Shadow of Intent]]''
*{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}
**''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'' {{C|stolen}}
*{{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}
**''[[Mayhem]]'' {{C|Damaged in 2555}}
*{{Pattern|Makar|light corvette}}
**''[[The Lookout]]''
*{{Pattern|A'uzr|sword frigate}}
**''[[Sword of Harmony]]'' {{c|destroyed}}
*{{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}}
**''[[Bad Gas]]''
*{{Pattern|Hekar Taa|blockade runner}}
**''[[Scorrin's Blade]]''
*Unknown type of Cruiser
**''[[Axiom]]'' {{c|destroyed}}
**''[[Devotion (cruiser)|Devotion]]'' {{c|destroyed}}
**''[[Far Vision]]'' {{c|destroyed}}
**''[[Swordsman (ship)|Swordsman]]''
*Unknown
**''[[Havoc]]''
**''[[Onslaught (ship)|Onslaught]]''
**''[[Revolution (ship)|Revolution]]''
|title-3=Aerial forces|
*[[Jardam Wing]]<ref name="h5genemylines">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Enemy Lines]]''</ref>
*[[Lar Wing]]{{Ref/Reuse|h5genemylines}}
*[[Siqtar Wing]]{{Ref/Reuse|h5genemylines}}
*[[Zeshk Wing]]
|title-4=Ground forces|
*[[Riftborn]]
}}

==Gallery==
<Gallery>
File:Escalation_schism.png|A [[Sangheili Minor]] and a [[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] fighting in a [[Joint-Occupation Zone]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:Ealen IV.jpg|Swords of Sanghelios and [[Children of Oth Sonin]] ships over Ealen IV.
File:Thel 2558.png|Thel 'Vadam and escort on Ealen IV in 2558.
File:Locke&SangheiliMajor.png|A Sword of Sanghelios with Jameson Locke in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:MCC - Locke and Arbiter.png|'Vadam, Locke and their respective forces prepare to engage [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant]] forces.
File:Sword of Sanghelios storms ready for battle.png|Swords of Sanghelios combat-ready in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:Swords of Sanghelios defence.jpg|Two Sword of Sanghelios Storms defending the [[Elder Council Chamber]] and one Sword Wraith.
File:SOSE3.png|A Sangheili Storm working on formation logistics before an aerial assault on a {{Pattern|Shuul'se|Kraken}}.
File:SOSGrunt.png|An Unggoy Storm on Sangheilios.
File:SOSElite.png|A Sangheili Storm standing on guard on Sangheilios.
File:SOSE2.png|A Sangheili on Sangheilios.
File:SOSEArbiter.png| Several Sangheili alongside Thel 'Vadam on Sangheilios.
File:SOSEArbiter2.png|Thel 'Vadam and a Sangheili before an assault on a Kraken.
File:SOSArbiter.png|Thel 'Vadam on Sangheilios.
File:H5G-Dimkee&friends.png|Swords of Sanghelios work and relax.
File:H5G-SOSformation.png|The Swords of Sanghelios fleet prepares to attack Sunaion.
File:H5G-SunaionSoS.png|A Sangheili Storm in Sunaion during the Swords assault.
File:HO-Spartans&Elites1.png|Sangheili and Spartan-IVs participating in War Games together on Anvil Station in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:Kola 'Baoth.jpg|[[Kola 'Baoth]] in Swords of Sanghelios [[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]] Armor.
File:Rocket League SoS Flag.png|Swords of Sangheilios flag in ''[[Wikipedia:Rocket League|Rocket League]]'' as an unlockable antenna for the base cars to use.
File:HINF ArbyMeeting.jpg|Early concept art for ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' depicting Thel 'Vadam meeting with [[Kelly-087]] in a Swords of Sanghelios base.
File:HINF RebelBaseConcept.jpg|Early concept art for ''Halo Infinite'', possibly showing the exterior of the base. Take note of the Swords of Sanghelios symbol on the side of the structure.
File:BattleForTheBloodMoon.jpg|Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili with Spartan [[Fireteam Jorogumo]] during the [[Battle of Suban]] in ''[[Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''.
</Gallery>

== List of appearances ==
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{Mo|MCC}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Fractures]]''
**''[[Lessons Learned]]''
**''[[Breaking Strain]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season 05: Reckoning]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Sunrise on Sanghelios]]''
*''[[Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''

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

{{Organizations}}

[[Category:Swords of Sanghelios| ]]
[[Category:Covenant remnants]]