Editing Swords of Sanghelios

{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Disambig header|the post-war [[Covenant Remnants|Covenant]] 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|300px]]
|section1-title=Overview
|hideb=yes
|type=Secular government
|founder=[[Thel 'Vadam]]<br>[[Rtas 'Vadum]]
|documents=
|head=[[Arbiter]]
|executive=[[Arbiter]]
|legislative=[[Council of Kaidons|A grand council of Kaidons]]
|judicial=
|branch=
|main=[[Vadam]], [[Sanghelios]]
|anthem=
|language=[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]], various languages spoken by [[Sangheili]], [[Unggoy]], and [[Lekgolo]]
|script=
|religion=Worship of [[Forerunner]]s {{C|heavily individualized}}
|techlevel=Tier 2
|notable=
|formed=[[2552#November|November 2552]] ([[Ages of Reclamation|Ninth Age of Reclamation]], Seventh [[Cycle]])
|dissolved=
|affiliation=
}}
{{Quote|There was honor in our Covenant once, and there shall be again!|[[Thel 'Vadam]]<ref name="storm">'''Halo 3''', campaign level, ''[[The Storm]]'' ([[Thel 'Vadam]]: ''"There was honor in our Covenant once, and there shall be again!"'')</ref>}}
The '''Swords of Sanghelios''' is a [[Covenant remnants|splinter group]] of the former [[Covenant]] re-formed during the [[Great Schism]], when the bulk of the [[Sangheili]]-led forces seceded from the [[Hierarchs|Prophet]]-led hegemony.<ref name="waypoint-thel">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/arbiter-thel-vadam '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam'']</ref> The group originated as an ancient Sangheili order that was restored by the latest [[Arbiter]] and the faction's leader, [[Thel 'Vadam]].<ref name="hwp sangheili">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sangheili '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Sangheili'']</ref> Individual members of the faction identify themselves with the title '''Sword of Sanghelios'''.<ref name="soslevel">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]''</ref>

In [[2552|November 2552]], the [[Prophet of Truth]] had the Sangheili removed from their former position and replaced by the [[Jiralhanae]] as the Covenant's main military caste, resulting in an open war breaking out between the Jiralhanae-led forces loyal to the Prophets and the Sangheili. After the Sangheili learned the truth about the [[Halo Array|Halos]] near the end of the [[Battle of Installation 05]], they allied with [[human]]ity on their mission to stop the Prophet-led Covenant.<ref name="gj">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>

As they no longer looked to the Prophets for leadership, the Swords of Sanghelios initially lacked defined leadership, although Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and [[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] led their forces in the deciding battles of the war,<ref name="floodgate">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref> with 'Vadam becoming the group's most prominent leader following the war's end.<ref name="glasslands">'''Halo: Glasslands'''</ref> With the Covenant dissolved, the Sangheili returned to [[Sanghelios]] and splintered into various factions, with the Arbiter and his policy of cooperating with humanity retaining a solid following. However, many Sangheili disagreed with his ideals, planning to overthrow the Arbiter and rise against humanity.

In the wake of the Covenant War, 'Vadam's group is often viewed as representing the Sangheili on the whole in their diplomatic relations with humanity.<ref name="glasslands"/> Unlike [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s ideologically opposite [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed Covenant]], the Swords of Sanghelios looks to pre-Covenant Sangheili culture and traditions as they seek to rebuild their civilization.<ref name="hwp sangheili"/> Despite this, 'Vadam's alliance has been in some cases referred to as "the Covenant" by the UNSC.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Dawn]]'' ([[John-117]]: ''"I thought we had a truce with the Covenant."'')</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'''</ref>

== Background ==
The first Swords of Sanghelios were a sworn brotherhood of Kaidons dedicated to the overthrow of a tyrannical 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. The last incarnation of the organization prior to its current existence appeared in the tumultuous aftermath of the Covenant’s formation to bring the last holdouts to the Writ of Union to heel.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/swords-of-sanghelios '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Swords of Sanghelios'']</ref>

The current Swords of Sanghelios is led by the [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]. The group is mainly made up of Sangheili, along with some [[Unggoy]], [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Mgalekgolo]] loyal to them.<ref name="uprising">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref><ref name="gj"/> At the onset of the Great Schism, the Sangheili under 'Vadam began fighting the forces loyal to the [[San'Shyuum]], their military now led by the [[Jiralhanae]].

The Arbiter's faction has a peculiar relationship with religion, rejecting the [[Covenant religion|Prophets' religion]] and holding questions about the Sangheili's traditional faith.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', ''The Return''</ref> 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> In addition, the [[Ascetics]] appear to follow the Arbiter, having approached [[Usze 'Taham]] as a liaison between them and the Swords of Sanghelios despite the Arbiter's apparently secular government,<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/usze-taham '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Usze 'Taham''</ref> and at least one served as a bodyguard for the Arbiter and was killed during the Ealen peace conference.<ref name="HE2">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', [[Halo: Escalation Issue 2|Issue #2]]</ref> Despite this, the Arbiter sought to build peace among the fragmented remains of the Covenant and remained as an ally to humanity.<ref name="HE1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''Issue #1''</ref> Indeed, the faction is the only known Covenant group to maintain diplomatic relations with the [[Unified Earth Government]] or, more specifically, the [[UNSC]]. By [[2558]], the UNSC's ambassador to them was [[Rear Admiral]] [[Horatio Temkin]].<ref name="HE5">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #5''</ref>

== History ==
=== Origins ===
[[File:H2A - Great Schism.jpg|thumb|250px|Sangheili-controlled and Jiralhanae-controlled ships engage each other over ''High Charity''.]]
The [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] led a badly planned mission to [[Earth]], against the wishes of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]], and inadvertently began the [[Battle of Earth]], as he did not know that the planet was the [[human]] homeworld. He escaped to [[Installation 05]], where he was assassinated by [[John-117]]. Regret's death was used as a justification by the remaining Prophets to [[Changing of the Guard|replace]] the Sangheili with Jiralhanae as their [[Covenant Honor Guard|protectors]]. However, this move resulted in great turmoil within the Covenant, with the Sangheili threatening to resign from the [[High Council]].

Truth then gave command of the [[Covenant fleet]]s to the Jiralhanae, a post previously held by the Sangheili. Once there were enough of them in place, Truth secretly ordered them to commit a vicious genocide of the Sangheili (disguised as a retaliation to a Sangheili revolt against the other Covenant factions) so they may replace them in society. The Sangheili responded, with the help of Mgalekgolo and Unggoy loyal to them, and war broke out in ''[[High Charity]]'' with Jiralhanae and Sangheili fleets fighting each other in space around it. Later, most of the Sangheili Councilors were assassinated by the Jiralhanae at the behest of the Prophets.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref><ref name="uprising"/>

An initial Sangheili-led [[Joyous Exultation alliance|Covenant splinter group]] was formed by the Sangheili [[Imperial Admiral]] [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]] on the Sangheili fortress world [[Joyous Exultation]] shortly after the Prophets' betrayal on November 3, 2552. Unlike 'Vadam's group, Wattinree's faction did not yet consider humanity their allies, dispatching a task force to [[Onyx]] to prevent Forerunner technology from falling into human hands. However, this fledgling alliance came to an abrupt end with the detonation of a [[NOVA bomb]] above Joyous Exultation and the deaths of the majority of the Sangheili leaders gathered there, including Wattinree.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 239-245''</ref>

===Sangheili-human alliance===
[[File:Floodgate - Cutscene.jpg|thumb|250px|Humans and Sangheili onboard the ''Shadow of Intent'''s [[bridge]].]]
Once the [[Great Schism]] had begun, the entirety of the Sangheili species had left the Covenant.<ref name="CanonFodder">'''[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/jiralhanae Canon Fodder]''' ''"The resulting conflict would be called the Great Schism, and it would divide the Covenant into two, ultimately forcing the Sangheili out." ''</ref> The ejected Sangheili did not have an official unified faction at this time, however they were unified in their fight against the Covenant that had betrayed them. Many Unggoy remained loyal towards the Sangheili when the Great Schism erupted, as did some Mgalekgolo.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref>

Within the ejected Sangheili, the forces under the command of [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] chose to ally with their former foes, the humans. The true political motivation of this shaky-to-steady alliance was forged out of necessity and revenge against the Covenant to some extent.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]'' "I will have my revenge on a Prophet, not a plague!"</ref> The [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] forces were on the defensive, and both factions had two common enemies that wished for their extinction: the Covenant and the [[Flood]]. The alliance of circumstance was forged in the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|control room]] of [[Installation 05|Delta Halo]], when [[UNSC]] [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Johnson|A. J. Johnson]] and Vadam were coerced to unite in order to prevent [[Tartarus]], [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], from activating Installation 05.<ref name="gj"/> After that, 'Vadam persuaded the rest of the Sangheili on the installation to join humanity. While the two factions experienced some friction, they learned to work with one another for their mutual survival. During the final days of the [[Human-Covenant War]], the Sangheili under 'Vadam and 'Vadum's command fought alongside humans in battle and saved each other from destruction.<ref name="floodgate"/><ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level, ''[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]''</ref><ref name="cove">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref> The devastated [[UNSC Home Fleet]] defending [[Earth]] were glad to accept the help of the superior Sangheili warships. The Sangheili's numbers, understanding of Covenant equipment, and combat tactics proved invaluable in the [[Battle of Installation 00]] and the survival of humanity. Recurrently the heroes of the battle, Thel 'Vadam and John-117, fought alongside one another many times in the desperate conflict.<ref name="cove"/> 

After the Covenant's dissolution at the end of the Human-Covenant war, the ejected Sangheili split off into [[Covenant Remnants|several different factions]]. The Sangheili under the command of 'Vadam and 'Vadum would later form a faction known as the Swords of Sanghelios.

===Post-war===
[[File:H2A-Rtas-01.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Rtas 'Vadum, one of the leaders of the Swords of Sanghelios]]
With Truth dead, ''High Charity'' destroyed, and Installation 00 essentially lost to the [[Installation 04B|reborn Installation 04]] firing, what remained of the Covenant was all but destroyed, with its member species divided into [[Covenant remnants|multiple factions]]. In the wake of the conflict, the Arbiter and his allies—now rallying under the name Swords of Sanghelios—remained friendly to humanity and wished to build 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]], who viewed the Arbiter's allies as "blasphemers" and began [[Blooding Years|an insurrection]], secretly with the support of the UNSC's [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], all the while resuming the [[Great Schism]] 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 name="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>

[[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'', a ship more powerful than any human ship during the Human-Covenant War. '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 {{Class|CCS|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>

In spite of the outbreak of civil war on Sanghelios, Thel 'Vadam was able to sway the majority of [[Sangheili colonies]] to join with the Swords of Sanghelios.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref> 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.<ref name="Catalog"/>

In addition to the ongoing conflict with other Covenant remnants, the Sangheili also continued to have a prosperous relationship with humanity. A [[Treaty of 2552|formal treaty]] was signed between the Swords of Sanghelios 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 name="Catalog"/> the UNSC and the Sangheili would work together on archival research on Sanghelios,<ref>[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> 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> Sangheili were even known to sometimes 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/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: 2-20-15'']</ref><ref name="Halo Online">'''[[Halo Online]]'''</ref> On the other hand, 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.

===Peace talks===
[[File:HE Spartans Ealen IV.png|thumb|275px|Thel 'Vadam, his escorts, and the rest of the peace delegation.]]
In [[2558#March|March 2558]], the Swords of Sanghelios attempted peace talks with the Jiralhanae chieftain [[Lydus]] and [[Lydus' clan|his clan]] on [[Ealen IV]]. Thel 'Vadam, with several Sangheili escorts, led the negotiations. [[Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] volunteered to moderate the talks between the two factions. However, the meeting was interrupted by a [[Battle of Ealen IV|surprise attack]] by [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant 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 name="HE1"/>

Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge in. 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 Covenant [[Type-56 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>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #2''</ref> 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 the Covenant 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>

===Rise of the Created===
Around October 27th, 2558, an enemy emerged that threatened both Earth and Sanghelios. In light of this threat, the Arbiter agreed to meet with Spartan [[Jameson Locke]] to help him in his search for [[John-117|MCPO John-117]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection announcement trailer]]'''</ref> At the same time, Jul 'Mdama's faction engaged the Swords of Sanghelios on the [[Sanghelios|Sangheili homeworld]], with the Swords of Sanghelios eventually pushing the faction back to their final stronghold: [[Sunaion]], where they encountered a [[Guardian]], a powerful Forerunner construct.<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''campaign level [[The Heretic]] ([[The_Heretic#Target_Locke|Anniversary Prologue]])</ref>

== Military structure ==
[[File:H5G-gruntnelitesittinginatree.png|thumb|275px|A Sangheili Storm and Dimkee Hotay on Sangheilios.]]
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<ref name="uprising"/> and [[Lekgolo]] who sympathized with the Sangheili.<ref name="gj"/> [[Kig-Yar]] have also been seen among its numbers,<ref name="HE1"/> though whether these are actual soldiers or mercenaries serving feudal states<ref>'''[[Eleventh Hour reports|Eleventh Hour report]]''' 2</ref> is unknown. The Swords of Sanghelios revived traditional Sangheili ranks such as [[Ascetics|Ascetic warriors]].<ref name="HE1"/> Crimson and ivory,<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 72''</ref> or red-gold<ref>[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''] (Grim: "''The red/gold-accented armor is meant more to reflect SoS connections.''")</ref> armor indicates some form of affiliation to the Swords of Sanghelios, though there are armors painted in other colors, such as blue.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #1''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #2''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #3''</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="width:660px; margin:4px auto; text-align:center;"
|-
!Classes
![[Sangheili]]
![[Unggoy]]
![[Lekgolo]]
|-
|colspan="5" | Ranks and type classes
|-
|Standard ranks
|[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]<br>[[Sangheili Storm|Storm]]
|[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]]<br>[[Unggoy Storm|Storm]]
|[[Mgalekgolo]]
|-
|Specialized troops
|[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]]<br>[[Special Operations Sangheili|Spec Ops]]<br>[[Stealth Sangheili|Stealth]]<br>[[Commando Unit|Commando]]<br>[[Ascetics|Ascetic]]<br>[[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guardsman]]
|[[Unggoy Heavy|Heavy]]<br>[[Unggoy Ranger|Ranger]]<br>[[Special Operations Unggoy|Spec Ops]]
|
|-
|Veterans
|[[Sangheili Major|Major]]
|[[Unggoy Major|Major]]
|
|-
|Leaders
|[[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]]<br>[[Lights of Sanghelios]]<br>[[Sangheili Field Commander|Field Commander]]<br>[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]]
|[[Unggoy Ultra|Ultra]]
|
|-
|colspan="5" | Titles
|-
|Ratings
|[[Blademaster]]<br>[[Field Master]]<br>[[Shipmaster]]<br>[[Special Operations Commander|Spec Ops Commander]]<br>[[Fleet Master]]<br>[[Sangheili High Councilor|Councilor]]<br>[[Arbiter]]
|
|
|}

==Military assets==
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]], [[Type-54 plasma pistol]], [[Type-33 Needler]], and [[Type-56 Needler]], while [[Sangheili]] personnel were typically armed with the [[Type-25 plasma rifle]], [[Type-55 storm rifle]], [[Type-51 carbine]], [[Type-57 carbine]], the [[Type-50 particle beam rifle]] [[sniper rifle]], and the [[Type-1 energy sword]]. Several of their energy swords, most notably the [[Prophets' Bane]], were shaped in new designs based on pre-Covenant fashions.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/prophets%E2%80%99-bane '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Prophets' Bane'']</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 53''</ref>

In the early days of the Great Schism, [[Type-32 Ghost]]s and [[Type-26 Wraith]]s made up the majority of the faction's ground vehicles, though the [[Type-46 Spectre]] was also employed.<ref name="uprising"/> Like the original Covenant the [[Type-26 Banshee]] remained as the main aircraft of the faction.<ref name="gj"/> [[Type-52 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 name="cove"/> As the Covenant fragmented and technology changed, the Swords began using more individualized craft. They began manufacturing Sword variants of [[Type-54 Rapid Attack Vehicle#Sword Ghost|the Ghost]], [[Type-58 Wraith|Wraith]], and [[Type-54 Banshee#Sword Banshee|Banshee]], which had orange-painted plating and more durable armor than their Covenant versions.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''REQ card descriptions''</ref> The faction also used orange [[Type-56 Lich|Lich]]es and [[Type-57 Phantom|Phantom]]s, though it is unclear if these also had improved armor.<ref>'''Halo 2: Anniversary''' Prologue''</ref>

The faction's navy was composed of multiple {{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}s, {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}s, {{Class|CPV|heavy destroyer}}s<ref name="HE1"/> and at least one {{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}}. They also made use of ancient Sangheili ships, like [[Blockade Runner]]s, [[Brigantine]]s, [[Carrack]]s and [[Man O' War]]s.
=== Units ===
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-4|state=plain
|title-1=Fleet units|
*[[Fleet of Retribution]]
**''[[Shadow of Intent]]''
**''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'' {{C|former}}
|title-2=Individual ships|
*''[[Axiom]]'' {{c|destroyed}}
*''[[Devotion (cruiser)|Devotion]]'' {{c|destroyed}}
*''[[Havoc]]''
*''[[Journey's Sustenance]]''
*''[[Mayhem]]'' {{C|Damaged in 2555}}
*''[[Onslaught (ship)|Onslaught]]''
*''[[Revolution (ship)|Revolution]]''
*''[[Swordsman (ship)|Swordsman]]''
|title-3=Aerial forces|
*[[Jardam Wing]]<ref name="h5genemylines">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Enemy Lines]]''</ref>
*[[Lar Wing]]<ref name="h5genemylines"/>
*[[Siqtar Wing]]<ref name="h5genemylines"/>
|title-4=Ground forces|
*Several [[legion]]s
*[[Special Warfare Group]]
**[[Covenant Special Operations]]
**[[Fleet Security]]
**[[Commando Unit]]
*[[Ascetics|Ascetic guard]]
}}

== Gallery ==
<Gallery>
File:Three Elites.jpg|Usze 'Taham, Thel 'Vadam, and N’tho ‘Sraom during the Battle of Earth in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3-SOSUNSC.png|The Swords of Sanghelios and UNSC Marines aboard the ''Shadow of Intent''.
File:Fleet of Retribution - Ark.jpg|The Fleet of Retribution over Installation 00.
File:2973083-Medium.jpg|Two Sangheili Minors during the Battle of Installation 00.
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 over Ealen IV
File:Thel 2558.png|Thel 'Vadam and escort on Ealen IV in 2558.
File:H2A-Arbiter&Co.jpg|Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee stands beside Sergeant Johnson and Commander Keyes in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', the two sides forging a mutual alliance to prevent the firing of the Halo Array by the Prophets. 
File:Locke&SangheiliMajor.png|A Sword of Sanghelios with Jameson Locke.
File:H2A - Arbiter and Majors.jpg|Swords of Sanghelios aboard a Type-56 Lich.
File:MCC - Locke and Arbiter.png|'Vadam, Locke and their respective forces prepare to engage [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant]] forces.
File:Hunters in the Dark full cover.jpg|N'tho 'Sraom and [[Frank Kodiak]] fighting [[Blind Wolf|Blind Wolves]] on Installation 00 in 2555 in ''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''.
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 [[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:Joint Operation 2015-06-16 01-46.jpg|The Swords of Sanghelios and Fireteam Osiris during the Battle of 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.
</Gallery>

== List of appearances ==
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[The Return]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition|Limited Edition]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo Online]]''

== Sources ==
{{Reflist|2}}

{{Organizations}}

[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Swords of Sanghelios]]