Editing Swords of Sanghelios

[[File:H2A - Arbiter and Majors.jpg|300px]]<br>Thel 'Vadam's modern restoration of the Swords of Sanghelios

|type=Secular government

|founder=[[Thel 'Vadam]]

|head=[[Arbiter]]

|executive=Arbiter

|main=[[Vadam]], [[Sanghelios]]

|techlevel=[[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 2: Interstellar|Tier 2]]

|notable=[[Blooding Years]]

|formed= Pre-[[938 BCE]] {{c|Original Swords of Sanghelios dissolved in [[852 BCE]]}}

|reorganized=After [[2553#March|March 2553]]<ref name="Mythos144">'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 144''</ref>

{{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 their nobility of their cause: the unification of the Sangheili people.|[[Curator]] on the formation of the Swords of Sanghelios{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos144}}}}

The '''Swords of Sanghelios'''{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos144}} is an alliance of [[Sangheili]] [[keep]]s and the preeminent governing body on [[Sanghelios]], as well as many [[Sangheili colonies]]. 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="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 sangheili">[https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sangheili.html '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Sangheili'']</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 name="soslevel">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]''</ref>

The Sangheili initially lacked organization after being cast out of the [[Covenant]], leading various groups of [[Covenant separatists]]. [[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] led a significant number of their [[Fleet of Retribution|forces]] in the deciding battles of the war,<ref name="floodgate">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref> although Thel 'Vadam would not formally establish the Swords until after the war's end.<ref name="glasslands">'''Halo: Glasslands'''</ref> After the Covenant's defeat, the Sangheili-led groups would [[Covenant remnants|split off into various different 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, the Swords of Sanghelios are often viewed as representing the Sangheili on the whole in their diplomatic relations with humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|glasslands}} Even though the Swords seek to distance themselves from the Covenant ideologically and culturally,{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sangheili}} some humans have mistakenly referred to them as "the Covenant".<ref>'''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'''</ref>

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. 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}}

===Post-war===

After the Covenant's defeat at the end of the war, the [[Covenant separatists]] split off into [[Covenant Remnants|several different factions]]. The Arbiter and [[Fleet of Retribution|his followers]] formally established the Swords of Sanghelios, primarily as an alliance of keeps aligned with 'Vadam.{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}}  

====The Blooding Years====

{{Main|Blooding Years}}

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>

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/Reuse|Catalog}}

[[File:HE Spartans Ealen IV.png|left|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/Reuse|HE1}}

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 Covenant [[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>'''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>

====Battle for Sanghelios and Created uprising====

[[File:H5G-SOSrally.png|right|thumb|300px|The Arbiter rallying his forces.]]

Around October 27, 2558, following the death of Jul 'Mdama, the remainder of his followers attacked the Swords of Sanghelios on the [[Sanghelios|Sangheili homeworld]]. The Arbiter received assistance from the UNSC's [[Fireteam Osiris]], who were searching for [[John-117|MCPO John-117]], in repelling the invasion. 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.{{Ref/Reuse|BOS}} 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. 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>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-driving-force'''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Driving Force'']</ref>

====Post-Created====

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 and forced the Swords of Sanghelios to intervene.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=230}}

{{Expand-section}}

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}}

Although they remained at war with [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]], the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]], and several other [[Covenant remnants]], the Swords of Sanghelios 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>

===Unified Earth Government===

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>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', ''"[[Breaking Strain]]"''</ref> 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>'''Halo: Fractures''', "[[Oasis]]"</ref>

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>'''Halo: Fractures''', "[[Lessons Learned]]"</ref> 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>

By [[2558]], the UNSC's ambassador to them was [[Rear Admiral]] [[Horatio Temkin]].<ref name="HE5">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #5''</ref>

The Swords of Sanghelios look to pre-Covenant Sangheili culture and traditions as they seek to rebuild their civilization, unlike [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s ideologically opposite [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed Covenant]] or many other groups seeking to reattain the hegemony's former glory.{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sangheili}}

The Swords of Sanghelios have 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://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/usze-taham.html '''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>

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>

The Swords of Sanghelios has revived traditional Sangheili ranks such as [[Ascetics|Ascetic warriors]].{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}} 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}}

|[[Kig-Yar Storm|Storm]]

|[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]]<br>[[Commando Unit|Commando]]<br>[[Ascetics|Ascetic]]

|

|[[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]]

|

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|Vostu|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|Rizsheda|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}} and at least one {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}.{{Ref/Reuse|HitD}} They also made use of ancient Sangheili ships, like {{Pattern|Hekar Taa|blockade runner}}s, {{Pattern|Lursu|brigantine}}s, {{Pattern|Rwaru|carrack}}s and {{Pattern|R'sikosh|man o' war}}s.<ref name="BTS">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Before the Storm]]''</ref><ref name="BOS">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]''</ref>

*Unidentified Fleet at the [[Battle of Ealen IV]]

**''[[Shadow of Intent]]''

**''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'' {{C|former}}

*''[[Axiom]]'' {{c|destroyed}}

*''[[Devotion (cruiser)|Devotion]]'' {{c|destroyed}}

*''[[Far Vision]]''{{c|destroyed}}

*''[[Havoc]]''

*''[[Journey's Sustenance]]''

*''[[Mayhem]]'' {{C|Damaged in 2555}}

*''[[Onslaught (ship)|Onslaught]]''

*''[[Revolution (ship)|Revolution]]''

*''[[Swordsman (ship)|Swordsman]]''

*[[Lar Wing]]{{Ref/Reuse|h5genemylines}}

*[[Siqtar Wing]]{{Ref/Reuse|h5genemylines}}

== Gallery ==

File:Ealen IV.jpg|Swords of Sanghelios over Ealen IV.

*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''{{Mo}}