Editing Swords of Sanghelios

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|head=[[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}

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>

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}}

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>

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>  

[[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}}

[[File:HE Spartans Ealen IV.png|left|thumb|250px|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 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>

[[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}}  

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}}

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}}

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}}

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}}

 

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>

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 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]]}}

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

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

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

File:BattleForTheBloodMoon.jpg|Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili with Spartan [[Fireteam Jorogumo]] during the [[Battle of Suban]] in ''[[Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''.

*''[[Sunrise on Sanghelios]]''

*''[[Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''