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|eyes=Amber{{Ref/Reuse|wp thel}} | |eyes=Amber{{Ref/Reuse|wp thel}} | ||
|affiliation=*[[House of 'Vadam]]{{Ref/Reuse|VIS}} | |affiliation=*[[House of 'Vadam]]{{Ref/Reuse|VIS}} | ||
*[[Covenant]] {{C| | *[[Covenant]] {{C|formerly}}{{Ref/Reuse|VIS}} | ||
*[[Covenant separatists]] {{C| | *[[Covenant separatists]] {{C|formerly}} | ||
*[[Swords of Sanghelios]] | *[[Swords of Sanghelios]]{{Ref/Reuse|wp thel}} | ||
|rank-title=Titles|rank=*[[Kaidon]] of [[Vadam]] | |rank-title=Titles|rank=*[[Kaidon]] of [[Vadam]] | ||
*[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] {{C| | *[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] {{C|formerly}} | ||
*[[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] {{C| | *[[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] {{C|formerly}} | ||
*[[Arbiter]] | *[[Arbiter]] | ||
|sn= | |sn= | ||
|notable=*Last Arbiter of the Covenant | |notable=*Last Arbiter of the Covenant | ||
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{{Quote|The Arbiter. Maybe more than any other figure, a symbol of what [[Milky Way galaxy|the galaxy]] could one day become.|[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]] on Thel 'Vadam.{{Ref/Reuse|Esc1}}}} | {{Quote|The Arbiter. Maybe more than any other figure, a symbol of what [[Milky Way galaxy|the galaxy]] could one day become.|[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]] on Thel 'Vadam.{{Ref/Reuse|Esc1}}}} | ||
'''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam''' (formerly ''''Vadamee''') | '''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam''' (formerly ''''Vadamee''')<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''The long road home''</ref> is the [[Sangheili]] [[kaidon]] of the [[House of 'Vadam]] and the last [[Arbiter]] to serve the [[Covenant]]. He continues to hold this title in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|wake]] of its [[Great Schism|dissolution]]. Presently, he leads the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], an alliance of [[keep]]s modeled after an ancient order of the same name, and is considered by many to be the formal leader of all Sangheili as the '''Kaidon of Unity'''.<ref name="wp thel">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/arbiter-thel-vadam '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam'']</ref>{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P245|Enc22|Page=245}} | ||
Thel commanded | Thel commanded multiple fleets during his service in the [[Covenant]], most notably the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]], of which he was [[Supreme Commander]]. This fleet mounted a successful [[Fall of Reach|attack]] on the [[human]] colony of [[Reach]] under his command and later [[Battle of Installation 04|fought]] the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} on [[Installation 04]], the first [[Halo Array|Halo ring]] to be discovered by the Covenant and [[humanity]]. 'Vadamee was responsible for over one billion [[human]] casualties over the course of the decades-long war against the humans and the [[glassing]] of at least seven colonies.<ref name="terminal 3">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 3]]''</ref> At the outbreak of the [[Great Schism]], Thel became a leading figure among the Sangheili and aided the [[United Nations Space Command]] in its efforts to stop the [[High Prophet of Truth]] and his forces from activating the [[Halo Array]]. He and [[Fleet of Retribution|many Sangheili]] fought in multiple battles alongside the [[Spartan-II]] super-soldier, [[John-117]] on [[Installation 05]], [[Earth]], and [[Installation 00]] in the final weeks of the war. | ||
Returning to [[Sanghelios]] after the war's conclusion, Thel became a symbol of Sangheili honor and resilience in the face of betrayal. He attempted to unite the feudal states across his homeworld in forming the first coalition government since the [[War of Beginnings]]. Despite his efforts, he met resistance from [[Covenant remnants|other Sangheili factions]], who felt that his ideals and beliefs went against the traditional Sangheili values of [[Forerunner]] worship or that the peace treaty with the [[human]]s could not be trusted. This disagreement soon spilled over into [[Blooding Years|civil war]], and the Swords of Sanghelios became locked in conflict with other groups, primarily [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] and the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]. He led the Swords to victory over these two groups, thanks in part to assistance from the UNSC. | Returning to [[Sanghelios]] after the war's conclusion, Thel became a symbol of Sangheili honor and resilience in the face of betrayal. He attempted to unite the feudal states across his homeworld in forming the first coalition government since the [[War of Beginnings]]. Despite his efforts, he met resistance from [[Covenant remnants|other Sangheili factions]], who felt that his ideals and beliefs went against the traditional Sangheili values of [[Forerunner]] worship or that the peace treaty with the [[human]]s could not be trusted. This disagreement soon spilled over into [[Blooding Years|civil war]], and the Swords of Sanghelios became locked in conflict with other groups, primarily [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] and the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]. He led the Swords to victory over these two groups, thanks in part to assistance from the UNSC. | ||
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[[File:H2A Terminals ThelTraining.png|thumb|250px|Thel 'Vadamee training.]] | [[File:H2A Terminals ThelTraining.png|thumb|250px|Thel 'Vadamee training.]] | ||
{{Quote|Thel 'Vadamee was born of noble blood. The legendary house of 'Vadam. His family's renown demanded great expectations for his military career. And he would meet them all.|A San'Shyuum scribe about Thel 'Vadamee {{Ref/Reuse|a2at12}}}} | {{Quote|Thel 'Vadamee was born of noble blood. The legendary house of 'Vadam. His family's renown demanded great expectations for his military career. And he would meet them all.|A San'Shyuum scribe about Thel 'Vadamee {{Ref/Reuse|a2at12}}}} | ||
Thel was born to the noble | Thel was born to the noble [[House of 'Vadam]], rulers of the powerful state of [[Vadam]] on [[Sanghelios]]. In his youth, Thel was trained in the ways of fighting by his relative [[Lak 'Vadamee]].<ref name="tcp349">'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', Chapter 72, ''page 349''</ref> He later joined the [[Covenant military]], adding the "-ee" suffix to his surname according to custom. During the [[Human-Covenant War]], Thel participated in the Covenant [[Fall of Madrigal|attack]] on the [[human]] [[Outer Colony]] of [[Madrigal]] in [[2528]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', Chapter 19, ''pages 146 and 156''</ref> By [[2535]], he had at least one wife.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HTCP19|HTCP|Chapter=19}} | ||
Within a short time, Thel achieved both the rank of [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] and the title of [[shipmaster]], and became [[kaidon]] of his state through the votes of Vadam's [[elder]]s.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', Chapter 9, ''page 89''</ref> At some point, Thel would sustain an injury in the training ring due to a mistake. His family, having a recently promoted shipmaster in the bloodline, hushed up the incident, as well as the resultant visit by a physician, due to the Sangheili's cultural stigma toward doctors and medical operations. During his convalescence, Thel handmade an old-fashioned [[doarmir]]-fur shipmaster's cloak, and would later wear it as part of his shipmaster's attire to remind him that he could make grave mistakes if he let his guard down.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', Chapter 22, ''page 159''</ref> Thel's role as kaidon was important for the House of 'Vadam, as he was tasked with continuing the reign of the powerful state of Vadam. Early in his rule, he was attacked by three Sangheili assassins wielding energy swords. He managed to kill all three without injury, and proceeded to appear before Vadam's elders to determine which had ordered the attack. Thel discovered that the assassination orders had come from the elder [[Koida 'Vadam]], and after killing him, he ordered all of Koida's line to leave Vadam keep by sunrise.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', Chapter 8, ''pages 83-94''</ref> | Within a short time, Thel achieved both the rank of [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] and the title of [[shipmaster]], and became [[kaidon]] of his state through the votes of Vadam's [[elder]]s.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', Chapter 9, ''page 89''</ref> At some point, Thel would sustain an injury in the training ring due to a mistake. His family, having a recently promoted shipmaster in the bloodline, hushed up the incident, as well as the resultant visit by a physician, due to the Sangheili's cultural stigma toward doctors and medical operations. During his convalescence, Thel handmade an old-fashioned [[doarmir]]-fur shipmaster's cloak, and would later wear it as part of his shipmaster's attire to remind him that he could make grave mistakes if he let his guard down.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', Chapter 22, ''page 159''</ref> Thel's role as kaidon was important for the House of 'Vadam, as he was tasked with continuing the reign of the powerful state of Vadam. Early in his rule, he was attacked by three Sangheili assassins wielding energy swords. He managed to kill all three without injury, and proceeded to appear before Vadam's elders to determine which had ordered the attack. Thel discovered that the assassination orders had come from the elder [[Koida 'Vadam]], and after killing him, he ordered all of Koida's line to leave Vadam keep by sunrise.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', Chapter 8, ''pages 83-94''</ref> | ||
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===Fall from grace and becoming the Arbiter=== | ===Fall from grace and becoming the Arbiter=== | ||
[[File:H2A - Arbiter helmet.jpg|thumb|250px|'Vadamee wearing the Arbiter helmet for the first time.]] | [[File:H2A - Arbiter helmet.jpg|thumb|250px|'Vadamee wearing the Arbiter helmet for the first time.]] | ||
{{Quote| | {{Quote|Soon the [[Great Journey]] will begin, but when it does, the weight of your heresy will stay your feet, and you shall be left behind.|The Prophet of Truth to 'Thel Vadamee at his hearing.<ref name="TheHeretic">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref>}} | ||
The loss of the holy [[Forerunner]] [[Installation 04|relic]] was an unforgivable failure in the eyes of the High Prophets and Sangheili Councilors. 'Vadamee was stripped of his rank, title, name, and honor, and branded a heretic for his failure to safeguard the Sacred Ring. | The loss of the holy [[Forerunner]] [[Installation 04|relic]] was an unforgivable failure in the eyes of the High Prophets and Sangheili Councilors. 'Vadamee was stripped of his rank, title, name, and honor, and branded a heretic for his failure to safeguard the Sacred Ring. The [[Mark of Shame]] was branded upon his chest, and he was sentenced to death. His corpse was to "be hung by his entrails" and "paraded through [[High Charity|the city]]" as an example to others.<ref name="thearbiter">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref> | ||
The Hierarchs, however, had a different fate in mind for Thel. Upon being brought before the High Prophets of Truth and [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]], Thel was offered the choice of becoming the new [[Arbiter]]. Understanding that the office of Arbiter was itself a death sentence and seeking to regain his honor, Thel accepted.{{Ref/Reuse|thearbiter}} | The Hierarchs, however, had a different fate in mind for Thel. Upon being brought before the High Prophets of Truth and [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]], Thel was offered the choice of becoming the new [[Arbiter]]. Understanding that the office of Arbiter was itself a death sentence and seeking to regain his honor, Thel accepted.{{Ref/Reuse|thearbiter}} | ||
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Aboard ''High Charity'', Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee witnessed the [[Changing of the Guard|replacement]] of the [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] with the [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Jiralhanae]] as a result of Regret's assassination at the hands of the human [[Demon]]. Though distressed by change, and voicing his concerns to the Prophet of Truth, 'Vadamee made no further comment, as he has found out that the Covenant found another [[Installation 05|Halo]]. The High Prophets, who were surprised by both the fact that 'Vadamee had escaped from the Threshold gas mine and that he helped recover the Monitor Guilty Spark (the "Holy Oracle" to whom they inquired about Halo), decided to send him to Installation 05's "[[Quarantine Zone]]" to retrieve the [[Activation Index|"Sacred Icon"]]. This holy relic was needed to activate Delta Halo and begin the Great Journey. On the way to the surface via a Phantom captained by Tartarus, Thel learned from Jiralhanae Chieftain that it was the [[John-117|Demon]], the very same one responsible for Installation 04's destruction, who assassinated Regret. | Aboard ''High Charity'', Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee witnessed the [[Changing of the Guard|replacement]] of the [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] with the [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman|Jiralhanae]] as a result of Regret's assassination at the hands of the human [[Demon]]. Though distressed by change, and voicing his concerns to the Prophet of Truth, 'Vadamee made no further comment, as he has found out that the Covenant found another [[Installation 05|Halo]]. The High Prophets, who were surprised by both the fact that 'Vadamee had escaped from the Threshold gas mine and that he helped recover the Monitor Guilty Spark (the "Holy Oracle" to whom they inquired about Halo), decided to send him to Installation 05's "[[Quarantine Zone]]" to retrieve the [[Activation Index|"Sacred Icon"]]. This holy relic was needed to activate Delta Halo and begin the Great Journey. On the way to the surface via a Phantom captained by Tartarus, Thel learned from Jiralhanae Chieftain that it was the [[John-117|Demon]], the very same one responsible for Installation 04's destruction, who assassinated Regret. | ||
Thel made his way through the [[Sentinel Wall]] (with a few surviving [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]]) to deactivate the [[Library]]'s [[quarantine shield]], fighting a number of Sentinels and Enforcers, eventually passing by dead Jiralhanae on the way. He eventually deactivated the shield, but before Tartarus could pick him up, an Enforcer fired on his Phantom forcing him to break off. The situation was soon complicated when it was discovered that the Flood was running loose throughout the Wall and fighting the Sentinels. He progressively made his way on foot, briefly bearing witness to Human Marines being overrun by the Flood, who were slowly overwhelming the facility. Eventually, Thel made it to the other side of the Sentinel Wall, just as a [[Sentinel manufacturing facility]] was shot down by a Wraith mortar. Just as the Arbiter engaged the Flood on the ground, several [[ | Thel made his way through the [[Sentinel Wall]] (with a few surviving [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]]) to deactivate the [[Library]]'s [[quarantine shield]], fighting a number of Sentinels and Enforcers, eventually passing by dead Jiralhanae on the way. He eventually deactivated the shield, but before Tartarus could pick him up, an Enforcer fired on his Phantom forcing him to break off. The situation was soon complicated when it was discovered that the Flood was running loose throughout the Wall and fighting the Sentinels. He progressively made his way on foot, briefly bearing witness to Human Marines being overrun by the Flood, who were slowly overwhelming the facility. Eventually, Thel made it to the other side of the Sentinel Wall, just as a [[Sentinel manufacturing facility]] was shot down by a Wraith mortar. Just as the Arbiter engaged the Flood on the ground, several [[Covenant drop pod|drop pods]] landed with [[Special Operations Sangheili]] aiding him in his rendezvous with a very surprised Rtas 'Vadumee, who commanded the Sangheili to hold off the Flood until Phantoms could drop in reinforcements, and after a tough fight, they did.<ref name="sacredicon">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon]]''</ref> | ||
[[File:H2A - Rtas rallying troops.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Rtas 'Vadumee rallies his Sangheili to battle.]] | [[File:H2A - Rtas rallying troops.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Rtas 'Vadumee rallies his Sangheili to battle.]] | ||
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The shutdown, however, activated a failsafe system; the rest of the Halos were set to standby mode, and could only be activated remotely from what Spark informed them was [[Installation 00|"The Ark"]]. After the Arbiter asked him its location, Spark gave them coordinates to [[Earth]].{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}}<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 197''</ref> | The shutdown, however, activated a failsafe system; the rest of the Halos were set to standby mode, and could only be activated remotely from what Spark informed them was [[Installation 00|"The Ark"]]. After the Arbiter asked him its location, Spark gave them coordinates to [[Earth]].{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}}<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 197''</ref> | ||
The release of the Flood from the ring, however, would put their plans to get to Earth on hold: the Arbiter would once again rendezvous with 'Vadumee, now shipmaster of the recently-captured [[assault carrier]] ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'', flagship of the separatists' fledgling [[Fleet of Retribution]].<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/shadow-of-intent '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Shadow of Intent'']</ref> Together, they formulated a plan for sterilization and quarantine. Spark remained with the fleet to coordinate containment efforts while the Arbiter, Keyes and Johnson raced back to Earth aboard one of the fleet's vessels to warn humanity and to locate the Ark. | The release of the Flood from the ring, however, would put their plans to get to Earth on hold: the Arbiter would once again rendezvous with 'Vadumee, now shipmaster of the recently-captured [[assault carrier]] ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'', flagship of the separatists' fledgling [[Fleet of Retribution]].<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/shadow-of-intent '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Shadow of Intent'']</ref> Together, they formulated a plan for sterilization and quarantine. Spark remained with the fleet to coordinate containment efforts while the Arbiter, Keyes and Johnson raced back to Earth aboard one of the fleet's vessels to warn humanity and to locate the Ark.<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''"The Long Road Home"''</ref><ref name="lootcrate2">'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]''</ref> | ||
Like many Sangheili after the Great Schism, 'Vadamee abridged his surname to "'Vadam", symbolizing his resignation from the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 126''</ref> | Like many Sangheili after the Great Schism, 'Vadamee abridged his surname to "'Vadam", symbolizing his resignation from the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 126''</ref> | ||
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Thel rejoined John-117 at the docks, shortly after the Master Chief cleared the road to Voi of Covenant by destroying a Scarab. The two then attacked a section of the Covenant mechanized presence defending the area around the [[Portal at Voi|Forerunner Portal]], which took them through a Traxus warehouse and in a confrontation with a pair of [[Mgalekgolo]] who sided with Brutes. Along the way, he cursed at a preaching hologram of Truth and declared that he will never again be [[Mark of Shame|shamed]], cementing his newfound hatred toward the last surviving Hierarch of the Covenant, and still fuming over his betrayal and lies. | Thel rejoined John-117 at the docks, shortly after the Master Chief cleared the road to Voi of Covenant by destroying a Scarab. The two then attacked a section of the Covenant mechanized presence defending the area around the [[Portal at Voi|Forerunner Portal]], which took them through a Traxus warehouse and in a confrontation with a pair of [[Mgalekgolo]] who sided with Brutes. Along the way, he cursed at a preaching hologram of Truth and declared that he will never again be [[Mark of Shame|shamed]], cementing his newfound hatred toward the last surviving Hierarch of the Covenant, and still fuming over his betrayal and lies. | ||
Opening a hole in the Covenant anti-air defenses, [[Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]]'s remaining ships assaulted the Prophet of Truth's [[ | Opening a hole in the Covenant anti-air defenses, [[Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]]'s remaining ships assaulted the Prophet of Truth's [[Forerunner Dreadnought]]. The airstrike was insufficient to destroy the ancient Keyship, and the activated artifact formed an enormous [[slipspace portal]] through which Truth and the Covenant fleet retreated. Before Lord Hood could consolidate the scattered human resistance, a [[Indulgence of Conviction|Flood-infested Covenant cruiser]] transitioned out of Slipspace and crashed into the city, infesting a significant area in and around Voi.<ref name="TheStorm">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Storm]]''</ref> | ||
The Arbiter and the Master Chief proceeded to cauterize the local area of the Flood, battling their way to the cruiser to overload the crashed ship's engines and destroy the source of the infestation. They made their way through the same warehouse they fought Covenant, only to bear witness to the Flood's reanimation of various corpses, both UNSC and Covenant, and carved a swath through the nightmarish outbreak. They were aided by a handful of surviving Marines before they came a cross a [[Suicidal Marine|lone marine]] who was deeply traumatized by his encounter with the Flood, claiming he "helped" his squad by killing them. | The Arbiter and the Master Chief proceeded to cauterize the local area of the Flood, battling their way to the cruiser to overload the crashed ship's engines and destroy the source of the infestation. They made their way through the same warehouse they fought Covenant, only to bear witness to the Flood's reanimation of various corpses, both UNSC and Covenant, and carved a swath through the nightmarish outbreak. They were aided by a handful of surviving Marines before they came a cross a [[Suicidal Marine|lone marine]] who was deeply traumatized by his encounter with the Flood, claiming he "helped" his squad by killing them. | ||
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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 [[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''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 2|Issue #2]]''</ref> However, as the delegates entered the redoubt, [[Vladimir Scruggs|Spartan Scruggs]] of [[Fireteam Jackknife]]—who had betrayed his team—ambushed the group and held 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.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue #3]]''</ref> | 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 [[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''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 2|Issue #2]]''</ref> However, as the delegates entered the redoubt, [[Vladimir Scruggs|Spartan Scruggs]] of [[Fireteam Jackknife]]—who had betrayed his team—ambushed the group and held 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.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue #3]]''</ref> | ||
{{clear}} | |||
===Sanghelios Global War and Created Uprising=== | ===Sanghelios Global War and Created Uprising=== | ||
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===Meeting an old friend=== | ===Meeting an old friend=== | ||
[[File:ArbiterAndChiefReunion.png|250px|thumb|Arbiter Thel 'Vadam reunites with his Spartan friend, John-117, for the first time in years.]] | [[File:ArbiterAndChiefReunion.png|250px|thumb|Arbiter Thel 'Vadam reunites with his Spartan friend, John-117, for the first time in years.]] | ||
{{Quote|When we first met, we were enemies fighting to end each other. Now as allies, I am confident we can face this new threat together once more.|Thel 'Vadam showing his respect and willingness to help the Master Chief through ongoing [[Created conflict|crisis]].{{Ref/ | {{Quote|When we first met, we were enemies fighting to end each other. Now as allies, I am confident we can face this new threat together once more.|Thel 'Vadam showing his respect and willingness to help the Master Chief through ongoing [[Created conflict|crisis]].{{Ref/Reuse|BB}}}} | ||
After his victory at Sunaion, 'Vadam and his forces returned to their campsite at Nuusra with Halsey and Palmer. However, during this time, a Guardian returned back to Sanghelios after the Sangheili refused to surrender to the [[Created]], a faction of rogue artificial intelligences founded by Cortana. The Guardian finished off the remaining Covenant ships and began blacking out the planet with ground assistance of Prometheans which were sent in to pacify cities that refused to surrender. | After his victory at Sunaion, 'Vadam and his forces returned to their campsite at Nuusra with Halsey and Palmer. However, during this time, a Guardian returned back to Sanghelios after the Sangheili refused to surrender to the [[Created]], a faction of rogue artificial intelligences founded by Cortana. The Guardian finished off the remaining Covenant ships and began blacking out the planet with ground assistance of Prometheans which were sent in to pacify cities that refused to surrender. | ||
After | After escaping from Genesis, [[Fireteam Osiris]] and [[Blue Team]] returned to Sanghelios where John-117 and Thel were reunited for the first time since they fought together on [[Installation 08]].<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Guardians]]''</ref> The Chief introduced Blue Team to Thel, who proceeded to invite his old friend and the new arrivals to join in a celebratory meal commemorating their victory over the last of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant. Thel and the Master Chief subsequently spent part of the night reminiscing about their past. Also the Arbiter reassured the Chief in his support in the coming fight against the Created. The next day, the humans left the planet for a rendezvous with the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} near [[Suban]], one of the moons of Sanghelios.<ref name="BB">'''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''', ''Chapter 1''</ref> | ||
{{Clear}} | |||
===Mission to Netherop=== | |||
In 2559, in the middle of the [[Created conflict]], the Arbiter, accompanied by the Spartan IV Olympia Vale, lead a mission on the hostile world of Netherop in an attempt to locate a rumored ancient artifact which could be the key to ending the Created's rule over the galaxy. | |||
==Personality and traits== | ==Personality and traits== | ||
{{Quote|I have had many names in this long war. The humans knew me as 'Destroyer'. In the Covenant, I was Supreme Commander. The Prophets named me... Arbiter. And your Master Chief calls me... friend.|Thel 'Vadam on his life.<ref>''Halo 2: Anniversary - Terminals Trailer''</ref>}} | {{Quote|I have had many names in this long war. The humans knew me as 'Destroyer'. In the Covenant, I was Supreme Commander. The Prophets named me... Arbiter. And your Master Chief calls me... friend.|Thel 'Vadam on his life.<ref>''Halo 2: Anniversary - Terminals Trailer''</ref>}} | ||
[[File:H2A - Thel's face.jpg|thumb|250px|Thel after the Hierarchs offer him the position of Arbiter.]] | [[File:H2A - Thel's face.jpg|thumb|250px|Thel after the Hierarchs offer him the position of Arbiter.]] | ||
Thel, like most Sangheili, held an obsession with honor and tradition for most of his adult life. However, he was more flexible than his peers when it came to the tactics that he used, and in particular showed a keen interest in human weapons even before the Great Schism. His worldview changed greatly during the Great Schism. While once zealous and unquestioningly obedient to the Prophets' will, after learning of the true nature of the Halo rings, he became more open-minded and accepting of the humans, his former enemies. His experiences as Arbiter also made him more pragmatic than most Sangheili, being willing to accept help from the UNSC in fending off an assault on [[Vadam keep|his keep]]. He has shown to be true to his title "Arbiter", and sometimes tries to negotiate with his enemies, such as [[Yanme'e]] during the Battle | Thel, like most Sangheili, held an obsession with honor and tradition for most of his adult life. However, he was more flexible than his peers when it came to the tactics that he used, and in particular showed a keen interest in human weapons even before the Great Schism. His worldview changed greatly during the Great Schism. While once zealous and unquestioningly obedient to the Prophets' will, after learning of the true nature of the Halo rings, he became more open-minded and accepting of the humans, his former enemies. His experiences as Arbiter also made him more pragmatic than most Sangheili, being willing to accept help from the UNSC in fending off an assault on [[Vadam keep|his keep]]. He has shown to be true to his title "Arbiter", and sometimes tries to negotiate with his enemies, such as [[Yanme'e]] during the Battle of Earth (though this fell on deaf ears). | ||
As noted by [[Jameson Locke]] in his [[target profile]] on him, Thel was an incredibly brilliant commander, known for utilizing advanced tactics that made his fleet unstoppable. Among the Covenant, he was noted for being one of the youngest Sangheili to attain the ranks of both Shipmaster and Supreme Commander.<ref name="a2at12">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 12]]''</ref> During the war, 'Vadamee was known for his tendency to lead campaigns from the front lines. His unorthodox tactics in comparison to the Covenant at large quickly caught the eye of ONI; Lieutenant Commander Locke considered him the most dangerous asset the Covenant had due to his strategic unpredictability and tactical flexibility.{{Ref/Reuse|a2at1}} After the [[Fall of Reach]], 'Vadamee's influence within the Covenant fleet had grown so great [[Sesa 'Refumee]] suspected the Prophets may perceive him as a threat to their power even before learning of his appointment as Arbiter.<ref name="a2at13">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 13]]''</ref> | As noted by [[Jameson Locke]] in his [[target profile]] on him, Thel was an incredibly brilliant commander, known for utilizing advanced tactics that made his fleet unstoppable. Among the Covenant, he was noted for being one of the youngest Sangheili to attain the ranks of both Shipmaster and Supreme Commander.<ref name="a2at12">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 12]]''</ref> During the war, 'Vadamee was known for his tendency to lead campaigns from the front lines. His unorthodox tactics in comparison to the Covenant at large quickly caught the eye of ONI; Lieutenant Commander Locke considered him the most dangerous asset the Covenant had due to his strategic unpredictability and tactical flexibility.{{Ref/Reuse|a2at1}} After the [[Fall of Reach]], 'Vadamee's influence within the Covenant fleet had grown so great [[Sesa 'Refumee]] suspected the Prophets may perceive him as a threat to their power even before learning of his appointment as Arbiter.<ref name="a2at13">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 13]]''</ref> | ||
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Thel also managed to inspire great loyalty in his subordinates. While [[Rtas 'Vadum]] initially lost his respect for Thel for the loss of Installation 04,{{Ref/Reuse|thearbiter}} Thel's subsequent actions at the gas mine and Installation 05 restored it and strengthened their comraderie, to the point where Rtas spared Earth from a full Flood-quelling [[glassing]] at Thel's urging.{{Ref/Reuse|Floodgate}} [[Jora 'Konaree]] thought of him like a cousin, and Sesa 'Refumee considered him to be the only individual that he would trust with [[343 Guilty Spark]]'s revelations, though Thel's appointment as Arbiter prevented any detailed conversations.{{Ref/Reuse|a2at13}} Even so, however, he was able to comprehend the same message when it was told to him by the [[Gravemind]], [[John-117]], and [[343 Guilty Spark]].{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}}{{Ref/Reuse|Gravemind}} | Thel also managed to inspire great loyalty in his subordinates. While [[Rtas 'Vadum]] initially lost his respect for Thel for the loss of Installation 04,{{Ref/Reuse|thearbiter}} Thel's subsequent actions at the gas mine and Installation 05 restored it and strengthened their comraderie, to the point where Rtas spared Earth from a full Flood-quelling [[glassing]] at Thel's urging.{{Ref/Reuse|Floodgate}} [[Jora 'Konaree]] thought of him like a cousin, and Sesa 'Refumee considered him to be the only individual that he would trust with [[343 Guilty Spark]]'s revelations, though Thel's appointment as Arbiter prevented any detailed conversations.{{Ref/Reuse|a2at13}} Even so, however, he was able to comprehend the same message when it was told to him by the [[Gravemind]], [[John-117]], and [[343 Guilty Spark]].{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}}{{Ref/Reuse|Gravemind}} | ||
After the Battle of Installation 04, he was ashamed for his failure at Halo, and wished only to regain his honor before dying for the Prophets. He remained stubbornly attached to his faith even after the betrayal of Tartarus and his encounter with the Gravemind. However, when he heard the truth of the Sacred Rings from 343 Guilty Spark, he finally accepted the truth surrounding the Great Journey. Following his betrayal by the Prophets, Thel developed an intense hatred of | After the Battle of Installation 04, he was ashamed for his failure at Halo, and wished only to regain his honor before dying for the Prophets. He remained stubbornly attached to his faith even after the betrayal of Tartarus and his encounter with the Gravemind. However, when he heard the truth of the Sacred Rings from 343 Guilty Spark, he finally accepted the truth surrounding the Great Journey. Following his betrayal by the Prophets, Thel developed an intense hatred of San'Shyuum and Jiralhanae. Despite this, Thel was gracious enough to attempt to reason with the Jiralhanae Chieftain [[Tartarus]] in [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Installation 05's Control Room]].{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}} | ||
[[File:Chiefarbiter.jpg|thumb|250px|John-117 and Thel 'Vadam fighting alongside each other.]] | [[File:Chiefarbiter.jpg|thumb|250px|John-117 and Thel 'Vadam fighting alongside each other.]] | ||
Despite his former hatred for humans, Thel has displayed great respect for some, even former battlefield foes. He also holds admiration for humanity's courage; this is most clearly seen by his actions to avoid the glassing of Earth, even though that meant risking a possible Flood outbreak. Presumably due to the role Johnson played in his killing of Tartarus, Thel respected him greatly and grieved his death, expressing sorrow to the Master Chief, but promising that his sacrifice would not be in vain. Despite initially hating the Master Chief greatly for destroying Installation 04 and being the "Demon" of the Covenant who killed so many soldiers, the Arbiter came to greatly respect and trust the Chief. The Chief and Gravemind helped convince him of the truth of the Great Journey and they fought together against the Covenant and Truth. Together they defeated Truth and deactivated the Halo Array. When the Master Chief went to rescue Cortana and activate [[Installation 08]], Thel remained behind to help him and shared a nod of respect with him when it was over. Even though the Master Chief was believed to be dead, Thel showed disbelief in this presumption, confident that the Spartan had survived thanks to his extraordinary ability to overcome impossible odds. After the events of Ealen IV and discovering the Chief was still alive, Thel believed John was the key to the galaxy's future. He also admitted to Spartan Locke that even when they were enemies and he called the Chief "Demon," it was with a modicum of respect for him. He also admitted that after their alliance he came to see the Chief as an ally as well as his friend.<ref name="TargetLocke">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', campaign level ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref> Before Fireteam Osiris entered the Guardian on Sunaion to find the Master Chief, the Arbiter complimented Locke with a Sangheili proverb, and then asked Locke to send the Chief his greetings. Olympia Vale remarked that she had never heard an Elite address a human in such a way.{{Ref/Reuse|sunaion}} After reuniting with the Chief, Thel warmly greeted him and the two spent part of the night catching up on old times. Before they parted ways again, Thel expressed confidence that together as allies they could defeat this new threat.{{Ref/Reuse|BB}} | Despite his former hatred for humans, Thel has displayed great respect for some, even former battlefield foes. He also holds admiration for humanity's courage; this is most clearly seen by his actions to avoid the glassing of Earth, even though that meant risking a possible Flood outbreak. Presumably due to the role Johnson played in his killing of Tartarus, Thel respected him greatly and grieved his death, expressing sorrow to the Master Chief, but promising that his sacrifice would not be in vain. Despite initially hating the Master Chief greatly for destroying Installation 04 and being the "Demon" of the Covenant who killed so many soldiers, the Arbiter came to greatly respect and trust the Chief. The Chief and Gravemind helped convince him of the truth of the Great Journey and they fought together against the Covenant and Truth. Together they defeated Truth and deactivated the Halo Array. When the Master Chief went to rescue Cortana and activate [[Installation 08]], Thel remained behind to help him and shared a nod of respect with him when it was over. Even though the Master Chief was believed to be dead, Thel showed disbelief in this presumption, confident that the Spartan had survived thanks to his extraordinary ability to overcome impossible odds. After the events of Ealen IV and discovering the Chief was still alive, Thel believed John was the key to the galaxy's future. He also admitted to Spartan Locke that even when they were enemies and he called the Chief "Demon," it was with a modicum of respect for him. He also admitted that after their alliance he came to see the Chief as an ally as well as his friend.<ref name="TargetLocke">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', campaign level ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref> Before Fireteam Osiris entered the Guardian on Sunaion to find the Master Chief, the Arbiter complimented Locke with a Sangheili proverb, and then asked Locke to send the Chief his greetings. Olympia Vale remarked that she had never heard an Elite address a human in such a way.{{Ref/Reuse|sunaion}} After reuniting with the Chief, Thel warmly greeted him and the two spent part of the night catching up on old times. Before they parted ways again, Thel expressed confidence that together as allies they could defeat this new threat.{{Ref/Reuse|BB}} | ||
{{Clear}} | |||
==Equipment== | ==Equipment== | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|quote=yes | {{Linkbox|gallery=yes|quote=yes}} | ||
*Thel 'Vadam is one of two main playable characters in ''Halo 2'', where he alternates levels or groups of levels with John-117. He is an allied character in some of the levels of ''Halo 3''. | *Thel 'Vadam is one of two main playable characters in ''Halo 2'', where he alternates levels or groups of levels with John-117. He is an allied character in some of the levels of ''Halo 3''. | ||
*When the Arbiter activates his active camouflage in ''Halo 2'', his eyes will remain visible. This is visible only on Co-Op. | |||
*When the Arbiter activates his active camouflage in ''Halo 2'', his eyes will remain visible. This is visible only on Co- Op. | |||
*He is one of the few Sangheili to refer to John-117 as "Spartan". Even during and after the [[Great Schism]], many still refer to him as the Demon (though some, notably, adopt 343 Guilty Spark's designation for him - [[Reclaimer]]). Rtas 'Vadum also holds this distinction. Thel has also called him the Master Chief. | *He is one of the few Sangheili to refer to John-117 as "Spartan". Even during and after the [[Great Schism]], many still refer to him as the Demon (though some, notably, adopt 343 Guilty Spark's designation for him - [[Reclaimer]]). Rtas 'Vadum also holds this distinction. Thel has also called him the Master Chief. | ||
*In ''Halo 3'', if the player outdistances or removes 'Vadam from the map (such as pushing him off a cliff), he will suddenly reappear as if phasing out of Active Camo. This also happens when the Master Chief enters the driver's seat of the [[Warthog]] at the end of the level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''; the Arbiter will appear on the Warthog's turret in this same manner. | *In ''Halo 3'', if the player outdistances or removes 'Vadam from the map (such as pushing him off a cliff), he will suddenly reappear as if phasing out of Active Camo. This also happens when the Master Chief enters the driver's seat of the [[Warthog]] at the end of the level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''; the Arbiter will appear on the Warthog's turret in this same manner. | ||
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File:HINF Chibi Arbiter Emblem.png|A ''Halo Infinite'' multiplayer emblem of Thel 'Vadam. | File:HINF Chibi Arbiter Emblem.png|A ''Halo Infinite'' multiplayer emblem of Thel 'Vadam. | ||
File:HOut CoverArt.jpg|Thel 'Vadam with Olympia Vale on the cover of ''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''. | File:HOut CoverArt.jpg|Thel 'Vadam with Olympia Vale on the cover of ''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' | *''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]'' | *''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]'' | ||
{{Col-2}} | |||
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' | *''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
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*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' | *''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' | ||
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]'' | **''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' | *''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' | ||
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*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Doll and Emblem only}} | *''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{C|Doll and Emblem only}} | ||
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' | *''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' | ||
{{Col-end}} | {{Col-end}} | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
{{Ref/Sources|2}} | {{Ref/Sources|2}} | ||
[[Category:Sangheili characters| | [[Category:Sangheili characters|Vadam, Thel]] | ||
[[Category:House of 'Vadam]] | [[Category:House of 'Vadam]] | ||
[[Category:Nobles]] | [[Category:Nobles|Vadam, Thel]] | ||
[[Category:Kaidons]] | [[Category:Kaidons|Vadam, Thel]] | ||
[[Category:Arbiters]] | [[Category:Arbiters|Vadam, Thel]] | ||
[[Category:Covenant military personnel]] | [[Category:Covenant military personnel|Vadam, Thel]] | ||
[[Category:Swords of Sanghelios members]] | [[Category:Swords of Sanghelios members|Vadam, Thel]] | ||
[[Category:Playable characters]] | [[Category:Playable characters]] |