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{{Era|Covenant|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Affiliation infobox
{{Affiliation infobox
|name=Servants of the Abiding Truth<br>
|name=Servants of the Abiding Truth
<small>''Neru Pe 'Odosima''</small>
|image=[[File:SotAB.png|300px]]
|anthem=  
|type=Religious cult/[[terrorism|terrorist]] organization
|image=
|founder=
|body-title=Type
|documents=
|body=Religious cult/rebellion movement
|head=*[[Avu Med 'Telcam]] †
|bodyfigure-title=
*[[Dural 'Mdama|Pale Blade]]
|bodyfigure=
|executive=
|legislative=
|judicial=
|branch=
|branch=
|main=[[Ontom]], [[Sangheilios]]
|main=* [[Temple of the Abiding Truth]], [[Ontom]], [[Sanghelios]] <small>(formerly)</small>
|language=[[Sangheili language|Sangheili]]
* [[New Llanelli]] <ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 329''</ref>
|religion= Pre-[[Covenant]] Sangheili beliefs; worship of the [[Forerunner]]s
|anthem=
|notable= Started the [[Sangheili civil war]]
|language=[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]
|formed-title=Formation
|script=
|formed=Formed around [[852 BCE]]
|religion=Pre-[[Covenant]] Sangheili beliefs; worship of the [[Forerunner]]s
|dissolved-title=
|techlevel=
|notable=*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Blooding Years]]
***[[Siege at Kolaar]]
***[[Assassination of Avu Med 'Telcam]]
***[[Second Onyx conflict]]
|formed=c. [[852 BCE]]
|dissolved=
|dissolved=
|affiliation=[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
|affiliation=[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|We do not allow blasphemers to live. The gods demand a return to piety. Truth abides.|A message left by the Servants after the attack on Relon keep<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 95''</ref>}}
{{Quote|We do not allow blasphemers to live. The gods demand a return to piety. Truth abides.|A message left by the Servants after the attack on Relon keep<ref name="gl95">'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 95''</ref>}}


The '''Servants of the Abiding Truth''' (''Neru Pe 'Odosima'' in an archaic dialect of [[Covenant languages#Sangheili|Sangheili]]), sometimes shortened to '''the Abiding Truth''', are an ancient religious order of [[Sangheili]] fundamentalists who follow their species' pre-[[Covenant]] religious beliefs. Following the [[Great Schism]] and the fall of the Covenant, the Abiding Truth became one of the more prominent [[Covenant remnants|splinter groups]] among the Sangheili.<ref name="Excerpt">'''Official Xbox Magazine: Halo - The 10th Anniversary —''' ''Glasslands excerpt''</ref> [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Sangheilian armed forces|his allies]] take a view towards the Servants that the order considers to be blasphemous. With aid from the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], the Servants of the Abiding Truth successfully incited [[Sangheili civil war|an insurrection]] against 'Vadam's forces in [[2553]].<ref name="ttw">'''Halo: The Thursday War'''</ref>
The '''Servants of the Abiding Truth''' ('''Neru Pe 'Odosima''' in an archaic dialect of [[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]), sometimes shortened to '''the Abiding Truth''', are an ancient religious order of [[Sangheili]] fundamentalists who follow their species' pre-[[Covenant]] religious beliefs. When the [[Great Schism]] broke out, they renounced the [[High Prophets]] for betraying their species.<ref name="SangheiliVsProphets">'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''' "We have been in thrall to mongrel races long enough. We have let the false prophets of the San’Shyuum corrupt our pure connection to the divine.", Avu Med 'Telcam</ref> Following the fall of the Covenant, the Abiding Truth became one of the more prominent [[Covenant remnants|splinter groups]] among the Sangheili.<ref name="Excerpt">'''Official Xbox Magazine: Halo - The 10th Anniversary —''' ''Glasslands excerpt''</ref> [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Swords of Sanghelios|his allies]] take a view towards the Servants that the order considers to be blasphemous. With aid from the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], the Servants of the Abiding Truth successfully incited [[Blooding Years|an insurrection]] against 'Vadam's forces in [[2553]].<ref name="ttw">'''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]'''</ref>


The Servants' headquarters is a [[Forerunner]] structure known as the [[Temple of the Abiding Truth]], located in the city-state of [[Ontom]]. The Servants converted their temple into a weapons cache and base of operations during their rebellion against Thel 'Vadam.  
For a time, the Servants' headquarters was a [[Forerunner]] structure known as the [[Temple of the Abiding Truth]], located in the city-state of [[Ontom]]. The Servants converted their temple into a weapons cache and base of operations during their rebellion against Thel 'Vadam. After the [[Siege at Kolaar]], the Servants fled to the former human colony of [[New Llanelli]] and established a new base of operations in a ruined [[city]].


[[Avu Med 'Telcam]], known as "the Bishop" by ONI forces, is the leader and main representative for the Servants of the Abiding Truth.<ref name="Excerpt"/>
[[Avu Med 'Telcam]], known as "the Bishop" by ONI forces, was the leader and main representative for the Servants of the Abiding Truth until [[2558]].{{Ref/Reuse|Excerpt}}<ref name="tfs">'''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''', ''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''</ref> He was later replaced by [[Dural 'Mdama]]<ref name="LoO">''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''</ref> following 'Telcam's [[Assassination of Avu Med 'Telcam|assassination]] at the hands of [[SPARTAN-G059]] once 'Telcam was no longer useful to ONI.<ref>''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]'' - ''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''</ref>
 
With the destruction of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] and the start of the [[Created conflict]], the Servants of the Abiding Truth were left as one of the most powerful [[Covenant remnants]] still active. Under Dural's leadership, they [[Second Onyx conflict|attacked]] the [[Sarcophagus]] [[shield world]] and battled for control of it with the occupying joint UNSC-[[Swords of Sanghelios]] forces while also taking refuge from the [[Created]].{{Ref/Reuse|LoO}}


==History==
==History==
The Servants of the Abiding Truth was formed following the establishment of the [[Covenant]] in [[852 BCE]]. The organization originally consisted of [[Sangheili]] that hid [[Forerunner]] artifacts from the [[San 'Shyuum]]. The order was still existent during and after the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 19''</ref> After the war, the Abiding Truth, now a militant cult under the leadership of former [[Field Master]] [[Avu Med 'Telcam]], coordinated their operations and stored large amounts of their arms and equipment in the [[Temple of the Abiding Truth]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 138-139''</ref> Although the members of the Abiding Truth believed that the Covenant's Prophets had been false, they felt that the Forerunners were still gods and demanded reverence and respect. Consequently, they believed that [[Thel 'Vadam]] and those loyal to him were committing blasphemy by saying otherwise.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 20''</ref>
===Ancient history===
The Servants of the Abiding Truth was formed following the establishment of the [[Covenant]] in [[852 BCE]]. The organization originally consisted of [[Sangheili]] that hid [[Forerunner]] artifacts from the [[San'Shyuum]]. The order was still existent during and after the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 19''</ref>  
 
===Post-Covenant war and Great Schism===
{{Main|Post-Covenant War conflicts|Siege at Kolaar|Blooding Years}}
After the war, the Abiding Truth, now a militant cult under the leadership of former [[Field Master]] [[Avu Med 'Telcam]], coordinated their operations and stored large amounts of their arms and equipment in the [[Temple of the Abiding Truth]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 138-139''</ref> Although the members of the Abiding Truth believed that the Covenant's [[Hierarchs|Prophets]] had been false and [[Great Schism|betrayed]] them,<ref name="SangheiliVsProphets" /> they still felt that the Forerunners were gods and demanded reverence and respect. Consequently, they believed that [[Thel 'Vadam]] and those loyal to him were committing blasphemy by saying otherwise.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 20''</ref>


In [[2553|January 2553]], the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] organized a meeting between 'Telcam and Captain [[Serin Osman]], along with Professor [[Evan Phillips]] on the glassed [[New Llanelli]]. The purpose of the meeting was to negotiate terms of cooperation between ONI and the Servants of the Abiding Truth, as ONI wished to create unrest amongst the Sangheili and thereby remove them as a threat to the UNSC and humanity. 'Telcam agreed to accept ONI's assistance on the condition that the UNSC ceased to "blaspheme" the divinity of the Forerunners, and that humanity would remain uninvolved with Sangheili affairs following the Servants' successful takeover of Sangheili society - terms to which Osman agreed.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 23''</ref> 'Telcam met with [[Kilo-Five|ONI operatives]] again on New Llanelli, where he received a shipment of human and Sangheili weaponry to support his forces. However, he was questioning what Osman's real plan was.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 133''</ref> After [[Relon]] had decided to demolish a Forerunner monument on his farmland, the Servants saw this as blasphemy, and they soon destroyed his [[keep]] with a [[Spirit]]. Relon and his brother, [[Jalam]], were killed and hung. The Servants left a message on their mutilated corpses to deter anyone else from such acts.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 91-95''</ref>
In [[2553|January 2553]], the [[United Nations Space Command]]'s [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] organized a meeting between 'Telcam and Captain [[Serin Osman]], along with Professor [[Evan Phillips]] on the glassed [[New Llanelli]]. The purpose of the meeting was to negotiate terms of cooperation between ONI and the Servants of the Abiding Truth, as ONI wished to create unrest amongst the Sangheili and thereby remove them as a threat to the UNSC and humanity. 'Telcam agreed to accept ONI's assistance on the condition that the UNSC ceased to "blaspheme" the divinity of the Forerunners, and that humanity would remain uninvolved with Sangheili affairs following the Servants' successful takeover of Sangheili society - terms to which Osman agreed.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 23''</ref> 'Telcam met with [[Kilo-Five|ONI operatives]] again on New Llanelli, where he received a shipment of human and Sangheili weaponry to support his forces. However, he was questioning what Osman's real plan was.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 133''</ref> After [[Relon]] had decided to demolish a Forerunner monument on his farmland, the Servants saw this as blasphemy, and they soon destroyed his [[keep]] with a [[Spirit]]. Relon and his brother, [[Jalam]], were killed and hung. The Servants left a message on their mutilated corpses to deter anyone else from such acts.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 91-95''</ref>
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Meeting with [[Forze 'Mdama]] and [[Jul 'Mdama]] in the state of [[Ontom]], 'Telcam took them on a tour of the Temple of the Abiding Truth, pointing out the symbols that may lead to the [[Halo Array]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 177''</ref> In March 2553, Jiralhanae servants in the state of [[Ontom]] launched [[terrorism|insurgent attacks]], which resulted in the death of dozens of Sangheili. Their revolt was quickly quelled by the city militia. This led 'Telcam to the decision for an immediate assault on [[Vadam]]. 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, the ''Unflinching Resolve'' suffered a direct hit and crash landed. Despite being caught off-guard it appeared as though the Arbiter 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.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 302''</ref> 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.
Meeting with [[Forze 'Mdama]] and [[Jul 'Mdama]] in the state of [[Ontom]], 'Telcam took them on a tour of the Temple of the Abiding Truth, pointing out the symbols that may lead to the [[Halo Array]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 177''</ref> In March 2553, Jiralhanae servants in the state of [[Ontom]] launched [[terrorism|insurgent attacks]], which resulted in the death of dozens of Sangheili. Their revolt was quickly quelled by the city militia. This led 'Telcam to the decision for an immediate assault on [[Vadam]]. 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, the ''Unflinching Resolve'' suffered a direct hit and crash landed. Despite being caught off-guard it appeared as though the Arbiter 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.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 302''</ref> 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, 'Telcam fled to New Llanelli. Due to a lack of ships, 'Telcam put out a reward to the [[Kig-Yar]] to find the ship ''[[Pious Inquisitor]]''.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''Chapter 3''</ref> A shipmistress known as [[Chol Von]] soon took his offer, although she secretly planned to take the ship for herself and use it as a means to defend the Kig-Yar from external threats.
After the battle, 'Telcam fled to New Llanelli. Due to a lack of ships, 'Telcam put out a reward to the [[Kig-Yar]] to find the ship ''[[Pious Inquisitor]]''.<ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''Chapter 3''</ref> A shipmistress known as [[Chol Von]] soon took his offer, although she secretly planned to take the ship for herself and use it as a means to defend the Kig-Yar from external threats.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 75''</ref> Some time later, 'Telcam once again met members of Kilo-Five on New Llanelli, this time receiving [[Evan Phillips|Dr. Evan Phillips]]' notes on the Forerunner temple at Ontom for the religious significance they held. In return, 'Telcam provided information on the status of his civil war, the disappearance of Jul 'Mdama, and ''Pious Inquisitor''.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''pages 118-124''</ref>
 
===2558===
By the time of the [[Battle of Requiem]], the Servants of the Abiding Truth had refused to join [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] even after suffering great losses at the hands of the [[Swords of Sanghelios]]. 'Mdama himself was unaware that his son [[Dural 'Mdama]], now known only as the Pale Blade, had risen to become a leading member of the Servants, working directly under 'Telcam.<ref name="Mythos">'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 178''</ref>


Some time later, 'Telcam once again met members of Kilo-Five on New Llanelli, this time receiving [[Evan Phillips|Dr. Evan Phillips]]' notes on the Forerunner temple at Ontom for the religious significance they held. In return, 'Telcam provided information on the status of his civil war, the disappearance of Jul 'Mdama, and ''Pious Inquisitor''.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''pages 118-124''</ref>
Several months later, on [[2558#January|January 21, 2558]], the Servants of the Abiding Truth were dealt a crushing blow when [[Avu Med 'Telcam]] and two of his ranking commanders were [[Assassination of Avu Med 'Telcam|assassinated]]. 'Telcam had outserved his usefulness to ONI and was dispatched on [[New Llanelli]] by a lone Spartan, [[SPARTAN-G059]]. Although the [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartan-III]] assassin claimed the life of the Servants' leader, her secondary target, Avu Med 'Telcam's protege: Dural 'Mdama, was not present during the attack and lived on.{{Ref/Reuse|tfs}}


.  
Under the guidance of Dural 'Mdama, the Abiding Truth soon [[Second Onyx conflict|struck back]] at the UNSC and its Sangheili allies, infiltrating the Forerunner [[Dyson sphere]] at the former site of [[Onyx]] and endangering the scientific community inhabiting inside.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/golden-clouds '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Community Update - Golden Clouds'']</ref> After [[Sarcophagus]] was returned to its [[slipspace bubble]] for protection from the [[Created conflict]] and with the news that [[Jul 'Mdama]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|his Covenant]] were gone, the Servants retreated to the [[planet]] [[Mackintosh]] which had been pulled into the slipspace bubble as well and which contained a Forerunner warship of unknown class and the supplies needed for them to bide their time until they could strike back.{{Ref/Reuse|LoO}}


== Notable individuals==
==Military assets==
*[[Avu Med 'Telcam]]
{{Quote|no=two
*[[Buran 'Utaral]]
|1=Jul 'Mdama
|q1=The Servants of Abiding Truth? But they were monks.
|2=Levu 'Mdama
|q2=Well, we let them become warriors, and now they're dangerous, savage fools. And they seem to have stockpiled arms.
|3=[[Levu 'Mdama]] warning [[Jul 'Mdama|Jul]] of the Abiding Truth's resurgence{{Ref/Reuse|gl95}}
}}
Following the collapse of the [[Covenant]] empire, the Abiding Truth had begun stockpiling firearms and stealing former Covenant vehicles.{{Ref/Reuse|gl95}} The Servants of Abiding Truth, being an insurgent group, are not properly equipped to be a stand out military and make use of any material they can find. The Servants are known to utilize the {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} and the [[Type-25 plasma pistol]] as their main weapons. By [[2553]], a majority of the Abiding Truth's weapons were supplied by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Kilo-Five]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 21''</ref> The Servants have been also seen using {{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}s and {{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}s as part of their vehicular ground forces, as well as the {{Pattern|Rizvum|Revenant}}. The {{Pattern|Wuzum|Spectre}} also serves as a troop transport and anti-infantry vehicle.<ref name="ttw133">'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 133''</ref> The [[Type-26 Banshee]] is the group's primary ground support aircraft and a number of {{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}} and {{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}} dropships have been used as troop transports and attack craft, albeit limited.{{Ref/Reuse|ttw133}}<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 93''</ref>
 
The faction has also made use of several older Covenant models as part of their aircraft, such as the old {{Pattern|Keljiric|Tarasque}}.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 116''</ref> Many other vehicles have also been utilized as part of their assault force. 'Telcam was known to use several vehicles when traveling across [[Sanghelios]] and [[New Llanelli]], including a [[Kig-Yar shuttle]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 255''</ref> The group's fleet consists of at least eight [[Covenant frigate|frigates]], and at least one unknown type of cruiser.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 268''</ref> However after the destruction of the ''[[Unflinching Resolve]]'', they gained another vessel in the form of one [[destroyer]].{{Citation needed}} It is unknown what other ships were used during the remainder of the Blooding Years, however what ships the Servants do have are currently house somewhere on Qikcost.{{Ref/Novel|Halo: Legacy of Onyx|Chapter=22}} The group itself is mainly made up of thousands religious fanatics and true believers and have gained support from several other loyalist keeps, though they may not share their religious view.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 173''</ref> In the aftermath of the assault on [[Vadam]], the Servants of Abiding Truth only had three frigates left on New Llanelli.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 333'' (''"But three made it out, and that's a good result."'')</ref>
 
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-3|state=plain
|title-1=Personnel|
*[[Avu Med 'Telcam]] {{C|deceased}}
*[[Buran 'Utaral]] {{C|deceased}}
**Buran's crew
**Buran's crew
***Four Sangheili
***Four Sangheili
***Two loyal [[Jiralhanae]]
***Two loyal [[Jiralhanae]]
****[[Manus]] {{C|Deceased}}
****[[Manus]] {{C|deceased}}
*[[Dunil]]
*[[Dunil]]
*[[Dural 'Mdama]]
*[[Dural 'Mdama]] "Pale Blade"
*[[Forze 'Mdama]] {{C|Deceased}}
*[[Forze 'Mdama]] {{C|deceased}}
*[[Galur]] {{C|Deceased}}
*[[Galur]] {{C|deceased}}
*[[Jul 'Mdama]] {{C|Formerly}}
*[[Jul 'Mdama]] {{C|formerly}}
*[[Olar]]
*[[Olar]]
*[['Rduan]] {{C|Deceased}}
*[['Rduan]] {{C|deceased}}
*[[Even Keel]]
*[[Kurnik 'Nuusra]] {{C|deceased}}
*[[Ruk 'Nuusra]] {{C|deceased}}
|title-2=Starships|
{{Main|Covenant starship}}
*[[Covenant frigate]]
**''[[Unflinching Resolve]]''
**''[[Cleansing Truth]]''
**''[[Promised Revelation]]''
**''[[Certain Prophecy]]''
**''[[Transforming Splendor]]''
*[[Covenant destroyer]]
**''[[Defender of Faith]]''
*[[Barque]]
**''[[Song of Wrath]]''
}}


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
Line 60: Line 107:
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Mo}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources|2}}


{{Organizations}}
{{Organizations}}


[[Category:Covenant remnants]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Religion]]

Latest revision as of 19:48, September 18, 2024

Servants of the Abiding Truth
SotAB.png
Government overview

Type:

Religious cult/terrorist organization

Head of state:

Societal overview

Capital:

Official language(s):

Sangheili

Official religion(s):

Pre-Covenant Sangheili beliefs; worship of the Forerunners

Notable event(s):

Historical overview

Formation:

c. 852 BCE

Affiliation:

Office of Naval Intelligence

 

"We do not allow blasphemers to live. The gods demand a return to piety. Truth abides."
— A message left by the Servants after the attack on Relon keep[2]

The Servants of the Abiding Truth (Neru Pe 'Odosima in an archaic dialect of Sangheili), sometimes shortened to the Abiding Truth, are an ancient religious order of Sangheili fundamentalists who follow their species' pre-Covenant religious beliefs. When the Great Schism broke out, they renounced the High Prophets for betraying their species.[3] Following the fall of the Covenant, the Abiding Truth became one of the more prominent splinter groups among the Sangheili.[4] Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and his allies take a view towards the Servants that the order considers to be blasphemous. With aid from the United Nations Space Command's Office of Naval Intelligence, the Servants of the Abiding Truth successfully incited an insurrection against 'Vadam's forces in 2553.[5]

For a time, the Servants' headquarters was a Forerunner structure known as the Temple of the Abiding Truth, located in the city-state of Ontom. The Servants converted their temple into a weapons cache and base of operations during their rebellion against Thel 'Vadam. After the Siege at Kolaar, the Servants fled to the former human colony of New Llanelli and established a new base of operations in a ruined city.

Avu Med 'Telcam, known as "the Bishop" by ONI forces, was the leader and main representative for the Servants of the Abiding Truth until 2558.[4][6] He was later replaced by Dural 'Mdama[7] following 'Telcam's assassination at the hands of SPARTAN-G059 once 'Telcam was no longer useful to ONI.[8]

With the destruction of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant and the start of the Created conflict, the Servants of the Abiding Truth were left as one of the most powerful Covenant remnants still active. Under Dural's leadership, they attacked the Sarcophagus shield world and battled for control of it with the occupying joint UNSC-Swords of Sanghelios forces while also taking refuge from the Created.[7]

History[edit]

Ancient history[edit]

The Servants of the Abiding Truth was formed following the establishment of the Covenant in 852 BCE. The organization originally consisted of Sangheili that hid Forerunner artifacts from the San'Shyuum. The order was still existent during and after the Human-Covenant War.[9]

Post-Covenant war and Great Schism[edit]

Main articles: Post-Covenant War conflicts, Siege at Kolaar, Blooding Years

After the war, the Abiding Truth, now a militant cult under the leadership of former Field Master Avu Med 'Telcam, coordinated their operations and stored large amounts of their arms and equipment in the Temple of the Abiding Truth.[10] Although the members of the Abiding Truth believed that the Covenant's Prophets had been false and betrayed them,[3] they still felt that the Forerunners were gods and demanded reverence and respect. Consequently, they believed that Thel 'Vadam and those loyal to him were committing blasphemy by saying otherwise.[11]

In January 2553, the United Nations Space Command's Office of Naval Intelligence organized a meeting between 'Telcam and Captain Serin Osman, along with Professor Evan Phillips on the glassed New Llanelli. The purpose of the meeting was to negotiate terms of cooperation between ONI and the Servants of the Abiding Truth, as ONI wished to create unrest amongst the Sangheili and thereby remove them as a threat to the UNSC and humanity. 'Telcam agreed to accept ONI's assistance on the condition that the UNSC ceased to "blaspheme" the divinity of the Forerunners, and that humanity would remain uninvolved with Sangheili affairs following the Servants' successful takeover of Sangheili society - terms to which Osman agreed.[12] 'Telcam met with ONI operatives again on New Llanelli, where he received a shipment of human and Sangheili weaponry to support his forces. However, he was questioning what Osman's real plan was.[13] After Relon had decided to demolish a Forerunner monument on his farmland, the Servants saw this as blasphemy, and they soon destroyed his keep with a Spirit. Relon and his brother, Jalam, were killed and hung. The Servants left a message on their mutilated corpses to deter anyone else from such acts.[14]

Meeting with Forze 'Mdama and Jul 'Mdama in the state of Ontom, 'Telcam took them on a tour of the Temple of the Abiding Truth, pointing out the symbols that may lead to the Halo Array.[15] In March 2553, Jiralhanae servants in the state of Ontom launched insurgent attacks, which resulted in the death of dozens of Sangheili. Their revolt was quickly quelled by the city militia. This led 'Telcam to the decision for an immediate assault on Vadam. Along with nine ships and forces from Nuan keep and Rtova keep, 'Telcam commanded the assault from the frigate Unflinching Resolve.[16] Eventually, the Unflinching Resolve suffered a direct hit and crash landed. Despite being caught off-guard it appeared as though the Arbiter 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 UNSC Infinity arrived over Sanghelios and destroyed the rebel destroyer Defender of Faith before finishing off the rebel ground forces with a MAC round.[17] The UNSC 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, 'Telcam fled to New Llanelli. Due to a lack of ships, 'Telcam put out a reward to the Kig-Yar to find the ship Pious Inquisitor.[18] A shipmistress known as Chol Von soon took his offer, although she secretly planned to take the ship for herself and use it as a means to defend the Kig-Yar from external threats.[19] Some time later, 'Telcam once again met members of Kilo-Five on New Llanelli, this time receiving Dr. Evan Phillips' notes on the Forerunner temple at Ontom for the religious significance they held. In return, 'Telcam provided information on the status of his civil war, the disappearance of Jul 'Mdama, and Pious Inquisitor.[20]

2558[edit]

By the time of the Battle of Requiem, the Servants of the Abiding Truth had refused to join Jul 'Mdama's Covenant even after suffering great losses at the hands of the Swords of Sanghelios. 'Mdama himself was unaware that his son Dural 'Mdama, now known only as the Pale Blade, had risen to become a leading member of the Servants, working directly under 'Telcam.[21]

Several months later, on January 21, 2558, the Servants of the Abiding Truth were dealt a crushing blow when Avu Med 'Telcam and two of his ranking commanders were assassinated. 'Telcam had outserved his usefulness to ONI and was dispatched on New Llanelli by a lone Spartan, SPARTAN-G059. Although the Spartan-III assassin claimed the life of the Servants' leader, her secondary target, Avu Med 'Telcam's protege: Dural 'Mdama, was not present during the attack and lived on.[6]

Under the guidance of Dural 'Mdama, the Abiding Truth soon struck back at the UNSC and its Sangheili allies, infiltrating the Forerunner Dyson sphere at the former site of Onyx and endangering the scientific community inhabiting inside.[22] After Sarcophagus was returned to its slipspace bubble for protection from the Created conflict and with the news that Jul 'Mdama and his Covenant were gone, the Servants retreated to the planet Mackintosh which had been pulled into the slipspace bubble as well and which contained a Forerunner warship of unknown class and the supplies needed for them to bide their time until they could strike back.[7]

Military assets[edit]

Jul 'Mdama: "The Servants of Abiding Truth? But they were monks."
Levu 'Mdama: "Well, we let them become warriors, and now they're dangerous, savage fools. And they seem to have stockpiled arms."
— Levu 'Mdama warning Jul of the Abiding Truth's resurgence[2]

Following the collapse of the Covenant empire, the Abiding Truth had begun stockpiling firearms and stealing former Covenant vehicles.[2] The Servants of Abiding Truth, being an insurgent group, are not properly equipped to be a stand out military and make use of any material they can find. The Servants are known to utilize the Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle and the Type-25 plasma pistol as their main weapons. By 2553, a majority of the Abiding Truth's weapons were supplied by the Office of Naval Intelligence's Kilo-Five.[23] The Servants have been also seen using Zurdo-pattern Wraiths and Karo'etba-pattern Ghosts as part of their vehicular ground forces, as well as the Rizvum-pattern Revenant. The Wuzum-pattern Spectre also serves as a troop transport and anti-infantry vehicle.[24] The Type-26 Banshee is the group's primary ground support aircraft and a number of Dextro Xur-pattern Spirit and Ru'swum-pattern Phantom dropships have been used as troop transports and attack craft, albeit limited.[24][25]

The faction has also made use of several older Covenant models as part of their aircraft, such as the old Keljiric-pattern Tarasque.[26] Many other vehicles have also been utilized as part of their assault force. 'Telcam was known to use several vehicles when traveling across Sanghelios and New Llanelli, including a Kig-Yar shuttle.[27] The group's fleet consists of at least eight frigates, and at least one unknown type of cruiser.[28] However after the destruction of the Unflinching Resolve, they gained another vessel in the form of one destroyer.[citation needed] It is unknown what other ships were used during the remainder of the Blooding Years, however what ships the Servants do have are currently house somewhere on Qikcost.[29] The group itself is mainly made up of thousands religious fanatics and true believers and have gained support from several other loyalist keeps, though they may not share their religious view.[30] In the aftermath of the assault on Vadam, the Servants of Abiding Truth only had three frigates left on New Llanelli.[31]

Personnel

Starships

Main article: Covenant starship





List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 329
  2. ^ a b c Halo: Glasslands, page 95
  3. ^ a b Halo: Glasslands "We have been in thrall to mongrel races long enough. We have let the false prophets of the San’Shyuum corrupt our pure connection to the divine.", Avu Med 'Telcam
  4. ^ a b Official Xbox Magazine: Halo - The 10th Anniversary — Glasslands excerpt
  5. ^ Halo: The Thursday War
  6. ^ a b Halo: Tales from Slipspace, Knight Takes Bishop
  7. ^ a b c Halo: Legacy of Onyx
  8. ^ Halo: Tales from Slipspace - Knight Takes Bishop
  9. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 19
  10. ^ Halo: Glasslands, pages 138-139
  11. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 20
  12. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 23
  13. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 133
  14. ^ Halo: Glasslands, pages 91-95
  15. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 177
  16. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 114
  17. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 302
  18. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, Chapter 3
  19. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 75
  20. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, pages 118-124
  21. ^ Halo Mythos, page 178
  22. ^ Halo Waypoint: Community Update - Golden Clouds
  23. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 21
  24. ^ a b Halo: The Thursday War, page 133
  25. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 93
  26. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 116
  27. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 255
  28. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 268
  29. ^ Halo: Legacy of Onyx, chapter 22
  30. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 173
  31. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 333 ("But three made it out, and that's a good result.")

v • d • e
 
Polities, organizations, and civilizations
Contemporary
Interstellar/Interplanetary organizations Banished • Covenant • Swords of Sanghelios • Created • Children of Oth Sonin • Concert of Worlds • Frieden • Insurrectionists (Arcadia/Harvest • New Colonial Alliance • People's Occupation • People's Occupation Government • Secessionist Union (Eridanus secessionists) • United Rebel Front) Koslovics • San'Shyuum flotilla (Dhas Bhasvod's Covenant • Tem'Bhetek's faction) • Unified Earth Government (Colonial Authority • United Nations Space Command)
Planetary/Local organizations Castoffs • Defenders of the Sanctum • Eridanus Government • Gao Republic • Insurrectionists (Bandusa • Freedom and Liberation Party • Galodew Emancipation • Gao Liberation Force • Sundered Legion) • Joyous Exultation Covenant • Khabnathwa • Neo-Frieden • Prospector Party • Sedran government • Stewards • United Nations (Nations) • Unggoy government • Ussans • Venezian Militia
Private organizations 'Gajat mercenaries • Shields of Requiem
Religious organizations Covenant remnants ('Mdama's Covenant • 'Nyon's Covenant • Keepers of the One Freedom • Vol's Covenant) • 'Refumee's heretics • Servants of the Abiding Truth
Ancient
Interstellar organizations Ecumene • Human-San'Shyuum alliance • Ancestors
Planetary/Local organizations Council of City States • Erde-Tyrene civilization • Sedaaro • Reformists (Keepers of the Dawn) • Stoics • Tudejsa
Protogenic
Italics denote entities that are confirmed or assumed to be defunct given currently available information.
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