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Swords of Sanghelios: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Disambig header|the post-war Covenant [[Covenant remnants|splinter faction]]|the [[Halo 5: Guardians]] campaign level|Swords of Sanghelios (level)}}
{{Disambig header|the post-war Covenant [[Covenant remnants|splinter faction]]|the [[Halo 5: Guardians]] campaign level|Swords of Sanghelios (level)}}
{{Affiliation infobox
{{Affiliation infobox
|name=Swords of Sanghelios
|name=Swords of Sanghelios
|image=[[File:Swords of Sanghelios symbol.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:Swords of Sanghelios symbol.png|110px]]<br>The symbol of the Swords of Sanghelios
[[File:H2A - Arbiter & Swords.png|300px]]<br>Thel 'Vadam's modern restoration of the Swords of Sanghelios
|section1-title=Overview
|section1-title=Overview
|hideb=yes
|type=Alliance of keeps{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
|type=Secular government
|founder=[[Thel 'Vadam]] {{C|Modern incarnation}}
|founder=[[Thel 'Vadam]]
|documents=
|documents=
|head=[[Arbiter]]
|head=[[Arbiter]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
|executive=Arbiter
|executive=
|legislative=[[Council of Kaidons|A grand council of Kaidons]]<ref name="hwp sos"/>
|legislative=[[Council of Kaidons]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
|judicial=
|judicial=
|branch=
|branch=
|main=[[Vadam]], [[Sanghelios]]
|main=
|anthem=
|anthem=
|language=[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]
|language=[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]
|script=
|script=
|religion=
|religion=
|techlevel=[[Technological_Achievement_Tiers#Tier_2:_Interstellar|Tier 2]]
|techlevel=
|notable=[[Blooding Years]]
|notable=*[[Blooding Years]]
|formed=After [[2553#March|March 2553]]<ref name="Mythos144">'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 144''</ref>
*[[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war]]
*[[Created uprising]]
|formed= Pre-[[938 BCE]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
|reorganized=*c. [[852 BCE]]{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}
*After [[2553#March|March 2553]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Mythos144|HM|Page=144}}
|dissolved=
|dissolved=
|affiliation=
|affiliation=
}}
}}
{{Quote|The Arbiter's forces eventually consolidated their strength under a single banner, the Swords of Sanghelios, an ancient title of honor expressing their nobility of their cause: the unification of the Sangheili people.|[[Curator]] on the formation of the Swords of Sanghelios<ref name="Mythos144"/>}}
{{Quote|We Swords of Sanghelios are united under no less a warrior than the Arbiter himself. He who exposed the countless lies of the San'Shyuum, and drove back the Covenant. The Arbiter shapes our future with deference to our past.|[[Thon 'Kemtra]] on the Swords and the Arbiter.{{Ref/Game|H5G|Detail=[[Mission Intel#Alliance|Mission Intel - Alliance - Sangheili Personal Log 673]]}}}}
The '''Swords of Sanghelios'''<ref name="Mythos144"/> is an alliance of [[Sangheili]] [[keep]]s and the preeminent governing body on [[Sanghelios]]. Originally an ancient Sangheili order, the Swords of Sanghelios was reinstated in the aftermath of the [[Great Schism]] by the latest [[Arbiter]] and the organization's leader, [[Thel 'Vadam]].<ref name="waypoint-thel">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/arbiter-thel-vadam '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam'']</ref><ref name="hwp sangheili">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sangheili '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Sangheili'']</ref><ref name="hwp sos">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/swords-of-sanghelios '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Swords of Sanghelios'']</ref> Individual members of the faction identify themselves with the title '''Sword of Sanghelios'''.<ref name="soslevel">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]''</ref>
The '''Swords of Sanghelios'''{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos144}} is an alliance of [[Sangheili]] [[keep]]s{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} and the preeminent governing body on [[Sanghelios]].<ref name="waypoint-thel">[https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/arbiter-thel-vadam.html '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam'']</ref><ref name="hwp sos">[https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/swords-of-sanghelios.html '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Swords of Sanghelios'']</ref> Individual members of the faction identify themselves with the title '''Sword of Sanghelios'''.{{Ref/Level|Id=soslevel|H5G|[[Swords of Sanghelios (level)|Swords of Sanghelios]]}}


In [[2552#November|November 2552]], the [[Prophet of Truth]] had the entire Sangheili species removed from their former position and replaced by the [[Jiralhanae]] as the Covenant's main military caste, resulting in an open war breaking out between the Jiralhanae-led forces loyal to the [[Hierarchs|Prophets]] against the Sangheili-led forces. After the Sangheili learned the truth about the [[Halo Array|Halos]] near the end of the [[Battle of Installation 05]], many of them allied with [[human]]ity on their mission to stop the Prophet-led Covenant.<ref name="gj">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>
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/Site|Id=hwp sangheili|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sangheili|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Species|Page=Sangheili|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sangheili.html}}{{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>


The Sangheili initially lacked defined leadership or organization after being cast out of the Covenant. [[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] led a significant number of their [[Fleet of Retribution|forces]] in the deciding battles of the war,<ref name="floodgate">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref> although Thel 'Vadam would not formally establish the Swords until after the war's end.<ref name="glasslands">'''Halo: Glasslands'''</ref> After the Covenant's defeat, the Sangheili [[Covenant remnants|split off into various different factions]], with the Arbiter and his policy of cooperating with humanity retaining a solid following. However, many Sangheili disagreed with his ideals, planning to overthrow the Arbiter and rise against humanity.
==History==
===Ancient origins===
[[File:En22 Irsu.png|thumb|200px|right|The Judge-King of Qivro, Irsu 'Labat.]]
Groups known as the "Swords of Sanghelios" have existed in several incarnations throughout history. The first Swords of Sanghelios were a sworn brotherhood of kaidons dedicated to the overthrow of a tyrannical [[Judge-King of Qivro|Arbiter judge-king]] who ruled the continent of [[Qivro]] centuries before the Sangheili became a spacefaring species. Their story of brotherhood, loyalty, honor, and sacrifice continues to resonate among the Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}


In the wake of the Covenant War, the Swords of Sanghelios are often viewed as representing the Sangheili on the whole in their diplomatic relations with humanity.<ref name="glasslands"/> Even though the Swords seek to distance themselves from the Covenant ideologically and culturally,<ref name="hwp sangheili"/> some humans have mistakenly referred to them as "the Covenant".<ref>'''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'''</ref>
Ironically, the last incarnation of the organization prior to its current existence appeared in the tumultuous aftermath of the [[Covenant]]'s formation to subdue the last opposition to the [[Writ of Union]].{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sos}}


== History ==
===Postwar recreation===
=== Origins ===
{{Main|Postwar}}
Groups known as the "Swords of Sanghelios" have existed in several incarnations throughout history. The first Swords of Sanghelios were a sworn brotherhood of kaidons dedicated to the overthrow of a tyrannical [[Judge-King of Qivro|Arbiter judge-king]] who ruled the continent of [[Qivro]] centuries before the Sangheili became a spacefaring species. Their story of brotherhood, loyalty, honor, and sacrifice continues to resonate among the Sangheili. Ironically, the last incarnation of the organization prior to its current existence appeared in the tumultuous aftermath of the [[Covenant]]'s formation to subdue the last opposition to the [[Writ of Union]].<ref name="hwp sos"/>
{{Quote|The Arbiter has united the [[keep]]s and formed a new alliance, the Swords of Sanghelios!|[[Mahkee 'Chava]] to Fireteam Osiris{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}}}}
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 upheaval 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}}


=== Great Schism ===
The Swords remained friendly to humanity and wished to build a mutual peace, as they both had made tremendous sacrifices in order to stop Truth and the Covenant forces. On [[Sanghelios|their homeworld]], however, they were challenged by a resurgent faction of religious fanatics known as the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]. They viewed the Swords as "blasphemers" and began [[Blooding Years|an insurrection]], secretly supported by the UNSC's [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], all the while resuming the [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war|conflict]] against the [[Jiralhanae]] in a two-front war. The Abiding Truth managed to gather a large amount of followers in a relatively short timespan; while the faction had a strong religious underpinning, many Sangheili had more practical motives for allying against the Arbiter, among them resentment toward humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|glasslands}}<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 58-61''</ref> Meanwhile, 'Vadam planned to visit each state to make his case for permanent peace with the [[human]]s they had battled for so many years. These reforms did not meet with universal approval. By [[2553#January|January 2553]], there was great dissent among disparate Sangheili factions, especially from the more devout believers in the [[Forerunner]]s' divinity.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 130''</ref>
{{Main|Fleet of Retribution}}
[[File:H2A - Great Schism.jpg|thumb|250px|Sangheili-controlled and Jiralhanae-controlled ships engage each other over ''High Charity''.]]
The [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] led a badly planned mission to [[Earth]], against the wishes of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]], and inadvertently began the [[Battle of Earth]], as he did not know that the planet was the [[human]] homeworld. He escaped to [[Installation 05]], where he was assassinated by [[John-117]]. Regret's death was used as a justification by the remaining Prophets to [[Changing of the Guard|replace]] the Sangheili with Jiralhanae as their [[Covenant Honor Guard|protectors]]. However, this move resulted in great turmoil within the Covenant, with the Sangheili threatening to resign from the [[High Council]].


Truth then gave command of the [[Covenant fleet]]s to the Jiralhanae, a post previously held by the Sangheili. Once there were enough of them in place, Truth secretly ordered them to commit a vicious genocide of the Sangheili (disguised as a retaliation to a Sangheili revolt against the other Covenant factions) so they may replace them in society. The Sangheili responded, with the help of Mgalekgolo and Unggoy loyal to them, and war broke out in ''[[High Charity]]'' with Jiralhanae and Sangheili fleets fighting each other in space around it. Later, most of the Sangheili Councilors were assassinated by the Jiralhanae at the behest of the Prophets.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref><ref name="uprising">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref>
====Siege at Kolaar====
{{Main|Siege at Kolaar}}
[[Avu Med 'Telcam]], leader of the Servants of Abiding Truth, decided that an immediate assault on the state of [[Vadam]] was necessary. Along with nine ships and forces from [[Nuan keep]] and [[Rtova keep]], 'Telcam commanded the assault from the [[Covenant frigate|frigate]] ''[[Unflinching Resolve]]''.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 114''</ref> Eventually, however, the ''Unflinching Resolve'' suffered a direct hit and crash landed, though most of the crew, including 'Telcam, survived. Despite being caught off-guard it appeared as though the Swords of Sanghelios would be victorious, however, news spread that he allowed humans to land on Sanghelios; this caused many keeps to ally with the Servants of Abiding Truth and the tide turned in their favor. The Arbiter was caught off guard and when his own reinforcements couldn't arrive on time, he reluctantly accepted [[Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]]'s offer for help in fending off the attackers. The tide turned when {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} arrived over Sanghelios and destroyed the rebel destroyer ''[[Defender of Faith]]'' before finishing off the rebel ground forces with a [[MAC]] round. The {{UNSCShip|Port Stanley}}, posed as a [[Kig-Yar]] pirate ship, destroyed a few of 'Vadam's ships in order to maintain the stalemate between the two factions, leaving the Arbiter with a Pyrrhic victory.
 
After the battle, Thel 'Vadam was in talks to visit the UNSC ''Infinity'' 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 intention 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>


An initial Sangheili-led [[Joyous Exultation Covenant|rebellion group]] was formed by the Sangheili [[Imperial Admiral]] [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]] on the Sangheili fortress world [[Joyous Exultation]] shortly after the Prophets' betrayal on November 3, 2552. Wattinree's faction remained hostile to humanity as well, dispatching a task force to [[Onyx]] to prevent Forerunner technology from falling into human hands. However, this fledgling alliance came to an abrupt end with the detonation of a [[NOVA bomb]] above Joyous Exultation and the deaths of the majority of the Sangheili leaders gathered there, including Wattinree.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 239-245''</ref>
Following these events, the allied forces on Sanghelios consolidated under the old banner of the Swords of Sanghelios.{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos144}}


===Sangheili-human alliance===
[[File:HM-BloodingYears.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Thel 'Vadam and his allies engaging other hostile Sangheili forces.]]
{{Main|Fleet of Retribution}}
===Blooding Years===
{{Quote|There was honor in our Covenant once, and there shall be again!|[[Thel 'Vadam]] during the Battle of Earth<ref name="storm">'''Halo 3''', campaign level, ''[[The Storm]]'' ([[Thel 'Vadam]]: ''"There was honor in our Covenant once, and there shall be again!"'')</ref>}}
{{Main|Blooding Years}}
[[File:Floodgate - Cutscene.jpg|thumb|250px|Humans and Sangheili onboard the ''Shadow of Intent'''s [[bridge]].]]
Over the next six years, the Swords would engage in hostilities with several Sangheili factions. Fighting with [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction]] saw the flagship ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' temporarily rendered combat ineffective.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref>  
Once the [[Great Schism]] had begun, the entirety of the Sangheili species had left the Covenant.<ref name="CanonFodder">'''[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/jiralhanae Canon Fodder]''' ''"The resulting conflict would be called the Great Schism, and it would divide the Covenant into two, ultimately forcing the Sangheili out." ''</ref> The ejected Sangheili did not have an official unified faction at this time. However, they were unified in their fight against the Covenant that had betrayed them. Many Unggoy remained loyal towards the Sangheili when the Great Schism erupted, as did some Mgalekgolo.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref>


Within the ejected Sangheili, the [[Fleet of Retribution|forces]] under the command of [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and [[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]] chose to ally with their former foes, the humans. The true political motivation of this shaky-to-steady alliance was twofold; born both out of necessity and revenge against the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]'' "I will have my revenge on a Prophet, not a plague!"</ref> The [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] forces were on the defensive, and both factions had two common enemies that wished for their extinction: the Covenant and the [[Flood]]. The alliance of circumstance began in the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|control room]] of [[Installation 05|Delta Halo]], when [[UNSC]] [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Johnson|A. J. Johnson]] and 'Vadam were forced to unite in order to prevent [[Tartarus]], [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], from activating Installation 05.<ref name="gj"/> After that, 'Vadam persuaded the rest of the Sangheili on the Installation to join humanity. While the two factions experienced some friction, they learned to work with one another for their mutual survival. During the final days of the [[Human-Covenant War]], the Sangheili under 'Vadam and 'Vadum's command fought alongside humans in battle. Thus, the UNSC and Sangheili forces saved each other from destruction.<ref name="floodgate"/><ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level, ''[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]''</ref><ref name="cove">'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref> The devastated [[UNSC Home Fleet]] defending [[Earth]] were glad to accept the help of the superior Sangheili warships. The Sangheili's numbers, understanding of Covenant equipment, and combat tactics proved invaluable in the [[Battle of Installation 00]] and ultimately the survival of humanity. The heroes of the battle, Thel 'Vadam and John-117, fought alongside one another many times during the conflict.<ref name="cove"/>
In [[2553]], a [[Joint Occupation Zone]] was also set up between the Swords of Sanghelios and the [[United Nations Space Command]], with both humans and ex-[[Covenant]] species settling on the territory's within the zone.{{Ref/Comic|HEsc|Issue=11}} On [[2553#July|July 2, 2553]], Lord Hood would proposition the [[Anvil Initiative]] to the Arbiter as a joint venture between the UNSC and the Swords.{{Ref/Book|Id=HAA|Halo: Anvil Accord}}


===Formation===
In March of [[2555]], Swords forces would thwart a plot by [[Otar 'Bemet]] to take revenge against the Arbiter. At the same time, the UNSC requested the Arbiters aid in [[Operation: FAR STORM|re-activating]] the [[Portal at Voi]] in order to dispatch a team there to disable the activation sequence of the [[Halo Array]]. However, due to the bulk of the Swords forces being preoccupied in the ongoing civil war, 'Vadam was only able to send a [[Mayhem|Corvette]] with a small strike team of Sangheili to aid the humans.{{Ref/Novel|HitD|Chapter=3}}
{{Quote|The Arbiter has united the [[keep]]s and formed a new alliance, the Swords of Sanghelios!|[[Mahkee 'Chava]] to Fireteam Osiris<ref name="soslevel"/>}}
[[File:H2A-Rtas-01.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Rtas 'Vadum, one of the leaders of the Swords of Sanghelios.]]
After the Covenant's defeat at the end of the war, the ejected Sangheili split off into [[Covenant Remnants|several different factions]]. The Arbiter and [[Fleet of Retribution|his followers]] formally established the Swords of Sanghelios, primarily as an alliance of keeps aligned with 'Vadam.<ref name="soslevel"/>


The Swords remained friendly to humanity and wished to build a mutual peace, as they both had made tremendous sacrifices in order to stop Truth and the Covenant forces. On [[Sanghelios|their homeworld]], however, they were challenged by a resurgent faction of religious fanatics known as the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]. They viewed the Swords as "blasphemers" and began [[Blooding Years|an insurrection]], secretly supported by the UNSC's [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], all the while resuming the [[Great Schism]] against the [[Jiralhanae]] in a two-front war. The Abiding Truth managed to gather a large amount of followers in a relatively short timespan; while the faction had a strong religious underpinning, many Sangheili had more practical motives for allying against the Arbiter, among them resentment toward humanity.<ref name="glasslands"/><ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 58-61''</ref> Meanwhile, 'Vadam planned to visit each state to make his case for permanent peace with the [[human]]s they had battled for so many years. These reforms did not meet with universal approval. By [[2553#January|January 2553]], there was great dissent among disparate Sangheili factions, especially from the more devout believers in the [[Forerunner]]s' divinity.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 130''</ref>
===Sangheili-Jiralhanae war===
Simultaneously, the Sangheili would also continue to wage [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war|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> The inability for the Jiralhanae to properly mine the resources on their colonies has also forced them to raid Sangheili worlds for their processed resources. Tensions with the Swords of Sanghelios and the [[Children of Oth Sonin]] have also increased due to raids on settlements within the [[Joint Occupation Zone]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE1|HEsc|Issue=1}}
[[File:HE Spartans Ealen IV.png|left|thumb|250px|Thel 'Vadam, his escorts, and the rest of the peace delegation.]]
====Peace talks====
In [[2558#March|March 2558]], the Swords of Sanghelios attempted peace talks with the [[Children of Oth Sonin]], represented by their lead, Jiralhanae chieftain [[Lydus]], 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.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=HE1}} After various tribulations in getting the delegation to safety arose from the attack, the delegation and the surviving Spartans finally made it to safety aboard [[UNSC Infinity]]. Following the boarding of the Infinity, the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] led the Sangheili and Jiralhanae fleets against the enemy fleet, forcing the Shipmaster to order a retreat. Due to Vata '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>
{{Clear}}


===The Blooding Years===
===Created uprising===
[[File:H2A - Arbiter and Majors.jpg|300px|thumb|Swords of Sanghelios infantry prepare to engage other hostile Sangheili.]]
[[File:H5G-SOSrally.png|thumb|250px|The Arbiter rallying his forces prior to striking Sunaion.]]
{{Main|Blooding Years}}
{{Main|Created uprising}}
[[Avu Med 'Telcam]], leader of the Servants of Abiding Truth, decided that an immediate assault on the state of [[Vadam]] was necessary. Along with nine ships and forces from [[Nuan keep]] and [[Rtova keep]], 'Telcam commanded the assault from the [[Covenant frigate|frigate]] ''[[Unflinching Resolve]]''.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 114''</ref> Eventually, however, the ''Unflinching Resolve'' suffered a direct hit and crash landed, though most of the crew, including 'Telcam, survived. Despite being caught off-guard it appeared as though the Swords of Sanghelios would be victorious, however, news spread that he allowed humans to land on Sanghelios; this caused many keeps to ally with the Servants of Abiding Truth and the tide turned in their favor. The Arbiter was caught off guard and when his own reinforcements couldn't arrive on time, he reluctantly accepted [[Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]]'s offer for help in fending off the attackers. The tide turned when {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} arrived over Sanghelios and destroyed the rebel destroyer ''[[Defender of Faith]]'' before finishing off the rebel ground forces with a [[MAC]] round. The {{UNSCShip|Port Stanley}}, posed as a [[Kig-Yar]] pirate ship, destroyed a few of 'Vadam's ships in order to maintain the stalemate between the two factions, leaving the Arbiter with a Pyrrhic victory.
====Global war====
{{Quote|Hunt them to the last. Today we extinguish the Covenant's light forever!|Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, as the Swords of Sanghelios eliminates Jul 'Mdama's remaining Covenant forces{{Ref/Reuse|BOS}}}}
{{Main|Sanghelios global war}}
In October 2558, Sanghelios burst into 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}}


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 {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}} ''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'' fell into the hands of the Abiding Truth. In turn, Kig-Yar [[piracy|pirate]] [[Sav Fel]] stole the ''Inquisitor'', with the intentions to sell it on [[Venezia]].<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 329''</ref> With 'Vadam occupied with the ongoing civil war, [[Kilo-Five]] was tasked with retrieving the ''Inquisitor'' with the purpose of reverse-engineering its energy projector for use against Sangheili-controlled worlds, though the ship was ultimately destroyed.<ref>'''Halo: Mortal Dictata''', ''page 436''</ref>
====Occupation and Netherop====
{{Main|Subjugation of Sanghelios}}
With the Sangheili resisting the Created's rule, Cortana sent a Guardian and Forerunner soldiers to pacify Sanghelios, starting with its major cities.{{Ref/Novel|BadB|Chapter=1}} The UNSC reinforced the Swords of Sanghelios with its expeditionary forces, conducting joint patrols to monitor and defend the Sanghelios badlands from Created scouts and any remnant of [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] still present on the planet.{{Ref/Reuse|CFDF}}


In spite of the outbreak of civil war on Sanghelios, Thel 'Vadam was able to sway the majority of [[Sangheili colonies]] to join with the Swords of Sanghelios.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref> Over the next six years, the Sangheili continued to wage war against the remaining San'Shyuum and the Jiralhanae. At first, the Sangheili were at a major disadvantage, as millennia of depending on the San'Shyuum for technology meant that the Sangheili were unable to properly repair or replace the ships they lost in battle. The odds began to even out when the San'Shyuum vanished and the Jiralhanae began to fall back into internecine conflicts.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', ''"[[The Return]]"''</ref> In addition to the conflict with the Jiralhanae, the Swords of Sanghelios also engaged [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant]] in hostilities, which saw the flagship ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' rendered combat ineffective.<ref name="Catalog"/>
In 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 [[Battle of Netherop (2559)|travel]] to the planet to begin a search for it.{{Ref/Novel|Id=outchapt4|Out|Chapter=4}}
[[File:HINF PrismSkybox.png|left|thumb|250px|The Swords of Sanghelios in combat with the Banished at Suban.]]


===Peace talks===
===New conflicts===
[[File:HE Spartans Ealen IV.png|left|thumb|275px|Thel 'Vadam, his escorts, and the rest of the peace delegation.]]
With the Created severely weakened at the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]], remaining forces in the Urs system relinquished much of their control. This created a power vaccuum in the system. Although, many keeps and kaidons on Sanghelios maintained their support for the Arbiter and Swords. Other kaidons searched for different divisions of power. This allowed the [[Banished]] to move in to the system.{{Ref/Novel|Id=blood-moon|Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon}}
In [[2558#March|March 2558]], the Swords of Sanghelios attempted peace talks with the Jiralhanae chieftain [[Lydus]] and [[Lydus' clan|his clan]] on [[Ealen IV]]. Thel 'Vadam, with several Sangheili escorts, led the negotiations. [[Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] volunteered to moderate the talks between the two factions. However, the meeting was interrupted by a [[Battle of Ealen IV|surprise attack]] by [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant mercenaries]] under the command of [[Shipmaster]] [[Vata 'Gajat]]. [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]], [[Sarah Palmer|Commander Sarah Palmer]], and the [[SPARTAN-IV Program|Spartan-IVs]] defended the delegation and evacuated them from the chamber. When their [[DS-004|evacuation ship]] was destroyed, the security detail proceeded to escort the delegates to a nearby parts depot.<ref name="HE1"/>


Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge in. Captain Lasky ordered Palmer and the protection detail to escort the delegation to the redoubt. As the party escaped the depot, they were intercepted by a Covenant [[Type-56 Lich|Lich]]. Palmer quickly acted and threw her helmet filled with grenades and destroyed the Lich. The delegation stayed back as [[Fireteam Jackknife]] and their bodyguards went ahead to ensure the redoubt was safe for them to use as shelter.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #2''</ref> However, as the delegates entered the redoubt, [[Vladimir Scruggs|Spartan Scruggs]] of [[Fireteam Jackknife]] had killed the Sangheili and Jiralhanae escorts and ambushed the group, holding Hood hostage. 'Vadam queried Scruggs on what his demands were; Scruggs stated that they would discuss them once his associates arrived. With the Covenant bearing on the site in force, the ambassadors' security detail discovered [[Covenant cargo tug|a craft]] they could use to evacuate. Thanks to the sacrifices of Fireteam Bailey, the delegation, Lasky and the surviving Spartans made it aboard ''Infinity'', which rallied the feuding Sangheili and Jiralhanae fleets and forced 'Gajat's forces into retreat. Due to Shipmaster 'Gajat's attack, the negotiations were left in a standstill and little progress was made in furthering the peace between the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #3''</ref>
Seeking to exploit the [[Kemuksuru]] on [[Suban]], the Banished had either taken over or created the [[Mines of Shua'ree]].{{Ref/Reuse|blood-moon}} The Swords of Sanghelios moved to support some local keeps in protecting high-value mining sites.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=230}} This resulted in a [[Battle of Suban|confrontation]] between the Swords' [[Sanghelios home defense fleet]] and Banished forces stationed at and on the moon in early [[2560]].{{Ref/Reuse|blood-moon}}{{Ref/Map|HINF|Prism}}


===Rise of the Created===
On [[2560#March|March 3, 2560]], local Swords forces at Anvil Station along with their UNSC allies were deployed to a distress call from [[Nysa]].{{Ref/Reuse|HAA}}
{{Quote|Hunt them to the last. Today we extinguish the Covenant's light forever!|Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, as the Swords of Sanghelios eliminates remaining Covenant forces<ref name="BOS"/>}}
[[File:H5G-SOSrally.png|right|thumb|250px|The Arbiter rallying his forces.]]
Around October 27th, 2558, following the death of Jul 'Mdama, the remainder of his followers attacked the Swords of Sanghelios on the [[Sanghelios|Sangheili homeworld]]. The Arbiter received assistance from the UNSC's [[Fireteam Osiris]], who were searching for [[John-117|MCPO John-117]], in repelling the invasion. After intense battles along the coast in [[Nuusra]], the Swords of Sanghelios eventually pushed the Covenant back to their final stronghold: [[Sunaion]], where the Covenant was finally defeated.<ref name="BOS"/> Meanwhile, a [[Guardian]] that had lain buried beneath the [[Csurdon Sea]] emerged and departed for [[Genesis]]. Eventually Thel Vadam was successful in leading the Swords of Sanghelios in eliminating the remaining Covenant forces in the damaged city, ending the battle. Later on The Swords provided safe haven for surviving UNSC forces when [[Cortana]] and her [[Created]] took control of most of Earth's colonies.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-driving-force'''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Driving Force'']</ref>
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


==Government and politics==
==Government and politics==
{{Expand-section}}
===Modern===
{{Quote|The Arbiter's [[Fleet of Retribution|forces]] eventually consolidated their strength under a single banner, the Swords of Sanghelios, an ancient title of honor expressing the nobility of their cause: the unification of the Sangheili people.|[[Curator]] on the formation of the Swords of Sanghelios{{Ref/Reuse|Mythos144}}}}
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}}


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 name="hwp sos"/>
===Relations===
====Sangheili Colonies====
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 [[Olabisi Varo'dai]]s personal relationship with 'Vadam himself.{{Ref/Reuse|outchapt4}} Similarly to the settling of [[Om'a'Varo]], [[Thel 'Vadam|Thel]] guided his ally [[Rojka 'Kasaan]] and the survivors of the [[Operation: SUNSPEAR|destruction of Glyke]] to resettle on the former Human Colony of [[Carrow]] within the [[Joint Occupation Zone]].{{Ref/Novel|Env}} 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)}}


===Foreign relations===
The Swords have also charged their [[Fleet of Recalcitrant Ire|fleets]] with the protection of a number of allied resource rich worlds, as well as utilizing many of their vessels in the transport of many [[Ussans|Ussan]] refugees to [[Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFire|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-covering-fire|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Covering Fire|D=31|M=01|Y=2024}}
{{Quote|multi=yes|q1=Arbiter's an ally, so these dead here are our brothers as far as I'm concerned.|Edward Buck|q2=Agreed. Time for payback.|Holly Tanaka|Spartans Edward Buck and Holly Tanaka during the Battle of Nuusra<ref name="soslevel"/>}}


Although they remained at war with [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]], the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]] and several other [[Covenant remnants]], the Swords of Sanghelios sought to build peace among the fragmented remains of the Covenant and remained as an ally to humanity.<ref name="HE1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''Issue #1''</ref> Indeed, the Swords of Sanghelios is the only known Covenant group to maintain diplomatic relations with the [[Unified Earth Government]] or, more specifically, the [[UNSC]]. By [[2558]], the UNSC's ambassador to them was [[Rear Admiral]] [[Horatio Temkin]].<ref name="HE5">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #5''</ref>
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}}
[[File:Joint Operation 2015-06-16 01-46.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Swords of Sanghelios and Fireteam Osiris during the Battle of Sunaion.]]
====Unified Earth Government====
{{Quote|multi=yes|q1=Arbiter's an ally, so these dead here are our brothers as far as I'm concerned.|Edward Buck|q2=Agreed. Time for payback.|Holly Tanaka|Spartans Edward Buck and Holly Tanaka during the Battle of Nuusra{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}}}}
A [[Treaty of 2552|formal treaty]] was signed between the Swords and the [[Unified Earth Government]], setting up the [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s, which would be administered and defended by both the UEG and the Sangheili. In addition to joint military exercises against [[Piracy|pirates]] in the Joint Occupation Zones,{{Ref/Reuse|Catalog}} the Swords and the UNSC made a cooperative effort to restore contact with remote [[human colonies]] after the war; the corvette ''[[The Lookout]]'', crewed by UNSC and Swords personnel, embarked on such a mission in early [[2553]].{{Ref/Anthology|Fra|[[Breaking Strain]]}} Several colony worlds residing in the Joint Occupation Zone were established under joint UEG/Sangheili governance. Among these was [[Carrow]], a former Outer Colony abandoned during the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Anthology|Fra|[[Oasis]]}}
[[File:HINF - Emblem icon - Blades and Barbs.png|thumb|left|150px|Campaign design for Spartans working with the Swords on Suban.]]
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> [[Fireteam Jorogumo]] were loaned to the Swords thanks to a treaty between the two factions.{{Ref/Reuse|blood-moon}}


A [[Treaty of 2552|formal treaty]] was signed between the Swords and the [[Unified Earth Government]], setting up the [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s, which would be administered and defended by both the UEG and the Sangheili. In addition to joint military exercises against [[Piracy|pirates]] in the Joint Occupation Zones,<ref name="Catalog"/> the Swords and the UNSC made a cooperative effort to restore contact with remote [[human colonies]] after the war; the corvette ''[[The Lookout]]'', crewed by UNSC and Swords personnel, embarked on such a mission in early [[2553]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', ''"[[Breaking Strain]]"''</ref> Several colony worlds residing in the Joint Occupation Zone were established under joint UEG/Sangheili governance. Among these was [[Carrow]], a former Outer Colony abandoned during the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref>'''Halo: Fractures''', "[[Oasis]]"</ref>
In the wake of the Covenant War, the Swords of Sanghelios are often viewed as representing the Sangheili on the whole in their diplomatic relations with humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|glasslands}} Though some humans have mistakenly referred to them as "the Covenant".<ref>'''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'''</ref>


The UNSC and the Sangheili worked together on archival research on Sanghelios,<ref name="C1">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969317_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969317 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2969317)]</ref> as well as joint investigations on Covenant weaponry, such as the [[Type-33 Needler]].<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969311_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969311 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2969311)]</ref> Additionally, a [[Onyx United Research Project|major joint research project]] and [[Paxopolis|settlement]] was established by the UNSC and the Swords at [[Trevelyan]], the enormous [[shield world]] located at the former site of [[Onyx]].<ref>'''Halo: Fractures''', "[[Lessons Learned]]"</ref> A notable example of trust and technological exchange between humanity and Sangheili is the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Helioskrill|Helioskrill armor]], a variant of [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]], one of the most sophisticated pieces of human technology, which was designed by a Sangheili prodigy and manufactured by the [[Kolaar Manufactorum]], a forge based on Sanghelios.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''Helioskrill armor description''</ref> As part of the [[ANVIL initiative]], Sangheili military personnel train with [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] inside the [[War Games]] simulator aboard [[Anvil Station]].<ref name="Have S'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder: 2-20-15'']</ref>
By [[2558]], the UNSC's ambassador to them was [[Rear Admiral]] [[Horatio Temkin]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE5|HEsc|Issue=5}}
{{Clear}}
====The Jiralhanae====
The Jiralhanae have remained a thorn in the side of the Swords, with the [[Sangheili-Jiralhanae war]] continuing to rage on.{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}} Due to the wealth the Swords had amassed over the years following the Human-Covenant War, several Jiralhanae factions have marked them as the perfect target for raiding, leading to increased conflict. The Swords and a powerful faction of the Jiralhanae known as the [[Children of Oth Sonin]] attempted to establish an official peace between them in 2558. However, this effort was [[Attack on Ealen IV|disrupted]] by [[Vata 'Gajat]]'s [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|mercenaries]] and no peace was agreed upon.{{Ref/Comic|HEsc|Issue=2}}{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE3|HEsc|Issue=3}}


Despite the formal alliance between the UEG and the Swords of Sanghelios, not all humans and Sangheili were amicable towards coexistence. Some Sangheili, such as Jul 'Mdama, stood in opposition to the Arbiter and the Swords of Sanghelios due to their alliance with the UNSC and sought to continue the extermination of humanity. Meanwhile, the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] worked from within the UNSC to undermine the Sangheili, against the UEG's official policy. Outside the UEG, a pro-human [[terrorist]] group known as [[Sapien Sunrise]] openly opposed the notion of peace with the Sangheili. In [[Raid on Biko peace talks|one notable incident]], nine members from the aforementioned terrorist organization infiltrated [[Richard Sekibo]]'s delegation at a peace summit on the colony world of Biko. They intended to assassinate Sekibo and a Sangheili delegation while framing the Sangheili of the crime. The assassination attempt was foiled by Spartan John-117 though Sekibo was mortally wounded. Unfortunately, the truth was covered up and John-117 was used as a scapegoat to hide the UEG's laxity towards preventing the attack, much to the frustration of the Sangheili delegation.<ref name="HtTS1">'''[[Hunt the Truth]]''', ''Season 1''</ref>
====Covenant remnants====
The Swords of Sanghelios are opposed by and are hostile in regards to several other [[Covenant remnants|Covenant remnant factions]], such as [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]],{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sangheili}}{{Ref/Novel|LoO|Chapter=5}}{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]],{{Ref/Novel|Id=Out3|Out|Chapter=3}}, the previously mentioned [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group]], and recently the [[Banished]].{{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}}
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==Society and culture==
==Society and culture==
The Swords of Sanghelios look to return the Sangheili to their ancient, pre-Covenant independence and nobility.{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sangheili}} Specifically, the Swords were in pursuit of the creation of a single union of all Sangheili worlds.{{Ref/Novel|Id=outchapt2|Out|Chapter=2}} Their proposed union, would come from the Arbiter as the [[Concert of Worlds]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=outchapt1|Out|Chapter=1}}
In general, most of the Arbiter's followers no longer revere the Forerunners as gods.<ref>'''Halo: Hunters in the Dark''', ''page 62'' (Google Play edition)</ref> This has provoked the anger of many of their enemies, mainly the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 20''</ref> However, the Arbiter has never explicitly denied the Forerunners as gods, and has assured other Sangheili that they have not lost the gods.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 59''</ref>
{{Expand-section}}
{{Expand-section}}
The Swords of Sanghelios look to pre-Covenant Sangheili culture and traditions as they seek to rebuild their civilization, unlike [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s ideologically opposite [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|reformed Covenant]] or many other groups seeking to reattain the hegemony's former glory.<ref name="hwp sangheili"/>
The Swords of Sanghelios have a peculiar relationship with religion, rejecting the [[Covenant religion|Prophets' religion]] and holding questions about the Sangheili's traditional faith.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', ''The Return''</ref> In general, most of the Arbiter's followers no longer revere the Forerunners as gods.<ref>'''Halo: Hunters in the Dark''', ''page 62'' (Google Play edition)</ref> This has provoked the anger of many of their enemies, mainly the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 20''</ref> However, the Arbiter has never explicitly denied the Forerunners as gods, and has assured other Sangheili that they have not lost the gods.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 59''</ref> In addition, the [[Ascetics]] appear to follow the Arbiter, having approached [[Usze 'Taham]] as a liaison between them and the Swords of Sanghelios despite the Arbiter's apparently secular government,<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/usze-taham '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Usze 'Taham'']</ref> and at least one served as a bodyguard for the Arbiter and was killed during the Ealen peace conference.<ref name="HE2">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', [[Halo: Escalation Issue 2|Issue #2]]</ref>


== Military structure ==
== Military structure ==
[[File:H5G-gruntnelitesittinginatree.png|thumb|275px|A Sangheili Storm and [[Dimkee Hotay]] on Sanghelios.]]
[[File:H5G-gruntnelitesittinginatree.png|thumb|275px|A Sangheili Storm and [[Dimkee Hotay]] on Sanghelios.]]
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 name="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 have an open military service. This means that the military isn't solely composed of male Sangheili; female Sangheili, [[Unggoy]], and [[Kig-Yar]] could also partake in the military and even achieve high ranks and titles.{{Ref/Reuse|blood-moon}}<ref>'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 24'' (Google Play edition)</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} Even the [[Lekgolo]] could participate.<ref>[https://www.halowaypointstore.com/p/halo_swords_of_sanghelios_premium_tee.html '''Halo Waypoint Store''' - ''Swords of Sanghelios Tee'']</ref> The decision for open service occurred 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>
 
Crimson and ivory,<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 72''</ref> or red-gold<ref name="CFAA">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/canon-fodder-1-8-16-annual-achievements/ca5fc3ce-2113-45bf-9f4e-e9990132f18b/posts?page=2#post37 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder 1-8-16: Annual Achievements'']</ref> armor indicates some form of affiliation to the Swords of Sanghelios, though there are armors painted in other colors, such as blue.{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}}


The Swords of Sanghelios has revived traditional Sangheili ranks such as [[Ascetics|Ascetic warriors]].<ref name="HE1"/> Crimson and ivory,<ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 72''</ref> or red-gold<ref name="CFAA">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/canon-fodder-1-8-16-annual-achievements/ca5fc3ce-2113-45bf-9f4e-e9990132f18b/posts?page=2#post37 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder 1-8-16: Annual Achievements'']</ref> armor indicates some form of affiliation to the Swords of Sanghelios, though there are armors painted in other colors, such as blue.<ref name="HE1"/>
The Swords of Sanghelios also established the [[Riftborn]], a new special operations division, fully committed to joint military operations with the UNSC. These hand-selected operatives maintain a local presence on [[Anvil Station]].{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=251}}


{| class="wikitable" style="width:660px; margin:4px auto; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:660px; margin:4px auto; text-align:center;"
Line 124: Line 153:
|[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]<br>[[Sangheili Storm|Storm]]
|[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]<br>[[Sangheili Storm|Storm]]
|[[Unggoy Storm|Storm]]
|[[Unggoy Storm|Storm]]
|[[Kig-Yar Storm|Storm]]
|
|[[Mgalekgolo]]
|[[Mgalekgolo]]
|-
|-
|Specialized troops
|Specialized troops
|[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]]<br>[[Commando Unit|Commando]]<br>[[Ascetics|Ascetic]]
|[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]]<br>[[Commando Unit|Commando]]<br>[[Special Operations Officer|SpecOps]]
|[[Unggoy Ranger|Ranger]]
|[[Unggoy Ranger|Ranger]]
|
|[[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]]
|
|
|-
|-
|Veterans
|Veterans
|[[Sangheili Commander|Commander]]
|[[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]]<br>[[Evocati|Ultra]]
|
|
|
|
Line 143: Line 172:
|Ratings
|Ratings
|[[Blademaster]]<br>[[Shipmaster]]<br>[[Fleet Master]]<br>[[Arbiter]]
|[[Blademaster]]<br>[[Shipmaster]]<br>[[Fleet Master]]<br>[[Arbiter]]
|
|[[Scannermaster]]<br>[[Shipmaster]]
|
|
|
|
Line 149: Line 178:


==Military assets==
==Military assets==
The Swords of Sanghelios utilized much of the same equipment that the original Covenant used, but modified the designs due to the lack of restriction from the former Prophets. Most [[Unggoy]] used the [[Type-25 plasma pistol]],<ref name="SOI">'''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'''</ref> [[Type-54 plasma pistol]],<ref name="Alliance"/> [[Type-33 Needler]],<ref name="C1"/> and [[Type-56 Needler]],<ref name="Alliance"/> while [[Sangheili]] personnel were typically armed with the [[Type-25 plasma rifle]],<ref name="Mythos142">'''Halo Mythos''', ''pages 142-143''</ref> [[Type-27 beam rifle]],<ref name="soslevel"/> [[Type-31 needle rifle]],<ref name="CFAA"/> [[Type-50 concussion rifle]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/GrimBrotherOne/status/781987887726198784 '''Twitter''' - ''GrimBrotherOne'']</ref>, [[Type-51 carbine]],<ref name="HitD">'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'''</ref> [[Type-53 Plasma Caster]],<ref name="soslevel"/> [[Type-55 storm rifle]],<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref> [[Type-57 carbine]],<ref name="H5G"/> [[Type-58 fuel rod cannon]],<ref name="REQs"/> and the [[Type-1 energy sword]].<ref name="H5G"/> Several of their energy swords, most notably the [[Prophets' Bane]], were shaped in new designs based on pre-Covenant fashions.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/prophets%E2%80%99-bane '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Prophets' Bane'']</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''', ''page 53''</ref>
[[File:SwordOfHarmony.png|thumb|right|250px|A modified ''A'uzr''-pattern sword frigate, ''[[Sword of Harmony]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|CFConcert}}]]
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/Level|Id=Alliance|H5G|[[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|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}},{{Ref/Reuse|outchapt1}}{{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> {{Ref/Reuse|H5G}} {{Pattern|Tufasumo|plasma caster}},{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}} {{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}},<ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref> {{Pattern|Erudo'ma'keth|pulse carbine}},{{Ref/Reuse|blood-moon}}{{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 name="REQs"/> [[Type-52 Phantom]]s were used as the main troop transports, although these sported a green color instead of the usual purple and utilized [[active camouflage]].<ref name="cove"/><ref name="HE1"/> The Swords used orange-painted [[Type-26 Shade]]s<ref name="soslevel"/> and [[Type-56 Shrike]]s<ref name="Shrike">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/shrike-turret '''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]], [[Type-58 Wraith]], and [[Type-54 Banshee#Sword Banshee|Type-54 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 [[Type-56 Lich]]es and [[Type-57 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 name="H5G"/>
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}} While {{Pattern|Kez'katu|Phantom}}s and {{Pattern|Taaku Xur|Spirit}}s were used by the Swords to some capacity,{{Ref/Reuse|HSOI}}  {{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 Swords were known to also use the {{Pattern|Muv'te|anti-aircraft Wraith}} for mobile ground-to-air defense, with some units stylizing theirs in iridescent green as an homage to the [[Covenant separatists]].{{Ref/Site|Id=BH|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/bounty-hunters|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Cannon Fodder - Bounty Hunters|D=09|M=07|Y=2021}} The faction also used crimson-orange {{Pattern|Kmiro'sish|Lich}}es, {{Pattern|Mikpramu|Phantom}}s, and {{Pattern|Nuro'k Xur|Spirit}}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}} {{Ref/Site|Id=Waypoint|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles?page=2|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Universe|Detail=Spirit page description|Quote=The Spirit serves as a dropship and utility craft in Covenant and Swords of Sanghelios armies.|D=27|M=10|Y=2015}}<br>


The [[Swords of Sanghelios Navy|faction's navy]] was composed of multiple {{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}s, {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}s, {{Class|CPV|heavy destroyer}}s<ref name="HE1"/> and at least one {{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}}.<ref name="HitD"/> They also made use of ancient Sangheili ships, like [[Blockade Runner]]s, [[Brigantine]]s, [[Carrack]]s and [[Man O' War]]s.<ref name="BTS">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Before the Storm]]''</ref><ref name="BOS">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level ''[[Battle of Sunaion (level)|Battle of Sunaion]]''</ref>
The Swords' naval forces are composed of multiple [[assault carrier]]s (numerous {{Pattern|Kerel|assault carrier}}s and at least one {{Pattern|Syfon|assault carrier}}), {{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 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}} The Swords possess the majority of the {{Pattern|Lursu|brigantine}}s in service following the Covenant War.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=271}} 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]]}}
=== Units ===
=== Units ===
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-4|state=plain
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-3|state=plain
|title-1=Fleet units|
|title-1=Fleet units|
*Unidentified Fleet at the [[Battle of Ealen IV]]
*[[Sanghelios home defense fleet]]
*[[Fleet of Retribution]]
*[[Fleet of Retribution]]
*[[Fleet of Recalcitrant Ire]]{{Ref/Reuse|CFFire}}
*Unidentified fleet at the [[Battle of Ealen IV]]
*Unidentified fleet at the [[Battle of Sunaion]]
|title-2=Individual ships|
*{{Pattern|Kerel|assault carrier}}
**''[[Shadow of Intent]]''
**''[[Shadow of Intent]]''
**''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'' {{C|former}}
*{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}
|title-2=Individual ships|
**''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'' {{C|stolen}}
*''[[Axiom]]'' {{c|destroyed}}
*{{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}
*''[[Devotion (cruiser)|Devotion]]'' {{c|destroyed}}
**''[[Mayhem]]'' {{C|Damaged in 2555}}
*''[[Havoc]]''
*{{Pattern|Makar|light corvette}}
*''[[Journey's Sustenance]]''
**''[[The Lookout]]''
*''[[Mayhem]]'' {{C|Damaged in 2555}}
*{{Pattern|A'uzr|sword frigate}}
*''[[Onslaught (ship)|Onslaught]]''
**''[[Sword of Harmony]]'' {{c|destroyed}}
*''[[Revolution (ship)|Revolution]]''
**''[[Sword of Conjunction]]''
*''[[Swordsman (ship)|Swordsman]]''
*{{Pattern|Zanar|light cruiser}}
**''[[Bad Gas]]''
*{{Pattern|Hekar Taa|blockade runner}}
**''[[Scorrin's Blade]]''
*Unknown type of Cruiser
**''[[Swordsman (ship)|Swordsman]]''
*Unknown
**''[[Havoc]]''
**''[[Onslaught (ship)|Onslaught]]''
**''[[Revolution (ship)|Revolution]]''
|title-3=Aerial forces|
|title-3=Aerial forces|
*[[Jardam Wing]]<ref name="h5genemylines">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Enemy Lines]]''</ref>
*[[Jardam Wing]]<ref name="h5genemylines">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Enemy Lines]]''</ref>
*[[Lar Wing]]<ref name="h5genemylines"/>
*[[Lar Wing]]
*[[Siqtar Wing]]<ref name="h5genemylines"/>
*[[Siqtar Wing]]
*[[Zeshk Wing]]
*Jointly operated
**[[Amity Wing]]
**[[Harmony Wing]]
**[[Sympathy Wing]]
|title-4=Ground forces|
|title-4=Ground forces|
*Several [[legion]]s
*[[Riftborn]]
*[[Special Warfare Group]]
**[[Covenant Special Operations]]
**[[Fleet Security]]
**[[Commando Unit]]
*[[Ascetics|Ascetic guard]]
}}
}}


== Gallery ==
==Gallery==
<Gallery>
<Gallery>
File:Escalation_schism.png|A [[Sangheili Minor]] and a [[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] fighting in a [[Joint-Occupation Zone]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:Escalation_schism.png|A [[Sangheili Minor]] and a [[Jiralhanae Captain Major]] fighting in a [[Joint-Occupation Zone]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:Ealen IV.jpg|Swords of Sanghelios over Ealen IV.
File:Ealen IV.jpg|Swords of Sanghelios and [[Children of Oth Sonin]] ships over Ealen IV.
File:Thel 2558.png|Thel 'Vadam and escort on Ealen IV in 2558.
File:Thel 2558.png|Thel 'Vadam and escort on Ealen IV in 2558.
File:Locke&SangheiliMajor.png|A Sword of Sanghelios with Jameson Locke in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:Locke&SangheiliMajor.png|A Sword of Sanghelios with Jameson Locke in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A - Arbiter and Majors.jpg|Swords of Sanghelios aboard a Type-56 Lich.
File:MCC - Locke and Arbiter.png|'Vadam, Locke and their respective forces prepare to engage [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant]] forces.
File:MCC - Locke and Arbiter.png|'Vadam, Locke and their respective forces prepare to engage [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant]] forces.
File:Hunters in the Dark full cover.jpg|N'tho 'Sraom and [[Frank Kodiak]] fighting [[Blind Wolf|Blind Wolves]] on Installation 00 in 2555 in ''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''.
File:Sword of Sanghelios storms ready for battle.png|Swords of Sanghelios combat-ready in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:Sword of Sanghelios storms ready for battle.png|Swords of Sanghelios combat-ready in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:Swords of Sanghelios defence.jpg|Two Sword of Sanghelios Storms defending the [[Elder Council Chamber]] and one Sword Wraith.
File:Swords of Sanghelios defence.jpg|Two Sword of Sanghelios Storms defending the [[Elder Council Chamber]] and one Sword Wraith.
File:SOSE3.png|A Sangheili Storm working on formation logistics before an aerial assault on a [[Kraken]].
File:SOSE3.png|A Sangheili Storm working on formation logistics before an aerial assault on a {{Pattern|Shuul'se|Kraken}}.
File:SOSGrunt.png|An Unggoy Storm on Sangheilios.
File:SOSGrunt.png|An Unggoy Storm on Sangheilios.
File:SOSElite.png|A Sangheili Storm standing on guard on Sangheilios.
File:SOSElite.png|A Sangheili Storm standing on guard on Sangheilios.
Line 203: Line 246:
File:H5G-Dimkee&friends.png|Swords of Sanghelios work and relax.
File:H5G-Dimkee&friends.png|Swords of Sanghelios work and relax.
File:H5G-SOSformation.png|The Swords of Sanghelios fleet prepares to attack Sunaion.
File:H5G-SOSformation.png|The Swords of Sanghelios fleet prepares to attack Sunaion.
File:Joint Operation 2015-06-16 01-46.jpg|The Swords of Sanghelios and Fireteam Osiris during the Battle of Sunaion.
File:H5G-SunaionSoS.png|A Sangheili Storm in Sunaion during the Swords assault.
File:H5G-SunaionSoS.png|A Sangheili Storm in Sunaion during the Swords assault.
File:HO-Spartans&Elites1.png|Sangheili and Spartan-IVs participating in War Games together on Anvil Station in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:HO-Spartans&Elites1.png|Sangheili and Spartan-IVs participating in War Games together on Anvil Station in ''[[Halo Online]]''.
File:Kola 'Baoth.jpg|[[Kola 'Baoth]] in Swords of Sanghelios [[Sangheili_Ranger|Ranger]] Armor.
File:Kola 'Baoth.jpg|[[Kola 'Baoth]] in Swords of Sanghelios [[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]] Armor.
File:Rocket League SoS Flag.png|Swords of Sangheilios flag in ''[[Wikipedia:Rocket League|Rocket League]]'' as an unlockable antenna for the base cars to use.
File:Rocket League SoS Flag.png|Swords of Sangheilios flag in ''[[Wikipedia:Rocket League|Rocket League]]'' as an unlockable antenna for the base cars to use.
File:HINF ArbyMeeting.jpg|Early concept art for ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' depicting Thel 'Vadam meeting with [[Kelly-087]] in a Swords of Sanghelios base.
File:HINF RebelBaseConcept.jpg|Early concept art for ''Halo Infinite'', possibly showing the exterior of the base. Take note of the Swords of Sanghelios symbol on the side of the structure.
File:BattleForTheBloodMoon.jpg|Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili with Spartan [[Fireteam Jorogumo]] during the [[Battle of Suban]] in ''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''.
</Gallery>
</Gallery>


== List of appearances ==
== List of appearances ==
*''[[Halo 4]]'' {{Fm}}
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{Mo|MCC}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}}
Line 220: Line 265:
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition|Limited Edition]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
Line 229: Line 274:
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season 05: Reckoning]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Sunrise on Sanghelios]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''
*''[[Halo: Anvil Accord]]''
*''[[Halo: Empty Throne]]''


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Ref/Sources|2}}


{{Organizations}}
{{Organizations}}

Latest revision as of 15:45, October 4, 2024

This article is about the post-war Covenant splinter faction. For the Halo 5: Guardians campaign level, see Swords of Sanghelios (level).
Swords of Sanghelios
Swords of Sanghelios symbol.png
The symbol of the Swords of Sanghelios

Thel 'Vadam and several members of the Swords of Sanghelios.
Thel 'Vadam's modern restoration of the Swords of Sanghelios

Overview

Type:

Alliance of keeps[1]

Founder(s):

Thel 'Vadam (Modern incarnation)

Head of state:

Arbiter[1]

Legislative branch:

Council of Kaidons[1]

Societal overview

Official language(s):

Sangheili

Notable event(s):

Historical overview

Formation:

Pre-938 BCE[1]

Reorganization:

 

"We Swords of Sanghelios are united under no less a warrior than the Arbiter himself. He who exposed the countless lies of the San'Shyuum, and drove back the Covenant. The Arbiter shapes our future with deference to our past."
— Thon 'Kemtra on the Swords and the Arbiter.[3]

The Swords of Sanghelios[2] is an alliance of Sangheili keeps[4] and the preeminent governing body on Sanghelios.[5][1] Individual members of the faction identify themselves with the title Sword of Sanghelios.[4]

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.[6][1] However, many Sangheili disagreed with his ideals, planning to overthrow the Arbiter and rise against humanity.[7]

History[edit]

Ancient origins[edit]

Arbiter Irsu 'Labat in the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)
The Judge-King of Qivro, Irsu 'Labat.

Groups known as the "Swords of Sanghelios" have existed in several incarnations throughout history. The first Swords of Sanghelios were a sworn brotherhood of kaidons dedicated to the overthrow of a tyrannical Arbiter judge-king who ruled the continent of Qivro centuries before the Sangheili became a spacefaring species. Their story of brotherhood, loyalty, honor, and sacrifice continues to resonate among the Sangheili.[1]

Ironically, the last incarnation of the organization prior to its current existence appeared in the tumultuous aftermath of the Covenant's formation to subdue the last opposition to the Writ of Union.[1]

Postwar recreation[edit]

Main article: Postwar

"The Arbiter has united the keeps and formed a new alliance, the Swords of Sanghelios!"
— Mahkee 'Chava to Fireteam Osiris[4]

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 upheaval of the Covenant's social and political moors. Many turned to a reluctant Thel 'Vadam as an ad hoc leader.[8]

The Swords remained friendly to humanity and wished to build a mutual peace, as they both had made tremendous sacrifices in order to stop Truth and the Covenant forces. On their homeworld, however, they were challenged by a resurgent faction of religious fanatics known as the Servants of the Abiding Truth. They viewed the Swords as "blasphemers" and began an insurrection, secretly supported by the UNSC's Office of Naval Intelligence, all the while resuming the conflict against the Jiralhanae in a two-front war. The Abiding Truth managed to gather a large amount of followers in a relatively short timespan; while the faction had a strong religious underpinning, many Sangheili had more practical motives for allying against the Arbiter, among them resentment toward humanity.[7][9] Meanwhile, 'Vadam planned to visit each state to make his case for permanent peace with the humans they had battled for so many years. These reforms did not meet with universal approval. By January 2553, there was great dissent among disparate Sangheili factions, especially from the more devout believers in the Forerunners' divinity.[10]

Siege at Kolaar[edit]

Main article: Siege at Kolaar

Avu Med 'Telcam, leader of the Servants of Abiding Truth, decided that an immediate assault on the state of Vadam was necessary. Along with nine ships and forces from Nuan keep and Rtova keep, 'Telcam commanded the assault from the frigate Unflinching Resolve.[11] Eventually, however, the Unflinching Resolve suffered a direct hit and crash landed, though most of the crew, including 'Telcam, survived. Despite being caught off-guard it appeared as though the Swords of Sanghelios would be victorious, however, news spread that he allowed humans to land on Sanghelios; this caused many keeps to ally with the Servants of Abiding Truth and the tide turned in their favor. The Arbiter was caught off guard and when his own reinforcements couldn't arrive on time, he reluctantly accepted Admiral Terrence Hood's offer for help in fending off the attackers. The tide turned when UNSC Infinity arrived over Sanghelios and destroyed the rebel destroyer Defender of Faith before finishing off the rebel ground forces with a MAC round. 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, 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.[12] At some point, the Ket-pattern battlecruiser Pious Inquisitor fell into the hands of the Abiding Truth. In turn, Kig-Yar pirate Sav Fel stole the Inquisitor, with the intention to sell it on Venezia.[13] 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.[14]

Following these events, the allied forces on Sanghelios consolidated under the old banner of the Swords of Sanghelios.[2]

Artwork for the Blooding Years
Thel 'Vadam and his allies engaging other hostile Sangheili forces.

Blooding Years[edit]

Main article: Blooding Years

Over the next six years, the Swords would engage in hostilities with several Sangheili factions. Fighting with Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction saw the flagship Shadow of Intent temporarily rendered combat ineffective.[15]

In 2553, a Joint Occupation Zone was also set up between the Swords of Sanghelios and the United Nations Space Command, with both humans and ex-Covenant species settling on the territory's within the zone.[16] On July 2, 2553, Lord Hood would proposition the Anvil Initiative to the Arbiter as a joint venture between the UNSC and the Swords.[17]

In March of 2555, Swords forces would thwart a plot by Otar 'Bemet to take revenge against the Arbiter. At the same time, the UNSC requested the Arbiters aid in re-activating the Portal at Voi in order to dispatch a team there to disable the activation sequence of the Halo Array. However, due to the bulk of the Swords forces being preoccupied in the ongoing civil war, 'Vadam was only able to send a Corvette with a small strike team of Sangheili to aid the humans.[18]

Sangheili-Jiralhanae war[edit]

Simultaneously, the Sangheili would also continue 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.[19] The inability for the Jiralhanae to properly mine the resources on their colonies has also forced them to raid Sangheili worlds for their processed resources. Tensions with the Swords of Sanghelios and the Children of Oth Sonin have also increased due to raids on settlements within the Joint Occupation Zone.[20]

Thel 'Vadam, his escorts, and the rest of the peace delegation.

Peace talks[edit]

In March 2558, the Swords of Sanghelios attempted peace talks with the Children of Oth Sonin, represented by their lead, Jiralhanae chieftain Lydus, 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 surprise attack by mercenaries under the command of Shipmaster Vata 'Gajat. Captain Thomas Lasky, Commander Sarah Palmer, and the Spartan-IVs defended the delegation and evacuated them from the chamber.[20] After various tribulations in getting the delegation to safety arose from the attack, the delegation and the surviving Spartans finally made it to safety aboard UNSC Infinity. Following the boarding of the Infinity, the UNSC led the Sangheili and Jiralhanae fleets against the enemy fleet, forcing the Shipmaster to order a retreat. Due to Vata '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.[21]

Created uprising[edit]

The Arbiter rallying his forces prior to striking Sunaion.
Main article: Created uprising

Global war[edit]

"Hunt them to the last. Today we extinguish the Covenant's light forever!"
— Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, as the Swords of Sanghelios eliminates Jul 'Mdama's remaining Covenant forces[22]
Main article: Sanghelios global war

In October 2558, Sanghelios burst into global war[23] with Jul 'Mdama's Covenant attacking the Swords. The Arbiter received assistance from the UNSC's Fireteam Osiris, who were searching for MCPO John-117, in repelling the invasion.[4] 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.[22] Later on the Swords provided safe haven for surviving UNSC forces when Cortana and her Created took control of most of Earth's colonies.[24]

Occupation and Netherop[edit]

Main article: Subjugation of Sanghelios

With the Sangheili resisting the Created's rule, Cortana sent a Guardian and Forerunner soldiers to pacify Sanghelios, starting with its major cities.[25] The UNSC reinforced the Swords of Sanghelios with its expeditionary forces, conducting joint patrols to monitor and defend the Sanghelios badlands from Created scouts and any remnant of Jul 'Mdama's Covenant still present on the planet.[24]

In 2559, 'Vadam would participate in the High Gathering where he would propose the Concert of Worlds,[26] as a means of unifying the Sangheili. As well, Oath Warden Crei 'Ayomuu would inform Thel 'Vadam of a potential anti-Guardian weapon located on Netherop.[27] 'Vadam would call for aid from colonial allies and would personally travel to the planet to begin a search for it.[28]

Skybox of Halo Infinite multiplayer map Prism.
The Swords of Sanghelios in combat with the Banished at Suban.

New conflicts[edit]

With the Created severely weakened at the Battle for Zeta Halo, remaining forces in the Urs system relinquished much of their control. This created a power vaccuum in the system. Although, many keeps and kaidons on Sanghelios maintained their support for the Arbiter and Swords. Other kaidons searched for different divisions of power. This allowed the Banished to move in to the system.[29]

Seeking to exploit the Kemuksuru on Suban, the Banished had either taken over or created the Mines of Shua'ree.[29] The Swords of Sanghelios moved to support some local keeps in protecting high-value mining sites.[30] This resulted in a confrontation between the Swords' Sanghelios home defense fleet and Banished forces stationed at and on the moon in early 2560.[29][31]

On March 3, 2560, local Swords forces at Anvil Station along with their UNSC allies were deployed to a distress call from Nysa.[17]

Government and politics[edit]

Modern[edit]

"The Arbiter's forces eventually consolidated their strength under a single banner, the Swords of Sanghelios, an ancient title of honor expressing the nobility of their cause: the unification of the Sangheili people."
— Curator on the formation of the Swords of Sanghelios[2]

An alliance of Sangheili keeps, the Swords of Sanghelios is governed by a grand council of kaidons, 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.[1]

Relations[edit]

Sangheili Colonies[edit]

Several Sangheili colonies have demonstrated allegiance to the Swords of Sanghelios.[28][32] 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 Olabisi Varo'dais personal relationship with 'Vadam himself.[28] Similarly to the settling of Om'a'Varo, Thel guided his ally Rojka 'Kasaan and the survivors of the destruction of Glyke to resettle on the former Human Colony of Carrow within the Joint Occupation Zone.[33] Other notable Sangheili colonies that chose to ally themselves with the Swords include Duraan[32] and Rahnelo.[34]

The Swords have also charged their fleets with the protection of a number of allied resource rich worlds, as well as utilizing many of their vessels in the transport of many Ussan refugees to Sanghelios.[35]

In addition, the Ascetics and Swords of Sanghelios enjoy a positive relationship, with Usze 'Taham acting as a liaison between them.[36] At least one other member of the Ascetics served as a bodyguard for the Arbiter and was killed during the Ealen peace conference.[37]

The Swords of Sanghelios and Fireteam Osiris during the Battle of Sunaion.

Unified Earth Government[edit]

Edward Buck: "Arbiter's an ally, so these dead here are our brothers as far as I'm concerned."
Holly Tanaka: "Agreed. Time for payback."
— Spartans Edward Buck and Holly Tanaka during the Battle of Nuusra[4]

A formal treaty was signed between the Swords and the Unified Earth Government, setting up the Joint Occupation Zones, which would be administered and defended by both the UEG and the Sangheili. In addition to joint military exercises against pirates in the Joint Occupation Zones,[15] the Swords and the UNSC made a cooperative effort to restore contact with remote human colonies after the war; the corvette The Lookout, crewed by UNSC and Swords personnel, embarked on such a mission in early 2553.[38] Several colony worlds residing in the Joint Occupation Zone were established under joint UEG/Sangheili governance. Among these was Carrow, a former Outer Colony abandoned during the Human-Covenant War.[39]

Campaign design for Spartans working with the Swords of Sanghelios on Suban. (UNSC/Epic)
Campaign design for Spartans working with the Swords on Suban.

The UNSC and the Sangheili worked together on archival research on Sanghelios,[40] as well as joint investigations on Covenant weaponry, such as the Type-33 Needler.[41] Additionally, a major joint research project and settlement was established by the UNSC and the Swords at Trevelyan, the enormous shield world located at the former site of Onyx.[42] As part of the ANVIL initiative, Sangheili military personnel train with Spartan-IVs inside the War Games simulator aboard Anvil Station.[43] Fireteam Jorogumo were loaned to the Swords thanks to a treaty between the two factions.[29]

In the wake of the Covenant War, the Swords of Sanghelios are often viewed as representing the Sangheili on the whole in their diplomatic relations with humanity.[7] Though some humans have mistakenly referred to them as "the Covenant".[44]

By 2558, the UNSC's ambassador to them was Rear Admiral Horatio Temkin.[45]

The Jiralhanae[edit]

The Jiralhanae have remained a thorn in the side of the Swords, with the Sangheili-Jiralhanae war continuing to rage on.[20] Due to the wealth the Swords had amassed over the years following the Human-Covenant War, several Jiralhanae factions have marked them as the perfect target for raiding, leading to increased conflict. The Swords and a powerful faction of the Jiralhanae known as the Children of Oth Sonin attempted to establish an official peace between them in 2558. However, this effort was disrupted by Vata 'Gajat's mercenaries and no peace was agreed upon.[46][47]

Covenant remnants[edit]

The Swords of Sanghelios are opposed by and are hostile in regards to several other Covenant remnant factions, such as Jul 'Mdama's Covenant,[6][48][4] the Servants of the Abiding Truth,[49], the previously mentioned Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group, and recently the Banished.[50]

Society and culture[edit]

The Swords of Sanghelios look to return the Sangheili to their ancient, pre-Covenant independence and nobility.[6] Specifically, the Swords were in pursuit of the creation of a single union of all Sangheili worlds.[27] Their proposed union, would come from the Arbiter as the Concert of Worlds.[26]

In general, most of the Arbiter's followers no longer revere the Forerunners as gods.[51] This has provoked the anger of many of their enemies, mainly the Servants of the Abiding Truth.[52] However, the Arbiter has never explicitly denied the Forerunners as gods, and has assured other Sangheili that they have not lost the gods.[53]

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Military structure[edit]

A Sangheili Storm and Dimkee Hotay on Sanghelios.

The Swords of Sanghelios have an open military service. This means that the military isn't solely composed of male Sangheili; female Sangheili, Unggoy, and Kig-Yar could also partake in the military and even achieve high ranks and titles.[29][54][4] Even the Lekgolo could participate.[55] The decision for open service occurred following the precedent of Tul 'Juran, who distinguished herself in combat alongside Rtas 'Vadum's crew against Tem'Bhetek and his forces.[56]

Crimson and ivory,[57] or red-gold[58] armor indicates some form of affiliation to the Swords of Sanghelios, though there are armors painted in other colors, such as blue.[20]

The Swords of Sanghelios also established the Riftborn, a new special operations division, fully committed to joint military operations with the UNSC. These hand-selected operatives maintain a local presence on Anvil Station.[59]

Classes Sangheili Unggoy Kig-Yar Lekgolo
Ranks and type classes
Standard ranks Minor
Storm 		Storm Mgalekgolo
Specialized troops Ranger
Commando
SpecOps 		Ranger Sniper
Veterans Commander
Ultra
Titles
Ratings Blademaster
Shipmaster
Fleet Master
Arbiter 		Scannermaster
Shipmaster

Military assets[edit]

Illustration for the A'uzr-pattern sword frigate, based on an old concept piece for the Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette done by Glenn Israel. The colouration and additional modifications were done by 343 artist Salvatorre Yazzie.
A modified A'uzr-pattern sword frigate, Sword of Harmony.[60]

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,[61] Type-54 plasma pistol,[62] Type-33 Needler,[40] and Type-56D needler,[62] while Sangheili personnel were typically armed with the Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle,[63] Nakata'vho-pattern plasma repeater,[26]Zubo-pattern beam rifle,[4] Gadulo-pattern needle rifle,[58] Elo'Nakada-pattern concussion rifle,[64] Mosa-pattern carbine,[65] [66] Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster,[4] Kelos'vaarda-pattern storm rifle,[66] Erudo'ma'keth-pattern pulse carbine,[29]Gespu-pattern fuel rod gun,[67] and the Type-1 energy sword.[66] Several of their energy swords, most notably the Prophets' Bane, were shaped in new designs based on pre-Covenant fashions.[68][69]

Like the original Covenant the Type-26 Banshee remained as the main aircraft of the faction for much of the Blooding Years.[67] While Kez'katu-pattern Phantoms and Taaku Xur-pattern Spirits were used by the Swords to some capacity,[70] Ru'swum-pattern Phantoms were used as the main troop transports, although these sported a green color instead of the usual purple and utilized active camouflage.[20] The Swords used orange-painted Bmur'resh-pattern Shades[4] and Upisa'weri-pattern Shrikes[71] for static defense. As the Covenant fragmented and technology changed, the Swords began using more individualized craft. They began manufacturing Sword variants of the Type-54 Ghost, Kemu-pattern Wraith, and D'nomlhe-pattern Banshee, which had orange-painted plating and more durable armor than their Covenant versions.[67] The Swords were known to also use the Muv'te-pattern anti-aircraft Wraith for mobile ground-to-air defense, with some units stylizing theirs in iridescent green as an homage to the Covenant separatists.[72] The faction also used crimson-orange Kmiro'sish-pattern Liches, Mikpramu-pattern Phantoms, and Nuro'k Xur-pattern Spirits, though it is unclear if these also had improved armor.[73][66] [74]

The Swords' naval forces are composed of multiple assault carriers (numerous Kerel-pattern assault carriers and at least one Syfon-pattern assault carrier), Ket-pattern battlecruisers, Sinaris-pattern heavy destroyers,[20] Zanar-pattern light cruisers,[75], at least one Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette,[65] and at least one Makar-pattern light corvette. The Swords have also commissioned the Kolaar Manufactorum to help continue in the creation of new A'uzr-pattern sword frigates.[60] The Swords possess the majority of the Lursu-pattern brigantines in service following the Covenant War.[76] They also made use of other ancient Sangheili ships like Hekar Taa-pattern blockade runners, Rwaru-pattern carracks and R'sikosh-pattern man o' wars.[77][22]

Units[edit]

Gallery[edit]

  • Swords of Sanghelios and Children of Oth Sonin ships over Ealen IV.

    Swords of Sanghelios and Children of Oth Sonin ships over Ealen IV.

  • Thel 'Vadam and escort on Ealen IV in 2558.

    Thel 'Vadam and escort on Ealen IV in 2558.

  • A Sword of Sanghelios with Jameson Locke in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    A Sword of Sanghelios with Jameson Locke in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • 'Vadam, Locke and their respective forces prepare to engage Covenant forces.

    'Vadam, Locke and their respective forces prepare to engage Covenant forces.

  • Swords of Sanghelios combat-ready in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Swords of Sanghelios combat-ready in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • Two Sword of Sanghelios Storms defending the Elder Council Chamber and one Sword Wraith.

    Two Sword of Sanghelios Storms defending the Elder Council Chamber and one Sword Wraith.

  • A Sangheili Storm working on formation logistics before an aerial assault on a Shuul'se-pattern Kraken.

    A Sangheili Storm working on formation logistics before an aerial assault on a Shuul'se-pattern Kraken.

  • An Unggoy Storm on Sangheilios.

    An Unggoy Storm on Sangheilios.

  • A Sangheili Storm standing on guard on Sangheilios.

    A Sangheili Storm standing on guard on Sangheilios.

  • A Sangheili on Sangheilios.

    A Sangheili on Sangheilios.

  • Several Sangheili alongside Thel 'Vadam on Sangheilios.

    Several Sangheili alongside Thel 'Vadam on Sangheilios.

  • Thel 'Vadam and a Sangheili before an assault on a Kraken.

    Thel 'Vadam and a Sangheili before an assault on a Kraken.

  • Thel 'Vadam on Sangheilios.

    Thel 'Vadam on Sangheilios.

  • Swords of Sanghelios work and relax.

    Swords of Sanghelios work and relax.

  • The Swords of Sanghelios fleet prepares to attack Sunaion.

    The Swords of Sanghelios fleet prepares to attack Sunaion.

  • A Sangheili Storm in Sunaion during the Swords assault.

    A Sangheili Storm in Sunaion during the Swords assault.

  • Sangheili and Spartan-IVs participating in War Games together on Anvil Station in Halo Online.

    Sangheili and Spartan-IVs participating in War Games together on Anvil Station in Halo Online.

  • Kola 'Baoth in Swords of Sanghelios Ranger Armor.

    Kola 'Baoth in Swords of Sanghelios Ranger Armor.

  • Swords of Sangheilios flag in Rocket League as an unlockable antenna for the base cars to use.

    Swords of Sangheilios flag in Rocket League as an unlockable antenna for the base cars to use.

  • Early concept art for Halo Infinite depicting Thel 'Vadam meeting with Kelly-087 in a Swords of Sanghelios base.

    Early concept art for Halo Infinite depicting Thel 'Vadam meeting with Kelly-087 in a Swords of Sanghelios base.

  • Early concept art for Halo Infinite, possibly showing the exterior of the base. Take note of the Swords of Sanghelios symbol on the side of the structure.

    Early concept art for Halo Infinite, possibly showing the exterior of the base. Take note of the Swords of Sanghelios symbol on the side of the structure.

  • Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili with Spartan Fireteam Jorogumo during the Battle of Suban in Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon.

    Swords of Sanghelios Sangheili with Spartan Fireteam Jorogumo during the Battle of Suban in Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo Waypoint: Swords of Sanghelios
  2. ^ a b c d Halo Mythos, page 144
  3. ^ Halo 5: Guardians: Mission Intel - Alliance - Sangheili Personal Log 673
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Swords of Sanghelios
  5. ^ Halo Waypoint: Arbiter Thel 'Vadam
  6. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint - Universe, Species, Sangheili (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [local archive] [external archive]
  7. ^ a b c Halo: Glasslands
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint - Universe, Locations, Sanghelios (Retrieved on Apr 13, 2016) [local archive] [external archive]
  9. ^ Halo: Glasslands, pages 58-61
  10. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 130
  11. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 114
  12. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 122
  13. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 329
  14. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 436
  15. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction - Page 14
  16. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 11
  17. ^ a b Halo: Anvil Accord
  18. ^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark, chapter 3
  19. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Return"
  20. ^ a b c d e f Halo: Escalation, issue 1
  21. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #3
  22. ^ a b c Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Battle of Sunaion
  23. ^ Halo: Legacy of Onyx, chapter 21
  24. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - News, Canon Fodder, Driving Force (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [local archive] [external archive]
  25. ^ Halo: Bad Blood, chapter 1
  26. ^ a b c Halo: Outcasts, chapter 1
  27. ^ a b Halo: Outcasts, chapter 2
  28. ^ a b c Halo: Outcasts, chapter 4
  29. ^ a b c d e f Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon
  30. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 230
  31. ^ Halo Infinite, multiplayer map Prism
  32. ^ a b Halo: Shadow of Intent, chapter 17
  33. ^ Halo: Envoy
  34. ^ Halo: Shadow of Intent, page 81 (Google Play edition)
  35. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Covering Fire (Retrieved on Jan 31, 2024) [archive]
  36. ^ Halo Waypoint - Universe, Characters, Usze 'Taham (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [local archive] [external archive]
  37. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 2
  38. ^ Halo: Fractures - Breaking Strain
  39. ^ Halo: Fractures - Oasis
  40. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction (post 2969317)
  41. ^ Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction (post 2969311)
  42. ^ Halo: Fractures - Lessons Learned
  43. ^ Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder: 2-20-15
  44. ^ Halo: Nightfall
  45. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 5
  46. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 2
  47. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 3
  48. ^ Halo: Legacy of Onyx, chapter 5
  49. ^ Halo: Outcasts, chapter 3
  50. ^ Halo Waypoint, Maps Overview - Season 5 (Retrieved on Oct 12, 2023) [archive]
  51. ^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 62 (Google Play edition)
  52. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 20
  53. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 59
  54. ^ Halo: Shadow of Intent, page 24 (Google Play edition)
  55. ^ Halo Waypoint Store - Swords of Sanghelios Tee
  56. ^ Halo: Shadow of Intent, page 82 (Google Play edition)
  57. ^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 72
  58. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder 1-8-16: Annual Achievements
  59. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 251
  60. ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Concert of Worlds (Retrieved on Sep 25, 2023) [archive]
  61. ^ Halo: Shadow of Intent
  62. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Alliance
  63. ^ Halo Mythos, pages 142-143
  64. ^ Twitter - GrimBrotherOne
  65. ^ a b Halo: Hunters in the Dark
  66. ^ a b c d Halo 5: Guardians
  67. ^ a b c Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card descriptions
  68. ^ Halo Waypoint: Prophets' Bane
  69. ^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 53
  70. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named HSOI
  71. ^ Halo Waypoint: Shrike Turret
  72. ^ Halo Waypoint, Cannon Fodder - Bounty Hunters (Retrieved on Jul 9, 2021) [archive]
  73. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, campaign level The Heretic (Anniversary Prologue)
  74. ^ Halo Waypoint, Universe: Spirit page description "The Spirit serves as a dropship and utility craft in Covenant and Swords of Sanghelios armies." (Retrieved on Oct 27, 2015) [archive]
  75. ^ Halo Infinite, multiplayer map Prism
  76. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 271
  77. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Before the Storm
  78. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Enemy Lines

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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