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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Status|Canon}}
'''Vadam keep''' is the [[keep]] and seat of the [[House of 'Vadam]], the ruling [[Sangheili]] clan of the state of [[Vadam]] in the [[Yermo]] province of [[Sanghelios]].<ref name="tcp88">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 88-89''</ref> Over three thousand years old, it is a large castle-like fortress built on the lower slopes and base of [[Kolaar Mountain]] with warrens running inside the mountain itself, something that has made it well defensible over the ages.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 213''</ref> During the [[San'Shyuum-Sangheili War]], the state of Vadam was one of the many Sangheili city-states attacked by the [[Reformist]] [[San'Shyuum]]. However, their keep was too well-defended to be destroyed.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 190''</ref>
[[File:HOut KolaarMountain.png|300px|thumb|right|The Vadam Keep on the lower slopes of Kolaar Mountain.]]
The '''Vadam Keep''' is the [[keep]] and seat of the [[House of 'Vadam]],{{Ref/Novel|Id=Out2|Out|Chapter=2}} the ruling [[Sangheili]] clan of the state of [[Vadam]] in the [[Yermo]] province of [[Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=tcp88|TCP|Page=88-89}} Over three thousand years old, it is a large castle-like fortress built on the lower slopes and base of [[Kolaar Mountain]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=TTW213|TTW|Page=213}}


The keep also contains a sandy Courtyard surrounded by walls.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 293''</ref>
==Overview==
===Location===
The Vadam Keep is built into the lower slopes of [[Kolaar Mountain]], a multi-peaked mountain overlooking [[Vadam Valley]]. It was constructed amid a maze of warrens that run inside of the mountain itself, something that has contributed to its ease of defense over the ages.{{Ref/Reuse|TTW213}}


In ancient times, after being overthrown, [[Ther 'Vadam]] and his soldiers were imprisoned in the keep. Ther eventually escaped and after recruiting followers from the wilderness, returned and retook the keep. In [[2535]], shortly after being elected as [[kaidon]] of the state of Vadam, [[Thel 'Vadam]] was attacked by three assassins sent by [[Koida 'Vadam]], all of whom failed, and were all killed by his own hand without a scratch.{{Ref/Reuse|tcp88}}
===Exterior===
=====Facade=====
At the zenith of the Vadam keep is large semicircular structure lined with large columns that can been seen from the Vadam Valley and surrounding areas. On either side of the semicircular structure is an enormous statue of a [[Sangheili]] holding an [[Energy sword (fiction)|energy sword]],{{Ref/Generic|Id=KeepImage|[[:File:HOut KolaarMountain.png|Image of Vadam Keep]]}} similar to the statues that can be found amidst the ancient ruins in the [[Vadam clan burial grounds]].{{Ref/Level|Id=EnemyLines|H5|[[Enemy Lines]]}}


During the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]'s [[Blooding Years|insurrection]] in early [[2553]], the Vadam keep became the target of a concentrated attack by the insurgent forces. The intervention of {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} eventually drove back the attackers,<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 311''</ref> although the keep took heavy damage.<ref>'''Halo: The Thursday War''', ''page 293''</ref>
=====Mountain Gate=====
The Vadam Keep has at least one entrance intended to permit vehicles. Known as the Mountain Gate, this entrance is located at the end of a box canyon in the foothills of Kolaar Mountain. The approach to the gate is through a crooked gorge only wide enough for two small vehicles, and it is lined by firing positions that can only be accessed from within the keep. The entrance itself is set beneath an overhang made of [[Wikipedia:Rhyolite|rhyolite]] and the gate is formed from a single slab of [[Energy shielding|energy-shielded]] [[nanolaminate]], an armor strong enough to repel any weapon that could reasonably reach the secluded entrance.{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}
 
=====Courtyard=====
The keep includes a sandy courtyard surrounded by walls.{{Ref/Novel|Id=ttwpg293|TTW|Page=293}}
 
===Interior===
=====Reception bailey=====
The keep has an aboveground area referred to as a "reception bailey." Presumably where guests are typically received and greeted, the reception bailey leads into the Ancient Hall.{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}
 
=====Ancient Hall=====
The Ancient Hall is a hallway within Vadam Keep located directly behind the reception bailey.{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}
 
=====Grand Gallery=====
The Grand Gallery is an underground chamber with a vaulted ceiling designed to intimidate visiting elders and [[kaidon]]s. A set of massive double doors stand at the main entrance to the Grand Gallery. Inside the chamber, two golden bars flank the main entrance. When a visitor is ready to be received inside the Grand Gallery, the bars will glow to signal the occupants within the room to unlock the doors. There is a secondary private entrance to the Grand Gallery that can be used by the keep's kaidon. A large table used either for feasting or conversation is located in the center of the room. The corners of the Grand Gallery held smaller conversation areas with cushioned lounging benches where individuals can engage in more intimate discussions. During the [[Created]]'s subjugation of [[Sanghelios]], electronic devices—with the exception of personal energy swords—were forbidden in the Grand Gallery, in an effort to stave off Created eavesdropping. A log accessible via [[Data pad|glassboard]] was kept to record each time the chamber was swept for surveillance devices.{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}
 
Surrounding the chamber is the keep's [[saga wall]], consisting of high relief sculptures and poetic stanzas depicting the saga of the Vadam Clan. The first panel on the wall depicted [[Ther 'Vadam]], a long-dead hero of the clan. Further along the saga wall, Arbiter Thel 'Vadam claimed a section to illustrate his own chapter in his clan's story, depicting several events from his life: his rise through the ranks of the [[Covenant]] to become the [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]], his failure to prevent [[Battle of Installation 04|the destruction]] of [[Installation 04|a sacred Halo ring]], the [[Hierarchs]] having him branded with the [[Mark of Shame]], those same Hierarchs granting him the title of [[Arbiter]], Thel 'Vadam's discovery of the Prophets' deception, and finally a depiction of Thel fighting alongside [[Spartan-II]] [[John-117]] to prevent the [[Prophet of Truth]] from firing the [[Halo Array]] and destroying all sentient life in the [[Milky Way|galaxy]].{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}
 
As of late [[2559]], more panels were in the process of being added to the saga wall, including depictions of Thel reviving the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and forging his alliance with [[human]]ity. At this time, space had been allotted for one final panel, which had not yet been designed.{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}
 
=====Parking Court=====
The Vadam Keep has a subterranean parking court where the keep's fleet of utility vehicles are stored. The parking court can be accessed via the mountain gate and from the keep's main residence.{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}
 
=====Contemplarium=====
The contemplarium is a room within Vadam Keep in which Thel 'Vadam stores his personal collection of energy swords. Given that he once requested to speak with his ally [[Olympia Vale]] in the contemplarium, it is likely that it is also used as a meeting place for trusted individuals, whereas the Grand Gallery is used to meet with less trustworthy individuals.{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}
 
=====Kaidon's court=====
The kaidon's court is a location within Vadam Keep where the kaidon would typically confer with his [[keepmaster]].{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}
 
=====Study=====
The Vadam Keep has a large study. Inside there’s a desk but the room is largely devoid of furniture.{{Ref/Novel|HitD|Page=61}}
 
=====Training hall=====
There is a training hall within the keep where its inhabitants train for combat.{{Ref/Game|Id=h2a|[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]|[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)/Twelve|Terminal 12]]}}
 
==History==
===Ancient times===
The Vadam Keep was constructed over three thousand years before the [[Human-Covenant War]], circa the [[War of Beginnings|war]] between the Sangheili and [[San'Shyuum]]. During the [[War of Beginnings]], the state of Vadam was one of the many Sangheili city-states attacked by the San'Shyuum. However, Vadam Keep was too well-defended to be destroyed.{{Ref/Novel|TCP|Page=190}} In ancient times, after being overthrown, [[Ther 'Vadam]] and his soldiers were imprisoned in the keep. Ther eventually escaped and after recruiting followers from the wilderness, returned and retook the keep.{{Ref/Reuse|tcp88}}
 
===Kaidon Thel 'Vadam===
In [[2535]], shortly after being elected as [[kaidon]] of the state of Vadam, Thel 'Vadamee was attacked by three assassins sent by [[Koida 'Vadam]], all of whom failed, and were all killed by his own hand without a scratch.{{Ref/Reuse|tcp88}}
 
During the [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]'s [[Blooding Years|insurrection]] in early [[2553]], the Vadam Keep became the target of a concentrated attack by the insurgent forces. The intervention of {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} eventually drove back the attackers,{{Ref/Novel|TTW|Page=311}} although the keep took heavy damage.{{Ref/Reuse|ttwpg293}}
 
In [[2559]], during the Created occupation of Sanghelios, [[Oath Warden]] [[Crei 'Ayomuu]] visited Thel 'Vadam at Vadam Keep to request his assistance in locating a human [[Xenoarchaeology|xenoarchaeologist]] named [[Keely Iyuska]] who had supposedly discovered the existence of an artifact that could defeat [[Cortana]]'s [[Guardian Custode]]s. While skeptical of Crei and his motivations, Thel ultimately agreed to help.{{Ref/Reuse|Out2}}


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
Line 14: Line 63:
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==

Latest revision as of 16:37, November 27, 2023

Artwork of Kolaar Mountain and the Vadam keep.
The Vadam Keep on the lower slopes of Kolaar Mountain.

The Vadam Keep is the keep and seat of the House of 'Vadam,[1] the ruling Sangheili clan of the state of Vadam in the Yermo province of Sanghelios.[2] Over three thousand years old, it is a large castle-like fortress built on the lower slopes and base of Kolaar Mountain.[3]

Overview[edit]

Location[edit]

The Vadam Keep is built into the lower slopes of Kolaar Mountain, a multi-peaked mountain overlooking Vadam Valley. It was constructed amid a maze of warrens that run inside of the mountain itself, something that has contributed to its ease of defense over the ages.[3]

Exterior[edit]

Facade[edit]

At the zenith of the Vadam keep is large semicircular structure lined with large columns that can been seen from the Vadam Valley and surrounding areas. On either side of the semicircular structure is an enormous statue of a Sangheili holding an energy sword,[4] similar to the statues that can be found amidst the ancient ruins in the Vadam clan burial grounds.[5]

Mountain Gate[edit]

The Vadam Keep has at least one entrance intended to permit vehicles. Known as the Mountain Gate, this entrance is located at the end of a box canyon in the foothills of Kolaar Mountain. The approach to the gate is through a crooked gorge only wide enough for two small vehicles, and it is lined by firing positions that can only be accessed from within the keep. The entrance itself is set beneath an overhang made of rhyolite and the gate is formed from a single slab of energy-shielded nanolaminate, an armor strong enough to repel any weapon that could reasonably reach the secluded entrance.[1]

Courtyard[edit]

The keep includes a sandy courtyard surrounded by walls.[6]

Interior[edit]

Reception bailey[edit]

The keep has an aboveground area referred to as a "reception bailey." Presumably where guests are typically received and greeted, the reception bailey leads into the Ancient Hall.[1]

Ancient Hall[edit]

The Ancient Hall is a hallway within Vadam Keep located directly behind the reception bailey.[1]

Grand Gallery[edit]

The Grand Gallery is an underground chamber with a vaulted ceiling designed to intimidate visiting elders and kaidons. A set of massive double doors stand at the main entrance to the Grand Gallery. Inside the chamber, two golden bars flank the main entrance. When a visitor is ready to be received inside the Grand Gallery, the bars will glow to signal the occupants within the room to unlock the doors. There is a secondary private entrance to the Grand Gallery that can be used by the keep's kaidon. A large table used either for feasting or conversation is located in the center of the room. The corners of the Grand Gallery held smaller conversation areas with cushioned lounging benches where individuals can engage in more intimate discussions. During the Created's subjugation of Sanghelios, electronic devices—with the exception of personal energy swords—were forbidden in the Grand Gallery, in an effort to stave off Created eavesdropping. A log accessible via glassboard was kept to record each time the chamber was swept for surveillance devices.[1]

Surrounding the chamber is the keep's saga wall, consisting of high relief sculptures and poetic stanzas depicting the saga of the Vadam Clan. The first panel on the wall depicted Ther 'Vadam, a long-dead hero of the clan. Further along the saga wall, Arbiter Thel 'Vadam claimed a section to illustrate his own chapter in his clan's story, depicting several events from his life: his rise through the ranks of the Covenant to become the Supreme Commander of the Fleet of Particular Justice, his failure to prevent the destruction of a sacred Halo ring, the Hierarchs having him branded with the Mark of Shame, those same Hierarchs granting him the title of Arbiter, Thel 'Vadam's discovery of the Prophets' deception, and finally a depiction of Thel fighting alongside Spartan-II John-117 to prevent the Prophet of Truth from firing the Halo Array and destroying all sentient life in the galaxy.[1]

As of late 2559, more panels were in the process of being added to the saga wall, including depictions of Thel reviving the Swords of Sanghelios and forging his alliance with humanity. At this time, space had been allotted for one final panel, which had not yet been designed.[1]

Parking Court[edit]

The Vadam Keep has a subterranean parking court where the keep's fleet of utility vehicles are stored. The parking court can be accessed via the mountain gate and from the keep's main residence.[1]

Contemplarium[edit]

The contemplarium is a room within Vadam Keep in which Thel 'Vadam stores his personal collection of energy swords. Given that he once requested to speak with his ally Olympia Vale in the contemplarium, it is likely that it is also used as a meeting place for trusted individuals, whereas the Grand Gallery is used to meet with less trustworthy individuals.[1]

Kaidon's court[edit]

The kaidon's court is a location within Vadam Keep where the kaidon would typically confer with his keepmaster.[1]

Study[edit]

The Vadam Keep has a large study. Inside there’s a desk but the room is largely devoid of furniture.[7]

Training hall[edit]

There is a training hall within the keep where its inhabitants train for combat.[8]

History[edit]

Ancient times[edit]

The Vadam Keep was constructed over three thousand years before the Human-Covenant War, circa the war between the Sangheili and San'Shyuum. During the War of Beginnings, the state of Vadam was one of the many Sangheili city-states attacked by the San'Shyuum. However, Vadam Keep was too well-defended to be destroyed.[9] In ancient times, after being overthrown, Ther 'Vadam and his soldiers were imprisoned in the keep. Ther eventually escaped and after recruiting followers from the wilderness, returned and retook the keep.[2]

Kaidon Thel 'Vadam[edit]

In 2535, shortly after being elected as kaidon of the state of Vadam, Thel 'Vadamee was attacked by three assassins sent by Koida 'Vadam, all of whom failed, and were all killed by his own hand without a scratch.[2]

During the Servants of the Abiding Truth's insurrection in early 2553, the Vadam Keep became the target of a concentrated attack by the insurgent forces. The intervention of UNSC Infinity eventually drove back the attackers,[10] although the keep took heavy damage.[6]

In 2559, during the Created occupation of Sanghelios, Oath Warden Crei 'Ayomuu visited Thel 'Vadam at Vadam Keep to request his assistance in locating a human xenoarchaeologist named Keely Iyuska who had supposedly discovered the existence of an artifact that could defeat Cortana's Guardian Custodes. While skeptical of Crei and his motivations, Thel ultimately agreed to help.[1]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo: Outcasts, chapter 2
  2. ^ a b c Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 88-89
  3. ^ a b Halo: The Thursday War, page 213
  4. ^ Image of Vadam Keep
  5. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Enemy Lines
  6. ^ a b Halo: The Thursday War, page 293
  7. ^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 61
  8. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, Terminal 12
  9. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 190
  10. ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 311
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