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{{Era|H1|H2|H3|TF}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Covenant Rank Infobox
{{New content}}
{{Unit infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Major
|name=Major
|image=[[Image:H3 Elite Major.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:H2A Sangheili-Major.png|250px]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|weapons=All weapons, primarily [[Plasma Rifle]]s, [[Needler]]s, [[Carbine]]s
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]
|equipment=[[Elite Personal Energy Shield]]
*[[Covenant separatists]]{{Ref/Game|Id=H2|H2}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3}}
|vehicles=*[[Banshee]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
*[[Ghost (Vehicle)|Ghost]]
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]{{citation needed}}
*[[Scarab]]
**[[Joyous Exultation Covenant]]
*[[Wraith]]
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|HSA}}
|missions=Nearly all
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|HSS}}
|role=[[Lance]] leader, squad leader
|branch=
|notable=*[['Kasamee]]
|mission=*Ground assault/infantry
*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
*Defense
|affiliation=[[Covenant]], later [[Covenant Separatists]]
|role=[[Second|Starship second-in-command]]{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Page=189}}
|equipment=
*[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
*[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
|armament=[[Type-1 energy sword]]
<br>[[Type-1 plasma grenade]]
<br>{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}
<br>{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}
<br>[[Type-33 Needler]]
<br>[[Type-50 concussion rifle]]
<br>{{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}
<br>{{Pattern|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}}
<br>{{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}}
|notable=[[Thel 'Lodamee]]{{Ref/Film|Id=legends|Film=Halo Legends|Story=The Package}}
}}
}}
[[Image:Redelite2.jpg|thumb|A Major Elite circa Halo 2]]
{{Quote|Station and Salvation both command a heavy price.|Sangheili Major's mantra<ref name="Reach">''Halo: Reach''</ref>}}
The '''Sangheili Major''', also known as '''Obedientiary''',<ref name="hgc">'''Halo: Ground Command''', ''[http://imgur.com/IYihrPB Description]''</ref> is a [[Sangheili]] [[Covenant military|military]] rank. Those who hold this rank are directly superior to their [[Sangheili Minor|Minor counterparts]]. Within the rank exists the '''Officer''' subclass.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}}<ref name="enc11">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 130'' (2011 edition)</ref> The [[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]] term for the Majors translates approximately as "lesser chosen" or "charged with glory".{{Ref/Reuse|hgc}}


'''Elite Major''', occasionally referred to as the '''Elite Major Domo''', '''Veteran''', or '''Half-Commander''', is a [[Covenant]] [[Sangheili]] (Elite) rank.
== Overview ==
===Roles and responsibilities===
If a Sangheili Minor proves himself in battle by killing opponents in legitimate combat, in accordance with honorable achievements earned on the battlefield, he is promoted. Sangheili do not think of promotion in the terms [[human]]s associate it with; Sangheili Minors who prove their worth to their commanders ascend to a command role.<ref name="ency">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 124'', (2009 edition); ''page 130'' (2011 edition)</ref><ref>'''Halo 2 Prima Strategy Guide''', ''page 43''</ref> Organized under the host of Obedientaries,{{Ref/Reuse|hgc}} Sangheili Majors represent the upper echelon of the Covenant's infantry and are known primarily for their ruthlessness. Majors are some of the most skilled and experienced warriors in the field and typically command [[lance]]s of fewer than a dozen soldiers, including Sangheili Minors.<ref name="CEA">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''' ''[[Library (feature)|Library]]''</ref>  They also commonly pilot ground and air vehicles such as the [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Type-26 ''Wraith'' tank]] and the [[Type-26 Banshee|Type-26 ''Banshee'' attack aircraft]],{{Ref/Reuse|ency}}<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[Assault on the Control Room]]''</ref> with the Sangheili pilots of craft such as the [[Seraph]] explicitly drawn from the host of Obedientaries.<ref>'''[[Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo|Halo: Warfleet]]''', p.58-59</ref> Though Majors are part of standard infantry, it is not uncommon for them to be in the presence of a [[shipmaster]] or [[fleetmaster]], due to the critical nature of their role at the front lines.{{Ref/Reuse|CEA}} Some Majors also hold [[Second|second-in-command]] positions aboard [[Covenant starship|Covenant ships]].{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Page=189}}{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE|Comic=HBL|Issue=[[Halo: Blood Line Issue 1|#1]]}}{{Ref/Reuse|legends}}


== Rank ==
===Organisation===
Elites bearing this rank are seasoned warriors whose rank is relatively low in the Covenant Sangheili rank structure: they are higher than a [[Minor Domo Elite]]. Also, only a Major Elite can become an [[Ossoona]], mainly due to the fact that a more seasoned warrior prefers combat, not stealth, and a Minor Elite is too inexperienced to become the Ossoona. The Ossoona is a temporary rank that is given to Elites. The job of an Ossoona is to spy on enemies but not attack them unless they are discovered.
Officers are a subset of the Major rank. Sangheili Officers wear more ornamental armor than other Majors, though their combat role bears no apparent distinction from the rest of their grade. Like regular Majors, Officers report to their onsite [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]] or, in the absence of an Ultra, directly to their [[Sangheili General|General]] or [[Shipmaster]]. Most Officers have a selection of units under their command, including Sangheili Minors, [[Unggoy]], and [[Kig-Yar]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 135'' (2011 edition)</ref>


They command groups of [[Minor Elites]] as well as other Covenant races in ground combat situations. On lower difficulties of both [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] and [[Halo 2]], Major Domo Elites are rarely seen without a Minor Elite present. However, on the higher difficulty levels ([[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]]), these Elites are more numerous than Minors, in order to increase the difficulty of the game.
In [[Warzone]] simulations, [[Spartan-IV]]s train against Sangheili Covert Majors. In this simulation Covert Majors operate in very small special units. They usually lead two Sangheili Officers equipped with {{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}}s. All team members are equipped with [[active camouflage]], and the Covert Major specifically wields an [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]].<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide]] (Collector's Edition)''', ''page 308''</ref>


They are the physical equivalent of a [[Spartans|SPARTAN-II supersoldier]], and are far more intuitive and quick-thinking than their subordinates. A single Major Elite can often hold its own against a squad of [[Marine]]s. They are also the only known rank of Elite that have been shown to become [[Ossoona]]s. To humans, they would be and are considered [[Sergeant]]s in the Covenant. The rank of a Major Domo Elite can be compared to that of [[Major Grunt|Grunt Major]]s among [[Unggoy]], [[Jackal Major]]s among [[Kig-Yar]], [[Sentinel Majors]] among [[Sentinels]], and Heretic Elite Majors among [[Heretic Elite]]s.
===History===
The Major rank and equivalent titles still see use in the wake of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The now-defunct [[Merg Vol's Covenant|faction]] led by [[Merg Vol]] used the traditional Major rank and armor.{{Ref/Game|Id=HSA|HSA}} [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] instead fields [[Commander (Covenant)|Commanders]], who wear a modified version of the Officer harness and helmet.{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|H4}} During at least [[Battle of Installation 03|one engagement]], Jul 'Mdama's Covenant have utilized the rank.{{Ref/Game|Id=HSS|HSS}}


The Rank of a Major Domo is Higher than...
==Equipment==
*[[Minor Domo]]s
Typically, the [[Sangheili harness|armor]] of a Major is a standard [[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]] that is nearly identical to that of a Sangheili Minor, save for its red coloration, which is comparable to the red armor of [[Unggoy Major]]s. As with other Sangheili ranks a variety of helmet and armor styles may be utilized, though all are colored a shade of red, typically scarlet or maroon. The suit is augmented with a stronger [[energy shielding]] system than that used by Minors.


A byproduct of the Major role, Officers wear more ornamental armor, which functions with no substantial differences to Major Sangheili equipped with the standard combat harness.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} The officer harness features much more pronounced shoulder pauldrons and a more elaborate helmet with a backward-swept spike in the center.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}} The design is more standardized than that of ordinary Majors, varying only in color. One color scheme is blood red with a golden tinge and brass-colored highlights;{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}} another is matte burgundy with white accents on the arms and legs, the collar, and the helmet.<ref>''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''</ref>


<gallery>
File:H3 - Sangheili Major render.png|A Sangheili Major.
File:HReach - Officer Sangheili.png|A Sangheili Officer.
File:H5G guide - Covert Major.jpg|A Sangheili Covert Major as it appear in [[Warzone]] simulation.
</gallery>


But can be promoted to these Ranks and is also lower than these Ranks:
{{clear}}
*[[Ultra Elite]]s
*[[Special Operations Commander]]s
*[[Zealot]]s
*[[Ranger Elite]]
*[[Councilor Elite]]
*[[Stealth Elite]]
*[[Special Operations Elite]]


== Equipment ==
==In-game Information==
[[Image:Red_elite.jpg|left|thumb|A Major on [[Installation 04]].|200px]]
{{Main
 
|1=Elite_Major#Halo:_Combat_Evolved
Enemy Major Elites (encountered throughout Halo: Combat Evolved and in Halo 2 only when playing as the [[Master Chief]]) are only found wielding [[Plasma Rifle]]s, [[Needler]]s, and sometimes [[Carbines]]. They also carry and use [[Plasma Grenades]]. However, when the player encounters them as the [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]] they, like all Elite allies, can be given any held weapon. An uncommon glitch concerning these Elites, found only in [[Delta Halo (Level)|Delta Halo]] on the Heroic difficulty, exists. When the last [[Phantom]] arrives, an enemy Minor Elite will be dropped off wielding an [[Energy Sword]]. (This is considered a [[glitch]] due to the fact that only higher ranking members of the [[Covenant]] are allowed to wield the [[Energy Sword]] because of its religious purpose.)
|l1=Elite Major
 
}}
These Elites have slightly more powerful [[Elite Personal Energy Shield|shields]] than their blue-clad Minor Domo subordinates, as fitting with their rank. In Halo 2, these shields are somewhat weaker than those of [[Honor Guard Elite]]s, [[Zealot]]s, and [[Heretic Elite]] Majors. On lower difficulties they can take a maximum of three hits on the body, or a single headshot from the [[Sniper Rifle]] or [[Beam Rifle]], and in higher difficulties, they can take up to 4 body shots and 2 headshots.
These Sangeili are commonly seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2'' (as Majors), and ''Halo: Reach'' (as Officers) on the [[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]] difficulties. On [[Easy]] and [[Normal]], their presence is relatively infrequent. They commonly lead lances of Unggoy, Kig-Yar and Sangheili Minors.
 
In [[Halo 3]] when Majors are dropped into the battle to aid the [[Master Chief|player]] they always wield [[Plasma Rifles]], although the player can always exchange weapons with the Elites.
 
==Combating a Major Elite== 
   
The same tactics used to kill Minor Elites can be used against Major Elites as well. However, their stronger energy shields make them more resilient. For example, in Halo: CE on Normal difficulty, it takes eight headshots from the M6D pistol to kill a Major, compared to six for a Minor. Furthermore, the sniper rifle takes two headshots on Heroic and Legendary difficulty. However, the "noob combo" is just effective as it is against as any other elite, as the plasma pistol's charged shot instantly disables any shields regardless of strength.(Unless playing with Mythic skull on)
 
== Tactics ==
 
Elite Majors fire in sustained bursts and evasively strafe while shooting. They are also far less prone to tactical mistakes, such as charging directly into a fight or forgetting to take cover. On higher difficulty settings, it is very dangerous to face a major Elite wielding a Needler, as the quick bursts fired by major Elites can strip shields down in a matter of seconds, not to mention the explosion of the projectiles the Needler fires.
 
Much like Minor Elites on higher difficulty, they will attempt to lure the player into the open. They do this far more often when they have support from significant threats such as [[Hunters]], groups of [[Drones]], or [[Jackal Sniper]]s, but almost never attempt it while alone.
 
In Halo 3 Major [[Elites|Elite]] fire in what seems to be shorter bursts, rougthly equivilent to a [[Brute Stalker]].
 
== Physical Appearance ==
 
Major Elites wear distinct red (specifically crimson) armor, comparable to the red armor of Grunt Majors. Major Elites in [[Halo 3]] are clad in metallic crimson or metallic red colored armor.
 
== Appearances ==
[[Image:MajorElite3.jpg|right|thumb|Major Elite in [[New Mombasa]]]]
=== ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' ===
 
Major Domo Elites were seen in almost every level in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], their first appearance being in [[The Pillar of Autumn (Level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]. They do not appear on [[343 Guilty Spark (Level)]], [[The Library (Level)]] and [[The Maw (Level)]]. They appear almost whenever [[Minor Elites]] appear. They appear at about the same frequency on all levels, except [[Legendary]].
 
=== ''[[Halo 2]]'' ===
 
In Halo 2, Major Elites appeared in every level where the player controlled the Master Chief except for [[High Charity (Level)|High Charity]]. In [[Metropolis]], two Elite Majors controlled the [[Scarab]] in the city-center. These Elites were unusual in that they could not be killed while still at their stations, even from a direct [[Rocket Launcher]] hit. Once they abandoned their posts, however, they were just as strong as normal Major Domo Elites.
 
While playing as the Arbiter, a Major Elite was gained as an ally halfway through [[Quarantine Zone (Level)|Quarantine Zone]], only if all of the player's allies had already been killed. In [[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]], one of these Elites would present the player with a [[Banshee]] to accompany [[Sergeant Johnson]]'s Scarab. Later, during the final boss battle, Majors were randomly generated to aid the player against [[Tartarus]].
 
==='''[[Halo 3]]'''===
 
There is a Major Elite leading a group of Special Operation Elites on Floodgate who talks to the Arbiter about the state of the Elite military forces.
 
There is also randomly generated Majors on the level The Covenant along with some Minor Elites; they are dropped in by a pair of [[Covenant Separatist|Separatist]] Phantoms.


When you activate the Thunderstorm Skull in the level, [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]] they take the place of all the other Elites.
Equipped with approximately 50% stronger energy shields than their lower-ranked counterparts, Majors are competent and forceful warriors capable of overpowering their opponents, namely UNSC Marines and ODSTs although not ''necessarily''. They are less likely to perform tactical errors when compared with the inferior Sangheili Minors; Majors seek more cover and fire their weapons with a greater accuracy and faster rate of fire, and are also more maneuverable. However, they still make some tactical mistakes, as they tend not to seek cover in many occasions, even with their shields down.


They come in two different color variations: a standard red seen since [[Halo: Combat Evolved| Halo]] and an orangish bronze coloring.. This has caused some to speculate that they are two different ranks, however neither color variation replaces the other on Legendary or with Thunderstorm, and the Elite Minors have similar variations.
Like the Minors, Majors usually wield [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|Plasma rifles]], occasionally [[dual wielding]] them, but can be encountered with [[Vostu-pattern carbine|Covenant carbines]], [[Type-33 needler|Needlers]], [[Gadulo-pattern needle rifle|Needle rifles]], and many other equally or more powerful weapons, depending on the game.
It could be that the sangheili do make a difference between navy ranks and army ranks: as seen in the color differences.


[[Image:Majors.jpg|300px|thumb|Sangheili Major-Domo Coloration Differences]]
There is no discernible difference between the Major and Officer: both would appear to have the same gameplay properties (i.e. energy shield strength, damage).


==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sangheili Majors}}
*As seen in an early trailer for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Sangheili Majors were capable of wielding [[Sangheili point defense gauntlet|point defense gauntlets]] during the game's development.
*The Sangheili Officer combat harness is available as a Sangheili [[Armor customization (Halo: Reach)|armor permutation]] in [[multiplayer]] as a reward for buying the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|''Halo: Reach'' Limited]] or [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=intel&cid=25875 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Intel - Pre-Order'']</ref>
*It was previously assumed that the full title was "Major Domo Sangheili", first mentioned in ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', which makes a reference to a "Major Domo Sangheili".<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 349''</ref> On the following pages Sangheili of the military rank are simply called Majors.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 350''</ref> In the real world, "[[Wikipedia:Majordomo|majordomo]]" is a term for the head of a family staff in an aristocracy. In light of this, it is possible that Sangheili who hold the title of Major Domo are in a similar position in the Sangheili [[Aristocrat|aristocracy]]. Alternatively, it is possible that Major Domo is an alternate title for Officer, or another subclass within the Major rank.


==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE Elite Major.png|A Major in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:HCE - Majors.png|A group of Sangheili and [[Unggoy Major]]s in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2V Elite Major.png|A  Major in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:H2-EliteMajor.png|A Major in ''Halo 2''.
File:MajorElite3.jpg|A Major in [[Kilindini Park Cultural Center|Kilindini Park]] during the [[Battle of Mombasa]].
File:Sangheili Major 01.png|A Sangheili Major in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:H3 - Shadow of Intent Bridge.png|A Sangheili Major manning the controls of the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Elite Majors.jpg|Two Sangheili Major in ''Halo 3''.
File:Major Elite Variations.jpg|The color differentiation of the Major harness in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST-Shleets.png|2 Sangheili Majors with a Special Operations Sangheili in the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' [[Firefight]].
File:HR EliteOfficer Concept 1.jpg|Concept linework of the Officer for ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR_EliteOfficer_Concept_2.jpg|Material pass for the Officer concept.
File:HR_EliteMajor_Concept.png|Concept art of a Sangheili Officer in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_EliteOfficer_Concept.png|Another concept of an Officer in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo Reach Sangheili.png|A ''Halo: Reach'' pre-alpha image of a white-armored Officer.
File:HR officer sang.jpg|Character reference for the Sangheili Officer.
File:HR EliteOfficer Crop.png|An Officer.
File:HR - Officer Sangheili with Plasma Rifle.png|An Officer with a plasma rifle.
File:Halo Reach - Sangheili Officer.png|The Sangheili Officer armor permutation available with the purchase of the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|Limited]] and [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions of ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Reach E310 Campaign06.jpg|Two [[UNSC Army|Army troopers]] firing upon a Sangheili Officer as he is [[assassination|assassinated]] by [[SPARTAN-B312]].
File:CEAMAJOR2.png|A Sangheili Officer in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:HCEA-SangheiliOfficer&Minor.png|A Sangheili Officer and [[Sangheili Minor|Minor]] aboard the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''.
File:H2AElites.jpg|A Sangheili Major and Minor attack [[John-117]] on [[Installation 05]].
File:HSS-Gameplay-Jungle.jpg|Two Sangheili Majors leading a [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] [[lance]] in ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''.
File:H5G-CovertMajor.png|A Covert Major in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.
File:H5G - Elite Officers.png|A pair of Sangheili Officers on [[March on Stormbreak]].
</gallery>


{{Elite Ranks}}
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
{{col-end}}


[[Category:The Covenant]]
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:Elites]]
{{Sangheili Ranks}}


[[Category:Ranks]]
[[Category:Covenant ranks]]

Latest revision as of 16:44, September 12, 2024

"WE'VE GOT A NEW CONTACT, UNKNOWN CLASSIFICATION!"
This article may contain information based upon upcoming, unreleased, or recently-released content, and may not be fully complete. Additionally, the information may be subject to change if it is based on pre-release material. Please update it as soon as any relevant and accurate material is available.
Major
H2A Sangheili-Major.png

Function:

  • Ground assault/infantry
  • Defense

Species:

Sangheili

Affiliation:

Other role(s):

Starship second-in-command[5]

Notable individuals:

Thel 'Lodamee[6]

 

"Station and Salvation both command a heavy price."
— Sangheili Major's mantra[7]

The Sangheili Major, also known as Obedientiary,[8] is a Sangheili military rank. Those who hold this rank are directly superior to their Minor counterparts. Within the rank exists the Officer subclass.[7][9] The Sangheili term for the Majors translates approximately as "lesser chosen" or "charged with glory".[8]

Overview[edit]

Roles and responsibilities[edit]

If a Sangheili Minor proves himself in battle by killing opponents in legitimate combat, in accordance with honorable achievements earned on the battlefield, he is promoted. Sangheili do not think of promotion in the terms humans associate it with; Sangheili Minors who prove their worth to their commanders ascend to a command role.[10][11] Organized under the host of Obedientaries,[8] Sangheili Majors represent the upper echelon of the Covenant's infantry and are known primarily for their ruthlessness. Majors are some of the most skilled and experienced warriors in the field and typically command lances of fewer than a dozen soldiers, including Sangheili Minors.[12] They also commonly pilot ground and air vehicles such as the Type-26 Wraith tank and the Type-26 Banshee attack aircraft,[10][13] with the Sangheili pilots of craft such as the Seraph explicitly drawn from the host of Obedientaries.[14] Though Majors are part of standard infantry, it is not uncommon for them to be in the presence of a shipmaster or fleetmaster, due to the critical nature of their role at the front lines.[12] Some Majors also hold second-in-command positions aboard Covenant ships.[15][16][6]

Organisation[edit]

Officers are a subset of the Major rank. Sangheili Officers wear more ornamental armor than other Majors, though their combat role bears no apparent distinction from the rest of their grade. Like regular Majors, Officers report to their onsite Ultra or, in the absence of an Ultra, directly to their General or Shipmaster. Most Officers have a selection of units under their command, including Sangheili Minors, Unggoy, and Kig-Yar.[17]

In Warzone simulations, Spartan-IVs train against Sangheili Covert Majors. In this simulation Covert Majors operate in very small special units. They usually lead two Sangheili Officers equipped with Kelos'vaarda-pattern storm rifles. All team members are equipped with active camouflage, and the Covert Major specifically wields an energy sword.[18]

History[edit]

The Major rank and equivalent titles still see use in the wake of the Human-Covenant War. The now-defunct faction led by Merg Vol used the traditional Major rank and armor.[3] Jul 'Mdama's Covenant instead fields Commanders, who wear a modified version of the Officer harness and helmet.[19] During at least one engagement, Jul 'Mdama's Covenant have utilized the rank.[4]

Equipment[edit]

Typically, the armor of a Major is a standard Sangheili combat harness that is nearly identical to that of a Sangheili Minor, save for its red coloration, which is comparable to the red armor of Unggoy Majors. As with other Sangheili ranks a variety of helmet and armor styles may be utilized, though all are colored a shade of red, typically scarlet or maroon. The suit is augmented with a stronger energy shielding system than that used by Minors.

A byproduct of the Major role, Officers wear more ornamental armor, which functions with no substantial differences to Major Sangheili equipped with the standard combat harness.[9] The officer harness features much more pronounced shoulder pauldrons and a more elaborate helmet with a backward-swept spike in the center.[7] The design is more standardized than that of ordinary Majors, varying only in color. One color scheme is blood red with a golden tinge and brass-colored highlights;[7] another is matte burgundy with white accents on the arms and legs, the collar, and the helmet.[20]

  • A Sangheili Major.

    A Sangheili Major.

  • A Sangheili Officer.

    A Sangheili Officer.

  • A Sangheili Covert Major as it appear in Warzone simulation.

    A Sangheili Covert Major as it appear in Warzone simulation.

In-game Information[edit]

Main article: Elite Major

These Sangeili are commonly seen in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 (as Majors), and Halo: Reach (as Officers) on the Heroic and Legendary difficulties. On Easy and Normal, their presence is relatively infrequent. They commonly lead lances of Unggoy, Kig-Yar and Sangheili Minors.

Equipped with approximately 50% stronger energy shields than their lower-ranked counterparts, Majors are competent and forceful warriors capable of overpowering their opponents, namely UNSC Marines and ODSTs although not necessarily. They are less likely to perform tactical errors when compared with the inferior Sangheili Minors; Majors seek more cover and fire their weapons with a greater accuracy and faster rate of fire, and are also more maneuverable. However, they still make some tactical mistakes, as they tend not to seek cover in many occasions, even with their shields down.

Like the Minors, Majors usually wield Plasma rifles, occasionally dual wielding them, but can be encountered with Covenant carbines, Needlers, Needle rifles, and many other equally or more powerful weapons, depending on the game.

There is no discernible difference between the Major and Officer: both would appear to have the same gameplay properties (i.e. energy shield strength, damage).

Trivia[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • As seen in an early trailer for Halo: Combat Evolved, Sangheili Majors were capable of wielding point defense gauntlets during the game's development.
  • The Sangheili Officer combat harness is available as a Sangheili armor permutation in multiplayer as a reward for buying the Halo: Reach Limited or Legendary editions.[21]
  • It was previously assumed that the full title was "Major Domo Sangheili", first mentioned in Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, which makes a reference to a "Major Domo Sangheili".[22] On the following pages Sangheili of the military rank are simply called Majors.[23] In the real world, "majordomo" is a term for the head of a family staff in an aristocracy. In light of this, it is possible that Sangheili who hold the title of Major Domo are in a similar position in the Sangheili aristocracy. Alternatively, it is possible that Major Domo is an alternate title for Officer, or another subclass within the Major rank.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo 2
  2. ^ Halo 3
  3. ^ a b Halo: Spartan Assault
  4. ^ a b Halo: Spartan Strike
  5. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 189
  6. ^ a b Halo Legends - The Package
  7. ^ a b c d Halo: Reach
  8. ^ a b c Halo: Ground Command, Description
  9. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 130 (2011 edition)
  10. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 124, (2009 edition); page 130 (2011 edition)
  11. ^ Halo 2 Prima Strategy Guide, page 43
  12. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Library
  13. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Assault on the Control Room
  14. ^ Halo: Warfleet, p.58-59
  15. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 189
  16. ^ Halo: Blood Line, issue #1
  17. ^ Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, page 135 (2011 edition)
  18. ^ Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide (Collector's Edition), page 308
  19. ^ Halo 4
  20. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
  21. ^ Bungie.net: Halo: Reach Intel - Pre-Order
  22. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 349
  23. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 350

v • d • e
 
Sangheili ranks and titles
Political
Infantry ranks
Specialists
Military titles
Miscellaneous
Civilian
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