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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|TF}}
{{New content}}
{{Covenant Rank Infobox
{{Unit infobox
|name=Major Domo Elite
|variant=Cov
|image=[[Image:Major.jpg]]
|name=Major
|image=[[File:H2A Sangheili-Major.png|250px]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|weapons=*[[Plasma Rifle]]s
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]
*[[Needler]]s
*[[Covenant separatists]]{{Ref/Game|Id=H2|H2}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3}}
*[[Covenant Carbine]]s
*[[Covenant remnants]]
*[[Energy Sword]]s
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]{{citation needed}}
*Any [[Weapon]] given in [[Campaign]]
**[[Joyous Exultation Covenant]]
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|HSA}}
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|HSS}}
|branch=
|mission=*Ground assault/infantry
*Defense
|role=[[Second|Starship second-in-command]]{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Page=189}}
|equipment=
|equipment=
*[[Elite Personal Energy Shield]]
*[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
*[[Plasma Grenade]]
*[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
*[[Active Camouflage]]
|armament=[[Type-1 energy sword]]
|vehicles=*[[Banshee]]
<br>[[Type-1 plasma grenade]]
*[[Ghost (Vehicle)|Ghost]]
<br>{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}
*[[Scarab]]
<br>{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}
*[[Wraith]]
<br>[[Type-33 Needler]]
*[[Shadow]]
<br>[[Type-50 concussion rifle]]
|missions=
<br>{{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}
|role=*Pilots
<br>{{Pattern|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}}
*Platoon Leader
<br>{{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}}
*[[Lance]] Leader
|notable=[[Thel 'Lodamee]]{{Ref/Film|Id=legends|Film=Halo Legends|Story=The Package}}
*[[Ossoona]] (temporary assignment)
|notable=*[['Kasamee]]
*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]], later [[Covenant Separatists]]
}}
}}
{{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}}


'''Major Domo Elite''',<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', page 349: ''Major Domo Sangheili''</ref> sometimes referred to as the '''Elite Major''' is a [[Covenant]] [[Sangheili]] 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}}


==Summary==
===Organisation===
The Elites who are majors are matured warriors whose rank is Medium-Low in the [[Covenant]] [[Sangheili]] rank structure, but still are higher than a [[Minor Domo Elite]]. There has been some proof that Major Domo Elites are a Higher Rank than [[Special Operation Elite]]s in ''Halo 3''. This may merely be a measurement of how powerful their [[Energy Shields#Covenant Energy Shielding|shields]] are, not actual rank. Also, only a Major Elite can obtain the temporary rank of [[Ossoona]], mainly due to the fact that a more seasoned warrior prefers combat, not stealth, and a [[Minor Domo Elite]] is too inexperienced to become the Ossoona.
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>


[[Image:20338127-Medium1.jpg|thumb|left|190px|A squad of Elites lead by a Major on the level [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]].]]
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 command groups of Minor Domo Elites as well as other Covenant races in ground combat situations. On lower difficulties of both ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]'', Major Elites are rarely seen without a Minor Elite present. However, on the higher difficulty levels ([[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]]), these Elites are more numerous than Minor Domo Elites, in order to increase the difficulty of the game.


They are the physical equivalent of a [[Spartans|SPARTAN-II super soldier]], in terms of strength and shielding. They are far more intuitive and quick-thinking than their subordinates. A single Major Elite is capable enough to survive against an entire squad of [[Marine]]s. To [[humans]], they would be and are considered [[Lieutenant]]s in the Covenant. The rank of a Major Elite can be compared to that of a [[Brute Major]].
===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}}


==Equipment==
==Equipment==
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]]. Major Elites are often found duel-wielding Plasma Rifles instead of just wielding one. They also carry, but never 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, even the [[Energy Sword]], although they aren't allowed because of its religious purpose, but strangely in levels such as [[Regret (Level)|Regret]] sometimes in the outside of the first temple there will appear a Major elite with an energy sword (Sometimes a Minor will appear with the sword). Also in level [[Delta Halo]] when the second phantom arrives after you clear the first ruin structure sometimes it will drop off a an [[Elite Minor]] or a Major with an energy sword (this only happens at random in gameplay).
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.


These Elites have more powerful [[Elite Personal Energy Shield|Energy shields]] than their blue-clad [[Minor Domo Elite]]s subordinates, as fitting with their rank. In ''[[Halo 2]]'', these shields are the same strength as those of [[Honor Guard Elite]]s, [[Zealot]]s, and [[Heretic Elite]] [[Heretic Elite Major|Majors]]. On lower difficulties they can take a maximum of three hits on the body, or a single head-shot from the [[Sniper Rifle]] or [[Beam Rifle]], and, in higher difficulties, they can take up to 4 body shots and 2 headshots.
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>


In ''[[Halo 3]]'' when Majors are dropped into battle to aid the [[Master Chief|player]] they always wield [[Plasma Rifles]], although the player can always exchange weapons with the [[Elites]].
<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>


==Fighting a Major Elite==
{{clear}}
[[Image:Major Elite Variations.jpg|220px|thumb|right|Two Major Domo Elites in [[Halo 3]].]] 
The same tactics used to kill [[Minor Domo Elite]]s can be used against Major Elites as well. However, their stronger energy shields make them more resilient to damage. 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.


==Tactics==
==In-game Information==
Elite Majors fire in sustained bursts and evasively strafe while shooting. They also rarely make tactical mistakes, such as charging directly into a fight, or forgetting to take cover. On higher difficulty settings, it's very dangerous to face a Major Elite, as the quick bursts fired by major Elites can strip shields down in a matter of seconds. It's even more dangerous to face a Major Elite duel-wielding Plasma Rifles on higher difficulty settings, as they can easily take out your shields and kill you in a matter of seconds.
{{Main
|1=Elite_Major#Halo:_Combat_Evolved
|l1=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.


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.
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.


In ''[[Halo 3]]'' Major [[Elites|Elites]] fire in what seems to be shorter bursts.
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.
They will rarely try to flank or lure the enemy out into a trap, however. They will usually only do this if they have allies near by.


==Appearance==
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).
Major Elites wear red (specifically crimson or scarlet) armor, comparable to the red armor of [[Grunt]] Majors. Major Elites in ''[[Halo 3]]'' are shown in two colors they are clad in metallic crimson or metallic brownish red colored armor, and have white symbols on the front of their chest armor. In Halo 2, Majors either wore bright red or orange-red armor. Like [[Minor Elites]], the symbols in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] had [[Forerunner]] letters, while in [[Halo 3]] they glow a greenish color.


==Appearances==
==Trivia==
[[Image:MajorElite3.jpg|right|thumb|165px|A Major Elite in [[New Mombasa]].]]
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sangheili Majors}}
=== ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' ===
*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.
Major 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)|343 Guilty Spark]], [[The Library (Level)|The Library]] and [[The Maw (Level)|The Maw]]. They appear almost whenever [[Minor Elites]] appear with about the same frequency on all levels, except on [[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]] difficulties. On [[Easy]], the Elite guarding the bridge on [[Halo (Halo: Combat Evolved Level)|Halo]] was a Major Elite.
*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.


===''Halo 2''===
==Gallery==
In ''Halo 2'', Major Elites appeared in every level where the player controlled the [[John-117|Master Chief]] except for [[High Charity (Level)|High Charity]]. In [[Metropolis (Level)|Metropolis]], up to five Major Elites were present on the [[Scarab]]. Three went to the top deck to kill the [[John-117|Master Chief]], all wielding [[Plasma Rifle]]s, and 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 Elites.
<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>


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 can be presented to the player with a [[Banshee]] to accompany [[Sergeant Johnson]]'s Scarab.{{clear}}
==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}}


==='''Halo 3'''===
==Sources==
[[Image:1210061962 5055870full 2.jpg|right|180px|thumb|An Elite Major on [[the Ark]].]]
{{Ref/Sources}}
There is a Major Elite leading a group of [[Special Operations Elite]]s on the level [[Floodgate (Level)|Floodgate]] who converse with [[Thel 'Vadam]] about the state of the Elite military forces ensuing the Flood's raid of [[High Charity]] and how as to the infested cruiser managed to reach [[Earth]]'s borders. This is an interesting point to note since [[Special Operations Elites|Special Operations Elites]] are supposedly higher ranking over Major Domos. Another point is that he can be seen carrying an [[Energy Sword]], since generally it has been assumed that only [[Elites]] of [[Special Operations Elite]] rank and higher can carry them in the honor of battle.


There are also randomly generated Majors on the level [[The Covenant (Level)|The Covenant]] along with some [[Minor Elites]]; they are dropped in by a pair of [[Covenant Separatist|Separatist]] [[Phantom]]s. On [[Heroic]], they appear more frequently than Minor Elites and on [[Legendary]] almost entirely unseating and replacing their [[Elite Minor|lesser comrades]]. With the [[Thunderstorm Skull]] on, only Major Elites will be generated on any difficulty.{{clear}}
{{Sangheili Ranks}}
 
==Trivia==
*In ''[[Halo 2]]'' level [[Cairo station]] at the last chapter, "Return To Sender" on [[Heroic]] difficulty, you can see a Major [[Elite]] duel wielding a [[Plasma Rifle]] and a [[Needler]], after you kill all the Elites except the Major that is dual wielding, throw a [[Plasma Grenade]] at him. Sometimes if you do this, he will drop his [[Needler]] and go into the stance of holding an [[Energy Sword]]. You can also see his hand looks like he is wielding an [[Energy Sword]]. This is odd because the Major acts like he is wielding a sword, but you can't see it, and he is still wielding the [[Plasma Rifle]].
*As seen in a Halo: Combat Evolved original 2000 teaser trailer, the Elite Majors were originally supposed to have a wrist shield similar to that of a Jackal's but without the diamond pattern.
 
==Sources==
<references/>


{{Elite Ranks}}
[[Category:Covenant ranks]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Elites]]
[[Category: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]

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  • 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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