Swords of Sanghelios: Difference between revisions

Swords of Sanghelios
	; The symbol of the Swords of Sanghelios File:H2A - Arbiter and Majors.jpg; Thel 'Vadam's modern restoration of the Swords of Sanghelios
Overview
Type:	Alliance of keeps
Head of state:	Arbiter Thel 'Vadam
Legislative branch:	Council of Kaidons
Societal overview
Official language(s):	Sangheili
Notable event(s):	Blooding Years; Created uprising;
Historical overview
Formation:	Pre-938 BCE (Original Swords of Sanghelios dissolved in 852 BCE)
Reorganization:	After March 2553

Revision as of 18:06, August 21, 2023

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

"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]

The Swords of Sanghelios^[2] is an alliance of Sangheili keeps^[3] and the preeminent governing body on Sanghelios.^[4]^[1] Individual members of the faction identify themselves with the title Sword of Sanghelios.^[3]

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.^[5]^[1] However, many Sangheili disagreed with his ideals, planning to overthrow the Arbiter and rise against humanity.^[6]

History

Ancient origins

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. 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

"The Arbiter has united the keeps and formed a new alliance, the Swords of Sanghelios!"

— Mahkee 'Chava to Fireteam Osiris^[3]

After the Covenant's defeat at the end of the war, soldiers returned to Sanghelios and found feuding and civil unrest due to the upheavel of the Covenant's social and political moors. Many turned to a reluctant Thel 'Vadam as an ad hoc leader.^[7]

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.^[6]^[8] 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.^[9]

Siege at Kolaar

Swords of Sanghelios forces engaging other hostile Sangheili forces.

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.^[10] 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.^[11] 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 intentions to sell it on Venezia.^[12] 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.^[13]

Following these events, the allied forces on Sanghelios consolidated under the old banner of the Swords of Sanghelios.^[2] 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.^[14]

Blooding Years

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.^[15] In addition to the conflict with the Jiralhanae, the Swords of Sanghelios also engaged Jul 'Mdama's Covenant in hostilities, which saw the flagship Shadow of Intent rendered combat ineffective.^[14]

FAR STORM

N'tho 'Sraom and Frank Kodiak fighting Blind Wolves on Installation 00 in 2555 in Halo: Hunters in the Dark.

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Peace talks

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

In March 2558, the Swords of Sanghelios attempted peace talks with the Jiralhanae chieftain Lydus and his Children of Oth Sonin 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. When their evacuation ship was destroyed, the security detail proceeded to escort the delegates to a nearby parts depot.^[16]

Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge. 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 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.^[17] However, as the delegates entered the redoubt, 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 Vata 'Gajat's mercenaries bearing on the site in force, the ambassadors' security detail discovered 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.^[18]

Created uprising

Global war

"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^[19]

The Arbiter rallying his forces prior to striking Sunaion.

In October 2558, Sanghelios burst into global war^[20] 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.^[3] 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.^[19] Later on the Swords provided safe haven for surviving UNSC forces when Cortana and her Created took control of most of Earth's colonies.^[21]

Occupation and Netherop

With the Sangheili resisting the Created's rule, Cortana sent a Guardian and Forerunner soldiers to pacify Sanghelios, starting with its major cities.^[22] 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.^[21]

In 2559, 'Vadam would participate in the High Gathering where he would propose the Concert of Worlds,^[23] 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.^[24] 'Vadam would call for aid from colonial allies and would personally travel to the planet to begin a search for it.^[25]

Post-Created

With the Created severely weakened at the Battle for Zeta Halo, the collapsing security situation at Suban prompted factions to begin fighting over the moon and forced the Swords of Sanghelios to intervene.^[26]

Government and politics

"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 Arbiter.^[27]

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

Covenant remnants

The Swords of Sanghelios are opposed by and have outright hostilities several other Covenant remnant factions such as with Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.^[5]^[28]^[3]

However, the Swords have sought peace with others, such as the Children of Oth Sonin.^[16] In some cases, they maintained several colonial allies including Ghe 'Talot and his clan on Feldokra and the relatively new colony of Om'a'Varo through personal relationships with 'Vadam himself.^[25]

In addition, the Ascetics have positive relations with the Swords with Usze 'Taham acting as a liaison between them.^[29] At least one served as a bodyguard for the Arbiter and was killed during the Ealen peace conference.^[17]

Unified Earth Government

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^[3]

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

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,^[14] 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.^[30] 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.^[31]

The UNSC and the Sangheili worked together on archival research on Sanghelios,^[32] as well as joint investigations on Covenant weaponry, such as the Type-33 Needler.^[33] 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.^[34] As part of the ANVIL initiative, Sangheili military personnel train with Spartan-IVs inside the War Games simulator aboard Anvil Station.^[35]

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.^[6] Even though the Swords seek to distance themselves from the Covenant ideologically and culturally,^[5] some humans have mistakenly referred to them as "the Covenant".^[36]

By 2558, the UNSC's ambassador to them was Rear Admiral Horatio Temkin.^[37]

Society and culture

The Swords of Sanghelios look to return the Sangheili to their ancient, pre-Covenant independence and nobility.^[5] Specifically, the Swords were in pursuit of the creation of a single union of all Sangheili worlds.^[24] Their proposed union, would come from the Arbiter as the Concert of Worlds.^[23]

In general, most of the Arbiter's followers no longer revere the Forerunners as gods.^[38] This has provoked the anger of many of their enemies, mainly the Servants of the Abiding Truth.^[39] However, the Arbiter has never explicitly denied the Forerunners as gods, and has assured other Sangheili that they have not lost the gods.^[40]

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Military structure

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.^[41]^[42] 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.^[43] Contrary to Sangheili tradition, the Swords also allow females to serve in the military;^[3] 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.^[44]

The Swords of Sanghelios has revived traditional Sangheili ranks such as Ascetic warriors.^[16] Crimson and ivory,^[45] or red-gold^[46] armor indicates some form of affiliation to the Swords of Sanghelios, though there are armors painted in other colors, such as blue.^[16]

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.^[47]

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

Military assets

Swords of Sanghelios ships over Ealen IV.

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,^[48] Type-54 plasma pistol,^[41] Type-33 Needler,^[32] and Type-56D needler,^[41] while Sangheili personnel were typically armed with the Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle,^[49] Zubo-pattern beam rifle,^[3] Gadulo-pattern needle rifle,^[46] Elo'Nakada-pattern concussion rifle,^[50] Vostu-pattern carbine,^[51] Tufasumo-pattern plasma caster,^[3] Kelos'vaarda-pattern storm rifle,^[52] Mosa-pattern carbine,^[52] Gespu-pattern fuel rod gun,^[53] and the Type-1 energy sword.^[52] Several of their energy swords, most notably the Prophets' Bane, were shaped in new designs based on pre-Covenant fashions.^[54]^[55]

Like the original Covenant the Type-26 Banshee remained as the main aircraft of the faction for much of the Blooding Years.^[53] 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.^[16] The Swords used orange-painted Bmur'resh-pattern Shades^[3] and Upisa'weri-pattern Shrikes^[56] 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.^[53] The faction also used crimson-orange Kmiro'sish-pattern Liches and Mikpramu-pattern Phantoms, though it is unclear if these also had improved armor.^[57]^[52]

The Swords' naval forces are composed of multiple CAS-class assault carriers, Ket-pattern battlecruisers, Sinaris-pattern heavy destroyers,^[16] at least one Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette^[51] and at least one Covenant frigate.^[25] The Swords possesed the majority of the Lursu-pattern brigantines in service following the Covenant war.^[58] 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.^[59]^[19]

Units

Fleet units

Unidentified Fleet at the Battle of Ealen IV
Fleet of Retribution
- Shadow of Intent
- Pious Inquisitor (former)

Individual ships

Cruiser
- Axiom (destroyed)
- Devotion (destroyed)
- Far Vision(destroyed)
- Swordsman
Makar-pattern light corvette
- The Lookout
Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette
- Mayhem (Damaged in 2555)
Frigate
- Sword of Harmony(destroyed)
Unknown
- Havoc
- Onslaught
- Revolution

Aerial forces

Ground forces

Gallery

A Sangheili Minor and a Jiralhanae Captain Major fighting in a Joint-Occupation Zone in Halo: Escalation.
Thel 'Vadam and escort on Ealen IV in 2558.
A Sword of Sanghelios with Jameson Locke in Halo 2: Anniversary.
H2A - Arbiter and Majors.jpg

Swords of Sanghelios aboard a Type-56 Lich.
'Vadam, Locke and their respective forces prepare to engage Covenant forces.
Swords of Sanghelios combat-ready in Halo 5: Guardians.
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.
An Unggoy Storm on Sangheilios.
A Sangheili Storm standing on guard on Sangheilios.
A Sangheili on Sangheilios.
Several Sangheili alongside Thel 'Vadam on Sangheilios.
Thel 'Vadam and a Sangheili before an assault on a Kraken.
Thel 'Vadam on Sangheilios.
Swords of Sanghelios work and relax.
The Swords of Sanghelios fleet prepares to attack Sunaion.
A Sangheili Storm in Sunaion during the Swords assault.
Sangheili and Spartan-IVs participating in War Games together on Anvil Station in Halo Online.
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.
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.

List of appearances

Halo 3 (Mentioned in Halo: The Master Chief Collection-only)
Halo: Escalation (First appearance)
Halo: Mortal Dictata (Mentioned only)
Halo: Nightfall (Mentioned only)
Halo 2 Anniversary
Halo: New Blood (Mentioned only)
Halo: Hunters in the Dark
Halo: Fleet Battles
Halo 5: Guardians
- Limited Edition dossiers (Mentioned only)
Halo: Shadow of Intent
Halo Mythos
Halo Fractures
- Lessons Learned
- Breaking Strain
Halo: Envoy (Mentioned only)
Halo: Legacy of Onyx
Halo: Bad Blood
Halo: Shadows of Reach (Indirect mention)
Halo: Divine Wind (Mentioned only)
Halo Infinite (Mentioned only)
Halo: Outcasts

Sources

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Halo Waypoint: Swords of Sanghelios
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Halo Mythos, page 144
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Swords of Sanghelios
^ Halo Waypoint: Arbiter Thel 'Vadam
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Halo Waypoint: Sangheili
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo: Glasslands
^ Halo Waypoint - Universe, Locations, Sanghelios (Retrieved on Apr 13, 2016) [local archive] [external archive]
^ Halo: Glasslands, pages 58-61
^ Halo: Glasslands, page 130
^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 114
^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 122
^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 329
^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 436
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction - Page 14
^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Return"
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Halo: Escalation, issue 1
^ ^a ^b Halo: Escalation, issue 2
^ Halo: Escalation, Issue #3
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Battle of Sunaion
^ Halo: Legacy of Onyx, chapter 21
^ ^a ^b Halo Waypoint - News, Canon Fodder, Driving Force (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [local archive] [external archive]
^ Halo: Bad Blood, chapter 1
^ ^a ^b Halo: Outcasts, chapter 1
^ ^a ^b Halo: Outcasts, chapter 2
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo: Outcasts, chapter 4
^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 230
^ Halo 5: Guardians: Mission Intel - Alliance - Sangheili Personal Log 673
^ Halo: Legacy of Onyx, chapter 5
^ Halo Waypoint - Universe, Characters, Usze 'Taham (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [local archive] [external archive]
^ Halo: Fractures - Breaking Strain
^ Halo: Fractures - Oasis
^ ^a ^b Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction (post 2969317)
^ Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction (post 2969311)
^ Halo: Fractures - Lessons Learned
^ Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder: 2-20-15
^ Halo: Nightfall
^ Halo: Escalation, issue 5
^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 62 (Google Play edition)
^ Halo: Glasslands, page 20
^ Halo: Glasslands, page 59
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Alliance
^ Halo Waypoint Store - Swords of Sanghelios Tee
^ Halo: Shadow of Intent, page 24 (Google Play edition)
^ Halo: Shadow of Intent, page 82 (Google Play edition)
^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 72
^ ^a ^b Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder 1-8-16: Annual Achievements
^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 251
^ Halo: Shadow of Intent
^ Halo Mythos, pages 142-143
^ Twitter - GrimBrotherOne
^ ^a ^b Halo: Hunters in the Dark
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Halo 5: Guardians
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card descriptions
^ Halo Waypoint: Prophets' Bane
^ Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 53
^ Halo Waypoint: Shrike Turret
^ Halo 2: Anniversary, campaign level The Heretic (Anniversary Prologue)
^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 271
^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Before the Storm
^ ^a ^b ^c Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Enemy Lines

[hwp_sos-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Halo Waypoint: Swords of Sanghelios

[Mythos144-2] Halo Mythos, page 144

[soslevel-3] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Swords of Sanghelios

[waypoint-thel-4] Halo Waypoint: Arbiter Thel 'Vadam

[hwp_sangheili-5] Halo Waypoint: Sangheili

[glasslands-6] Halo: Glasslands

[universe-7] Halo Waypoint - Universe, Locations, Sanghelios (Retrieved on Apr 13, 2016) [local archive] [external archive]

[8] Halo: Glasslands, pages 58-61

[9] Halo: Glasslands, page 130

[10] Halo: The Thursday War, page 114

[11] Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 122

[12] Halo: The Thursday War, page 329

[13] Halo: Mortal Dictata, page 436

[Catalog-14] Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction - Page 14

[15] Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Return"

[HE1-16] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Halo: Escalation, issue 1

[HE2-17] Halo: Escalation, issue 2

[18] Halo: Escalation, Issue #3

[BOS-19] Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Battle of Sunaion

[20] Halo: Legacy of Onyx, chapter 21

[CFDF-21] Halo Waypoint - News, Canon Fodder, Driving Force (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [local archive] [external archive]

[22] Halo: Bad Blood, chapter 1

[outchapt1-23] Halo: Outcasts, chapter 1

[outchapt2-24] Halo: Outcasts, chapter 2

[outchapt4-25] Halo: Outcasts, chapter 4

[26] Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 230

[27] Halo 5: Guardians: Mission Intel - Alliance - Sangheili Personal Log 673

[28] Halo: Legacy of Onyx, chapter 5

[29] Halo Waypoint - Universe, Characters, Usze 'Taham (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [local archive] [external archive]

[30] Halo: Fractures - Breaking Strain

[31] Halo: Fractures - Oasis

[C1-32] Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction (post 2969317)

[33] Halo Waypoint: Catalog Interaction (post 2969311)

[34] Halo: Fractures - Lessons Learned

[Have_S.27moa-35] Halo Waypoint - Canon Fodder: 2-20-15

[36] Halo: Nightfall

[HE5-37] Halo: Escalation, issue 5

[38] Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 62 (Google Play edition)

[39] Halo: Glasslands, page 20

[40] Halo: Glasslands, page 59

[Alliance-41] Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Alliance

[42] Halo Waypoint Store - Swords of Sanghelios Tee

[43] Halo: Shadow of Intent, page 24 (Google Play edition)

[44] Halo: Shadow of Intent, page 82 (Google Play edition)

[45] Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 72

[CFAA-46] Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder 1-8-16: Annual Achievements

[EN-47] Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 251

[SOI-48] Halo: Shadow of Intent

[Mythos142-49] Halo Mythos, pages 142-143

[50] Twitter - GrimBrotherOne

[HitD-51] Halo: Hunters in the Dark

[H5G-52] Halo 5: Guardians

[REQs-53] Halo 5: Guardians, REQ card descriptions

[54] Halo Waypoint: Prophets' Bane

[55] Halo: Hunters in the Dark, page 53

[Shrike-56] Halo Waypoint: Shrike Turret

[57] Halo 2: Anniversary, campaign level The Heretic (Anniversary Prologue)

[58] Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 271

[BTS-59] Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Before the Storm

[h5genemylines-60] Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Enemy Lines

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 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="hwp sangheili">[https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sangheili.html '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Sangheili'']</ref>{{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 Swords of Sanghelios 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}}
 ==History==
@@ Line 66: / Line 64: @@
 In [[2558#March|March 2558]], the Swords of Sanghelios attempted peace talks with the Jiralhanae chieftain [[Lydus]] and his [[Children of Oth Sonin]] 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. When their [[DS-004|evacuation ship]] was destroyed, the security detail proceeded to escort the delegates to a nearby parts depot.{{Ref/Reuse|HE1}}
-Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge. 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 [[Kmiro'sish-pattern 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 Vata 'Gajat's mercenaries 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>
+Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge. 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 [[Kmiro'sish-pattern 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/Reuse|HE2}} 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 Vata 'Gajat's mercenaries 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>
 ===Created uprising===
@@ Line 83: / Line 81: @@
 ==Government and politics==
-{{Expand-section}}
+{{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 Arbiter.{{Ref/Game|H5G|Detail=[[Mission Intel#Alliance|Mission Intel - Alliance - Sangheili Personal Log 673]]}}}}
 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}}
-===Foreign relations===
+===Relations===
 ====Covenant remnants====
-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 remain an ally to humanity.<ref name="HE1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''Issue #1''</ref>
+The Swords of Sanghelios are opposed by and have outright hostilities several other [[Covenant remnants|Covenant remnant factions]] such as with [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]].{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sangheili}}{{Ref/Novel|LoO|Chapter=5}}{{Ref/Reuse|soslevel}}
+However, the Swords have sought peace with others, such as the [[Children of Oth Sonin]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE1|HEsc|Issue=1}} In some cases, they maintained several colonial allies including [[Ghe 'Talot]] and his clan on [[Feldokra]] and the relatively new colony of [[Om'a'Varo]] through personal relationships with 'Vadam himself.{{Ref/Novel|Id=outchapt4|Out|Chapter=4}}
-The Swords of Sanghelios maintained several colonial allies including [[Ghe 'Talot]] and his clan on [[Feldokra]] and the relatively new colony of [[Om'a'Varo]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=outchapt4|Out|Chapter=4}}
+In addition, the [[Ascetics]] have positive relations with the Swords 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 served as a bodyguard for the Arbiter and was killed during the Ealen peace conference.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE2|HEsc|Issue=2}}
 ====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}}}}
 [[File:Joint Operation 2015-06-16 01-46.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Swords of Sanghelios and Fireteam Osiris during the Battle of Sunaion.]]
-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>'''[[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>
+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]]}}
-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> 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>
+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>
 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}} Even though the Swords seek to distance themselves from the Covenant ideologically and culturally,{{Ref/Reuse|hwp sangheili}} some humans have mistakenly referred to them as "the Covenant".<ref>'''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'''</ref>
-By [[2558]], the UNSC's ambassador to them was [[Rear Admiral]] [[Horatio Temkin]].<ref name="HE5">'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #5''</ref>
+By [[2558]], the UNSC's ambassador to them was [[Rear Admiral]] [[Horatio Temkin]].{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE5|HEsc|Issue=5}}
 ==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}}
-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/Reuse|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://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/usze-taham.html '''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 ==