Prophets' Bane

Thel 'Vadam with the Prophets' Bane around the Battle of Sunaion.

The Prophets' Bane, originally called End of Night, is Arbiter Thel 'Vadam's personal energy sword.^[1] The blade's name is a testament to 'Vadam's staunch opposition to the Prophets' leadership ever since the latter days of the Human-Covenant War and the beginning of the Great Schism. Like other high ranking Elites, Thel 'Vadam had his sword custom built by a master swordsmith.^[2]

Story

Sangheili stories of war and righteous slaughter rarely mention the hero's panoply, for such details are beneath the notice of clan historians and tale-weavers. Particularly in the Covenant era, where Sangheili were fitted with mass-produced armor and weapons built in the labyrinthine assembly forges of High Charity, the particulars of the weapons carried and their history were not worthy of attention or reflection. Few items which reflect the glory of their user are rare indeed; weapons and armor which come to be recognized as more than tools – as possessing the heart of a warrior, however small – are highly treasured and stored away, a reservoir of glory and honor that can be redeemed in times of great need. Thel 'Vadam's chosen blade is one such artifact, an ancient blade taken from his clan's vaults and given new life, new purpose, and new foes to slay.

The old name of the blade was told in stories and song dating to before the Writ of Union, but the Arbiter took the unusual step of reforging the weapon, preserving its honor and history but changing its destiny. While the weapon was repaired and regrown in the traditional manner in his clan's forge, the Arbiter insisted on incorporating components of the energy sword that took the lifeblood of the Prophet of Truth on the Ark.

Sangheili relic weapons are never named by their wielder, but they must acquire an identity. But it was not long before the Arbiter's blade was known across Sangheili space as an instrument of change and self-determination – a true inheritor of the original Swords of Sanghelios, earning it's current name.^[3]

Gameplay

The Prophets' Bane is a mythic melee weapon in Halo 5: Guardians and was featured in the game's multiplayer beta on the map Truth. The weapon can be wielded exactly as a regular energy sword. It gives the player a passive movement buff when wielded, allowing the user to traverse distances much quicker. Additionally the lunge distance is greatly increased when zoomed in at the expense of the field of view, the motion tracker and the ability to sprint.^[4]

Trivia

An achievement of the same name appears in Halo: The Master Chief Collection. It requires the player to complete every level of the Halo 3 campaign on Normal difficulty.

Gallery

Concept art of the Prophets' Bane for Halo 5: Guardians.
The weapon on the deck of the map Truth in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.
A first person view of the sword in the Halo 5 Guardians Multiplayer Beta.
Smart Scope with the Prophets' Bane in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.
A comparison between the standard Energy Sword and the Prophets' Bane in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.
Thel 'Vadam kills a Sangheili Ranger with the Prophets' Bane.