Halo: Age of Retribution
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| “ | In celebration of Halo 2's 20th birthday this November, we follow a group of Sangheili as the Great Schism changes the Covenant forever.[1] | ” |
Halo: Age of Retribution is an entry in the Halo Waypoint Chronicle series of short stories published by Halo Studios, released on November 8, 2024.[2] It was announced at the Canon Fodder Live panel at the Halo World Championships 2024 alongside a new novel by Kelly Gay, and was released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Halo 2's release alongside the Great Journey multiplayer event in Halo Infinite.[1] The story was the first piece of Halo fiction to be released under the Halo Studios label, following the studio's rebrand from 343 Industries.
Official synopsis
| “ | November 3, 2552. After the Prophet of Regret is assassinated by the Master Chief, the Covenant is shaken to its foundations as the feud between Brutes and Elites reaches a violent turning point.[2] | ” |
Plot summary
The High Prophet of Regret is dead, and the news reverberates through Covenant ranks with a mix of reverence, sadness, and disbelief. Honor Guardsman Onsu 'Valonro has repeated this grim announcement multiple times. The Prophet of Truth has ordered the cleansing of Regret's temple by the Solemn Penance, an act considered heretical by many. The Sangheili, once the Covenant's honored guardians, now face the disgrace of being blamed for Regret's assassination, leading to a significant shift in power dynamics as the Jiralhanae are favored over them.
14 Sangheili, including 'Valonro and High Councilor Raas 'Yajadai, gather at a cliff edge near Installation 05's Chamber of Consecration to pay their respects. 'Yajadai urges them to reflect on the Psalm of Sorrow, a prayer that helps them cope with their grief. Surrounded by the sacred Forerunner architecture and the serene beauty of the landscape, they momentarily find solace in their shared mourning. However, the atmosphere is tense as they discuss the need for a new hierarch to replace Regret, with concerns about Truth's reformist tendencies and the potential loss of Sangheili influence within the Covenant.
The Councilor receives a transmission from the Prophet of Exquisite Devotion, a high-ranking San’Shyuum: They must gather to appoint a new hierarch at the Chamber of Consecration, and 'Yajadai leads the group towards the Forerunner door. However, when the door opens, they are met with the imposing figure of Jiralhanae leader Avitus, who arrives with his own entourage. Tension escalates as 'Yajadai refuses to be escorted by the Jiralhanae, asserting their right to proceed without their presence. The confrontation becomes violent when the Jiralhanae open fire, killing two Sangheili instantly and throwing the situation into chaos.
In the ensuing battle, 'Valonro fights valiantly, but the Jiralhanae's tactics prove effective. The honor guard engages Avitus directly, but the Councilor is captured amidst the chaos, leaving the remaining Sangheili to fend for themselves. As the Jiralhanae press their attack, 'Valonro is overwhelmed by a wounded Jiralhanae, who drags him toward the edge of a cliff. In a desperate struggle, both tumble over the side, leaving the remaining Sangheili to face the Jiralhanae alone.
With the odds stacked against them, the surviving Sangheili attempt to regroup and escape, but they are met with relentless fire from the Jiralhanae. As the battle rages, one Sangheili picks up 'Valonro's energy sword, determined to hold off their attackers. However, he is quickly overpowered and mortally wounded. As he collapses, he witnesses the beauty of the sacred ring Halo and prepares to accept his fate. In his final moments, a figure appears: A Sangheili warrior clad in silver armor—Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee. He retrieves the plasma rifle and 'Valonro's energy sword, ready to avenge the fallen. The wounded Sangheili, fading into darkness, reflects on the Psalm of Repose, finding solace in the memory of his uncle's voice. As the Arbiter prepares for battle, the last vestiges of hope flicker in the face of overwhelming betrayal and chaos.
'Yajadai regains consciousness, finding himself in the Bastion of the Brutes and trapped between two Jiralhanae warriors. As they drag him across an ornate floor, he reflects on his decades of service to the Covenant, feeling a profound sense of doubt and confusion at his current predicament. He has fought for the Covenant's ideals, yet now at this pivotal moment, he is being led by the very beings he once considered inferior. Avitus commands the others to take 'Yajadai to the upper level, further intensifying his peril.
Once they reach a larger octagonal room, 'Yajadai's anger flares at the sight of holding cells that were once meant for noble purposes, now repurposed for the Jiralhanae's schemes. Avitus orders him into a cell, mocking him with the notion that Regret's fall is a sign from the gods. 'Yajadai, confused and enraged, defends the honor of his kind, insisting that the bonds of brotherhood and purpose are what truly matter, unlike the Jiralhanae's brutal nature. Avitus retorts with contempt, arguing that the Sangheili have not experienced the true struggles of battle and sacrifice. He claims that the time of the Jiralhanae has come and they will not relinquish their newfound power. 'Yajadai counters that the Great Journey doesn't include the Jiralhanae as they believe, warning that the Prophets can discard them just as they have discarded the Sangheili.
Their tense exchange is interrupted by a Kig-Yar, who announces the arrival of traitor Lekgolo and a new Councilor for questioning. As Avitus prepares for the newcomers, 'Yajadai urges him to consider his words and the implications of his actions for those who follow him. Avitus responds with a threat, presenting 'Yajadai with a choice: use a plasma rifle to atone for his perceived shame or await a slow torturous death at the hands of the Jiralhanae. Despite the grim ultimatum, 'Yajadai experiences a strange sense of peace and clarity, realizing that a new age is upon them, one marked not by unity but darkness and treachery. In a final declaration, 'Yajadai asserts that his path is already set, challenging Avitus to choose his own course.
Appearances
Production notes
The story is primarily set from the point-of-view of the Sangheili Minor who can be found at the beginning of the Halo 2 level Uprising. The story depicts the fate of the dead Brutes and Elites that can be seen scattered around the early part of the level. Likewise, the inclusion of councilor 'Yajadai is based on the Sangheili councilors that can be found in (and freed from) captivity later in the level The Great Journey, with a bonus reference given to the two Mgalekgolo who can be found imprisoned in the same room.
The inclusion of Avitus — the Chieftain featured in Halo Wars — is based on an illustration found in Terminal #12 of Halo 2: Anniversary. In the terminal, a Jiralhanae with an identical appearance to Avitus can be seen slaughtering the councilors — though the two remained unconfirmed to be the same character until this story.[4]
External links
- Halo: Age of Retribution- The official Waypoint post in which the short story was released for free.
- Official Halo: Age of Retribution PDF - The PDF of the short story released on Halo Waypoint (Archived copy).
- Halo: Age of Retribution | Audiobook - The audiobook narrated by Alex Wakeford.
Sources
- ^ a b YouTube - HALO, Community Stage at Halo World Championship 2024 – Day 1 (Retrieved on Oct 4, 2024)
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint, Great Journey Operation Launch (Retrieved on Nov 5, 2024) [archive]
- ^ Halo 2: Anniversary, Terminal #12
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Great Journey Operation Launch: Image alt text "Halo 2: Anniversary Terminal screenshot of the Thrallslayer and a group of Jiralhanae standing over the corpses of Sangheili Councilors." (Retrieved on Nov 5, 2024) [archive]
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