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{{Quote|The Arbiter. Maybe more than any other figure, a symbol of what the galaxy could one day become.|[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]] on Thel 'Vadam<ref name="Esc1"/>}} | {{Quote|The Arbiter. Maybe more than any other figure, a symbol of what the galaxy could one day become.|[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]] on Thel 'Vadam<ref name="Esc1"/>}} | ||
'''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam''' (formerly ''''Vadamee''')<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''The long road home''</ref> is the [[Sangheili]] [[kaidon]] of the [[House of Vadam]]. He was the last [[Arbiter]] to serve the [[Covenant]], and continues to hold this title in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] period. Presently, he leads the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and is considered by many to be the formal | '''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam''' (formerly ''''Vadamee''')<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''The long road home''</ref> is the [[Sangheili]] [[kaidon]] of the [[House of Vadam]]. He was the last [[Arbiter]] to serve the [[Covenant]], and continues to hold this title in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] period. Presently, he leads the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and is considered by many to be the formal leader of the Sangheili on the whole.<ref name="wp thel">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/arbiter-thel-vadam '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam'']</ref> | ||
Thel commanded | Thel commanded numerous fleets during his service in the [[Covenant]], most notably as the [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]], which mounted a successful [[Fall of Reach|attack]] on the [[human]] colony of [[Reach]] and later [[Battle of Installation 04|fought]] the crew of the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} on [[Installation 04]]. 'Vadamee was responsible for over one billion [[human]] casualties over the course of the war, and the [[glassing]] of at least seven colonies.<ref name="terminal 3">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 3]]''</ref> At the outbreak of the [[Great Schism]], Thel became a leading figure among the Sangheili, and aided the [[United Nations Space Command]] in its efforts to stop the Prophet of Truth and his forces from activating the [[Halo Array]]. He fought multiple battles alongside the [[Spartan|"demon"]] [[John-117]] on [[Installation 05]], [[Earth]], and [[Installation 00]] in the final weeks of the war. | ||
Returning to [[Sanghelios]] after the conclusion of the war, the Arbiter went on to become a symbol of Sangheili honor and resilience in the face of betrayal. He attempted to unite the feudal states across his homeworld in forming the first coalition government since the [[War of Beginnings]]. Despite his efforts, he met resistance from [[Covenant remnants|many other Sangheili]], who felt that his ideals and beliefs went against the traditional values of the Covenant or Sangheili in general, or that it was simply unacceptable to ally oneself with [[human]]s. | Returning to [[Sanghelios]] after the conclusion of the war, the Arbiter went on to become a symbol of Sangheili honor and resilience in the face of betrayal. He attempted to unite the feudal states across his homeworld in forming the first coalition government since the [[War of Beginnings]]. Despite his efforts, he met resistance from [[Covenant remnants|many other Sangheili]], who felt that his ideals and beliefs went against the traditional values of the Covenant or Sangheili in general, or that it was simply unacceptable to ally oneself with [[human]]s. | ||
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Thel was born to the [[House of Vadam]], rulers of the powerful state of [[Vadam]] on [[Sanghelios]]. In his youth, Thel was trained in the ways of fighting by his relative [[Lak 'Vadamee]].<ref name="tcp349">'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 349''</ref> He later joined the [[Covenant military]], adding the "-ee" suffix to his surname according to custom. During the [[Human-Covenant War]], Thel participated in the Covenant attack on the [[human]] [[Outer Colony]] of [[Madrigal]] in [[2528]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 146 and 156''</ref> | Thel was born to the [[House of Vadam]], rulers of the powerful state of [[Vadam]] on [[Sanghelios]]. In his youth, Thel was trained in the ways of fighting by his relative [[Lak 'Vadamee]].<ref name="tcp349">'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 349''</ref> He later joined the [[Covenant military]], adding the "-ee" suffix to his surname according to custom. During the [[Human-Covenant War]], Thel participated in the Covenant attack on the [[human]] [[Outer Colony]] of [[Madrigal]] in [[2528]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 146 and 156''</ref> | ||
Within a short time, Thel achieved both the rank of [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] and the title of [[shipmaster]], and became [[kaidon]] of his state through the votes of Vadam's [[elder]]s.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 89''</ref> Shortly after being promoted to shipmaster, Thel sustained an injury in the training ring due to a mistake. His family hushed up the incident, as well as the resultant visit by a physician, due to the Sangheili's cultural stigma toward doctors and medical operations. During his convalescence, Thel handmade an old-fashioned [[doarmir]]-fur shipmaster's cloak, and would later wear it as part of his shipmaster's attire to remind him that he could make grave mistakes if he let his guard down.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 159''</ref> Thel's role as kaidon was important for the House of Vadam, as he was tasked with continuing the reign of the powerful state of Vadam. Early in his rule, he was attacked by three Sangheili assassins wielding energy swords. He managed to kill all three without injury, and proceeded to appear before Vadam's elders to determine which had ordered the attack. Thel discovered that the assassination orders had come from the elder [[Koida 'Vadam]], and after killing him, he ordered all of Koida's line to leave Vadam keep by | Within a short time, Thel achieved both the rank of [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] and the title of [[shipmaster]], and became [[kaidon]] of his state through the votes of Vadam's [[elder]]s.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 89''</ref> Shortly after being promoted to shipmaster, Thel sustained an injury in the training ring due to a mistake. His family hushed up the incident, as well as the resultant visit by a physician, due to the Sangheili's cultural stigma toward doctors and medical operations. During his convalescence, Thel handmade an old-fashioned [[doarmir]]-fur shipmaster's cloak, and would later wear it as part of his shipmaster's attire to remind him that he could make grave mistakes if he let his guard down.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 159''</ref> Thel's role as kaidon was important for the House of Vadam, as he was tasked with continuing the reign of the powerful state of Vadam. Early in his rule, he was attacked by three Sangheili assassins wielding energy swords. He managed to kill all three without injury, and proceeded to appear before Vadam's elders to determine which had ordered the attack. Thel discovered that the assassination orders had come from the elder [[Koida 'Vadam]], and after killing him, he ordered all of Koida's line to leave Vadam keep by sunrise.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 83-94''</ref> | ||
===Conflict at the Rubble=== | ===Conflict at the Rubble=== | ||
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===Life as Supreme Commander=== | ===Life as Supreme Commander=== | ||
{{Quote|Soon the [[Great Journey]] will begin, but when it does, the weight of your heresy will stay your feet, and you shall be left behind.|The Prophet of Truth to 'Thel Vadamee at his | {{Quote|Soon the [[Great Journey]] will begin, but when it does, the weight of your heresy will stay your feet, and you shall be left behind.|The Prophet of Truth to 'Thel Vadamee at his hearing.<ref name="TheHeretic">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref>}} | ||
[[File:H2A Terminals - Thel and Prophet.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Thel 'Vadamee discovering Installation 04.]] | [[File:H2A Terminals - Thel and Prophet.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Thel 'Vadamee discovering Installation 04.]] | ||
At some point between 2535 and 2552, Thel's exceptional leadership and combat prowess earned him the rank of [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]]. Sometime after this promotion he led the Covenant forces in the [[Battle of Camber]]. 'Vadamee and his fleet caught the UNSC forces completely unaware. He began his ground and orbital assault before most of the planet was aware of the attack. While 17 of his ships bombarded key defensive positions, 'Vadamee personally led an attack on the UNSC system headquarters. He first engaged the [[3rd Battalion Reserves]], who were caught completely unprepared. 'Vadamee ordered his men to wait for the humans to prepare to defend themselves before wiping out the entire unit.<ref name="h2at2">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 2]]''</ref> Throughout his time as Supreme Commander he was also responsible for the glassing of [[Bounty]], [[Alluvion]], [[Mesa]], [[Greydowns]], [[Kroedis II]], and [[Estuary]]. He and his forces were responsible for over 1 billion human casualties—23,000 of them military personnel—and the destruction of 123 UNSC ships.<ref name="terminal 3"/> ONI [[ONI#Section Three|Section 3]] attempted to kill him at different times, but failed each time resulting in the deaths of several operatives.<ref name="a2at1">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 1]]''</ref> | At some point between 2535 and 2552, Thel's exceptional leadership and combat prowess earned him the rank of [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]]. Sometime after this promotion he led the Covenant forces in the [[Battle of Camber]]. 'Vadamee and his fleet caught the UNSC forces completely unaware. He began his ground and orbital assault before most of the planet was aware of the attack. While 17 of his ships bombarded key defensive positions, 'Vadamee personally led an attack on the UNSC system headquarters. He first engaged the [[3rd Battalion Reserves]], who were caught completely unprepared. 'Vadamee ordered his men to wait for the humans to prepare to defend themselves before wiping out the entire unit.<ref name="h2at2">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 2]]''</ref> Throughout his time as Supreme Commander he was also responsible for the glassing of [[Bounty]], [[Alluvion]], [[Mesa]], [[Greydowns]], [[Kroedis II]], and [[Estuary]]. He and his forces were responsible for over 1 billion human casualties—23,000 of them military personnel—and the destruction of 123 UNSC ships.<ref name="terminal 3"/> ONI [[ONI#Section Three|Section 3]] attempted to kill him at different times, but failed each time resulting in the deaths of several operatives.<ref name="a2at1">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 1]]''</ref> | ||
[[File:H2A - Tartarus branding.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'Vadamee, stripped of his armor and branded with the [[Mark of Shame]] by [[Tartarus]].]] | [[File:H2A - Tartarus branding.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'Vadamee, stripped of his armor and branded with the [[Mark of Shame]] by [[Tartarus]].]] | ||
Near the end of his time serving as Supreme Commander, he led the Covenant forces under his command to victory over the UNSC's greatest military stronghold. The [[Fall of Reach]] proved to be the highlight of Thel's service in the Covenant | Near the end of his time serving as Supreme Commander, he led the Covenant forces under his command to victory over the UNSC's greatest military stronghold. The [[Fall of Reach]] proved to be the highlight of Thel's service in the Covenant. As the battle ended, Thel ordered a flotilla of warships to follow the fleeing {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}. The ''Autumn'''s course led them to holy Forerunner artifact [[Installation 04]]. After confirming that the ring was a creation of the "gods", the [[Prophet of Stewardship]], the highest ranking political figure with the Fleet, immediately claimed authority over the operation, claiming the mission was now a religious matter. As Thel was unwilling to relinquish command with the ''Pillar of Autumn'' en route, and unable to contact ''[[High Charity]]'' to determine who held jurisdiction, a power struggle emerged between Thel and Stewardship for ultimate authority. As the [[Battle of Installation 04]] wore on, the Prophet began subverting Thel, misappropriating military forces to secure facilities on the ring. Thel sent a single infantry unit to the ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'' to relieve the Prophet, but it was destroyed on approach. The Prophet threatened further punishment for any future affronts to his leadership. As Thel assembled a strike force to physically relieve the Prophet, the emergency beacon on the ''[[Infinite Succor]]'' was activated. Thel dispatched a [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] force to assess the threat and procure the [[Minister of Etiology]]. As Thel was about to leave with his strike force for ''Ascendant Justice'', [[Special Operations Commander|Spec Ops Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum|Rtas 'Vadumee]] returned to the ship and revealed the results of his mission: the [[Flood]] had been unleashed on Halo.<ref>'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''</ref> | ||
[[File:H2A - Arbiter helmet.jpg|thumb|250px|left|'Vadamee wearing the Arbiter helmet for the first time.]] | [[File:H2A - Arbiter helmet.jpg|thumb|250px|left|'Vadamee wearing the Arbiter helmet for the first time.]] | ||
With the situation deteriorating, Thel ordered the evacuation of all ships from the ring, as well as shooting down any vessel which failed to return clean bioscans. When Thel's force arrived on ''Ascendant Justice'', he discovered that the Prophet of Stewardship had left for the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''. The crew of the ''Ascendant Justice'' acknowledged Thel's authority as Supreme Commander without hesitation.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''2010 Adjunct''</ref> Unsurprisingly, Thel refused to come to the Steward's aid after its capture by the UNSC. These distractions were to cost Thel the battle, as SPARTAN-117 and Cortana successfully detonated, ''Pillar of Autumn'' under the nose of the Covenant's occupation. With little else to be done, Thel ordered his surviving ships to fall back. This retreat was to save his life, but not his honor. In an act that further humiliated Thel, the ''Ascendant Justice'' was captured by [[John-117]] and a small human boarding party. Shortly after his ships failed to pursue the ''Ascendant Justice'', Thel was called before the Covenant High Council to answer for his failures.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 340''</ref> | With the situation deteriorating, Thel ordered the evacuation of all ships from the ring, as well as shooting down any vessel which failed to return clean bioscans. When Thel's force arrived on ''Ascendant Justice'', he discovered that the Prophet of Stewardship had left for the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''. The crew of the ''Ascendant Justice'' acknowledged Thel's authority as Supreme Commander without hesitation.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''2010 Adjunct''</ref> Unsurprisingly, Thel refused to come to the Steward's aid after its capture by the UNSC. These distractions were to cost Thel the battle, as SPARTAN-117 and Cortana successfully detonated, ''Pillar of Autumn'' under the nose of the Covenant's occupation. With little else to be done, Thel ordered his surviving ships to fall back. This retreat was to save his life, but not his honor. In an act that further humiliated Thel, the ''Ascendant Justice'' was captured by [[John-117]] and a small human boarding party. Shortly after his ships failed to pursue the ''Ascendant Justice'', Thel was called before the Covenant High Council to answer for his failures.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 340''</ref> | ||
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===Cessation of war=== | ===Cessation of war=== | ||
[[File:Handshake-large.jpg|thumb|250px|Lord Hood and Thel 'Vadam shaking hands at the [[Voi Memorial]] - a sign of detente between the humans and the Sangheili.]] | [[File:Handshake-large.jpg|thumb|250px|Lord Hood and Thel 'Vadam shaking hands at the [[Voi Memorial]] - a sign of detente between the humans and the Sangheili.]] | ||
{{Quote|no=two|q1=I remember how this war started. What | {{Quote|no=two|q1=I remember how this war started. What your kind did to mine... I can't forgive you... but, you have my thanks. For standing by him to the end. Hard to believe [[John-117|he]]'s dead...|Lord Hood|q2=Were it so easy...|Thel 'Vadam|'Vadam's response to Lord Hood during the Voi Memorial.<ref name="Halo"/>}} | ||
In February [[2553]], 'Vadam met with [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood|Lord Terrence Hood]], along with [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Serin Osman]], [[Corporal]] [[Vasily Beloi]] and [[Evan Phillips|Dr. Evan Phillips]] in the state of Vadam on Sanghelios. There, he and Lord Hood discussed the fragile state of | In February [[2553]], 'Vadam met with [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood|Lord Terrence Hood]], along with [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Serin Osman]], [[Corporal]] [[Vasily Beloi]] and [[Evan Phillips|Dr. Evan Phillips]] in the state of Vadam on Sanghelios. There, he and Lord Hood discussed the fragile state of both species, as well as a treaty to formalize the peace. Hood then invited 'Vadam to a [[Voi Memorial|memorial service]] on Earth, and in return 'Vadam invited Dr. Phillips to study Sangheili history and culture on their homeworld.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 358-361''</ref> | ||
On March 3, 2553, 'Vadam was present at the dedication of the memorial to those humans lost during the Covenant War. He was thanked by Hood for standing alongside John-117 "to the end"; knowing the resilience of the Spartan first hand, Thel expressed doubt as to the soldier's death. The Arbiter departed for Sanghelios aboard the ''Shadow of Intent'' along with Rtas 'Vadum, to ensure the security of their people.<ref name="Halo"/> | On March 3, 2553, 'Vadam was present at the dedication of the memorial to those humans lost during the Covenant War. He was thanked by Hood for standing alongside John-117 "to the end"; knowing the resilience of the Spartan first hand, Thel expressed doubt as to the soldier's death. The Arbiter departed for Sanghelios aboard the ''Shadow of Intent'' along with Rtas 'Vadum, to ensure the security of their people.<ref name="Halo"/> | ||
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In [[2558]], Thel 'Vadam decided to enter into negotiations with the Jiralhanae, with the UNSC ''Infinity'' being assigned to escort him. On March 5, 'Vadam met with Lord Hood and the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Lydus]] on [[Ealen IV]]. During the negotiations, [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant mercenaries]] led by [[Vata 'Gajat|Shipmaster 'Gajat]] attacked the delegates. [[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. Lydus accused 'Vadam of betraying him, but Thel reassured him that he had no part in the attack as he killed a [[Kig-Yar Sniper]] attempting to assassinate Lydus. When their evacuation ship was destroyed, the security detail proceeded to escort the delegates to a nearby parts depot.<ref name="Esc1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref> | In [[2558]], Thel 'Vadam decided to enter into negotiations with the Jiralhanae, with the UNSC ''Infinity'' being assigned to escort him. On March 5, 'Vadam met with Lord Hood and the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Lydus]] on [[Ealen IV]]. During the negotiations, [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant mercenaries]] led by [[Vata 'Gajat|Shipmaster 'Gajat]] attacked the delegates. [[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. Lydus accused 'Vadam of betraying him, but Thel reassured him that he had no part in the attack as he killed a [[Kig-Yar Sniper]] attempting to assassinate Lydus. When their evacuation ship was destroyed, the security detail proceeded to escort the delegates to a nearby parts depot.<ref name="Esc1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref> | ||
Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge in. 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 Covenant [[Type-56 Lich|Lich]]. Palmer quickly acted and threw her helmet filled with grenades and destroyed the Lich. The delegation stayed | Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge in. 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 Covenant [[Type-56 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''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 2|Issue #2]]''</ref> However, as the delegates entered the redoubt, [[Vladimir Scruggs|Spartan Scruggs]] of [[Fireteam Jackknife]]—who had betrayed his team—ambushed the group and held Hood hostage. 'Vadam queried Scruggs on what his demands were; Scruggs stated that they would discuss them once his associates arrived. With the Covenant 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.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 3|Issue #3]]''</ref> | ||
===Victory on Sanghelios=== | ===Victory on Sanghelios=== | ||
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==Personality and traits== | ==Personality and traits== | ||
[[File:H2A - Thel's face.jpg|thumb|250px|Thel after the Hierarchs offer him the position of Arbiter.]] | [[File:H2A - Thel's face.jpg|thumb|250px|Thel after the Hierarchs offer him the position of Arbiter.]] | ||
Thel, like most Sangheili, held an obsession with honor and tradition for most of his adult life. However, he was more flexible than his peers when it came to the tactics that he used, and in particular showed a keen interest in human weapons even before the Great Schism. His worldview changed greatly during the Great Schism. While once zealous and unquestioningly obedient to the Prophets' will, after learning of the true nature of the Halo rings | Thel, like most Sangheili, held an obsession with honor and tradition for most of his adult life. However, he was more flexible than his peers when it came to the tactics that he used, and in particular showed a keen interest in human weapons even before the Great Schism. His worldview changed greatly during the Great Schism. While once zealous and unquestioningly obedient to the Prophets' will, after learning of the true nature of the Halo rings, he became more open-minded and accepting of the humans, his former enemies. His experiences as Arbiter also made him more pragmatic than most Sangheili, being willing to accept help from the UNSC in fending off an assault on [[Vadam keep|his keep]]. He has shown to be true to his title "Arbiter", and sometimes tries to negotiate with his enemies, such as [[Yanme'e]] during the Battle of Earth. | ||
As noted by [[Jameson Locke]] in his [[target profile]] on him, Thel was an incredibly brilliant commander, known for utilizing advanced tactics that made his fleet unstoppable. Among the Covenant, he was noted for being one of the youngest Sangheili to attain the ranks of both Shipmaster and Supreme Commander.<ref name="a2at12">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 12]]''</ref> During the war, 'Vadamee was known for his tendency to lead campaigns from the front lines. His unorthodox tactics in comparison to the Covenant at large quickly caught the eye of ONI; Lieutenant Commander Locke considered him the most dangerous asset the Covenant had due to his unpredictability and tactical flexibility.<ref name="a2at1"/> After the [[Fall of Reach]], 'Vadamee's influence within the Covenant fleet had grown so great [[Sesa 'Refumee]] suspected the Prophets may perceive him as a threat to their power even before learning of his appointment as Arbiter.<ref name="a2at13">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 13]]''</ref> | As noted by [[Jameson Locke]] in his [[target profile]] on him, Thel was an incredibly brilliant commander, known for utilizing advanced tactics that made his fleet unstoppable. Among the Covenant, he was noted for being one of the youngest Sangheili to attain the ranks of both Shipmaster and Supreme Commander.<ref name="a2at12">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 12]]''</ref> During the war, 'Vadamee was known for his tendency to lead campaigns from the front lines. His unorthodox tactics in comparison to the Covenant at large quickly caught the eye of ONI; Lieutenant Commander Locke considered him the most dangerous asset the Covenant had due to his unpredictability and tactical flexibility.<ref name="a2at1"/> After the [[Fall of Reach]], 'Vadamee's influence within the Covenant fleet had grown so great [[Sesa 'Refumee]] suspected the Prophets may perceive him as a threat to their power even before learning of his appointment as Arbiter.<ref name="a2at13">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 13]]''</ref> | ||
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Thel also managed to inspire great loyalty in his subordinates. While [[Rtas 'Vadum]] initially lost his respect for Thel for the loss of Installation 04,<ref name="thearbiter"/> Thel's subsequent actions at the gas mine and Installation 05 restored his respect for Thel 'Vadam, to the point Rtas spared Earth from a full [[glassing]] at Thel's urging.<ref name="Floodgate"/> [[Jora 'Konaree]] thought of him like a cousin, and Sesa 'Refumee considered him to be the only individual that he would trust with [[343 Guilty Spark]]'s revelations, though Thel's appointment as Arbiter prevented any detailed conversations.<ref name="a2at13"/> Even so, however, he was able to comprehend the same message when it was told to him by the [[Gravemind]], [[John-117]], and [[343 Guilty Spark]].<ref name="Gravemind"/><ref name="TGJ"/> | Thel also managed to inspire great loyalty in his subordinates. While [[Rtas 'Vadum]] initially lost his respect for Thel for the loss of Installation 04,<ref name="thearbiter"/> Thel's subsequent actions at the gas mine and Installation 05 restored his respect for Thel 'Vadam, to the point Rtas spared Earth from a full [[glassing]] at Thel's urging.<ref name="Floodgate"/> [[Jora 'Konaree]] thought of him like a cousin, and Sesa 'Refumee considered him to be the only individual that he would trust with [[343 Guilty Spark]]'s revelations, though Thel's appointment as Arbiter prevented any detailed conversations.<ref name="a2at13"/> Even so, however, he was able to comprehend the same message when it was told to him by the [[Gravemind]], [[John-117]], and [[343 Guilty Spark]].<ref name="Gravemind"/><ref name="TGJ"/> | ||
After the Battle of Installation 04, he was ashamed for his failure at Halo, and wished only to regain his honor before dying for the Prophets. He remained stubbornly attached to his faith even after the betrayal of Tartarus and his encounter with the Gravemind. However, when he heard the truth of the Sacred Rings from 343 Guilty Spark, he finally accepted the truth surrounding the Great Journey. Following his betrayal by the Prophets, Thel developed an intense hatred of San'Shyuum | After the Battle of Installation 04, he was ashamed for his failure at Halo, and wished only to regain his honor before dying for the Prophets. He remained stubbornly attached to his faith even after the betrayal of Tartarus and his encounter with the Gravemind. However, when he heard the truth of the Sacred Rings from 343 Guilty Spark, he finally accepted the truth surrounding the Great Journey. Following his betrayal by the Prophets, Thel developed an intense hatred of San'Shyuum. Despite this, Thel was gracious enough to attempt to reason with the Jiralhanae Chieftain [[Tartarus]] in [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Installation 05's Control Room]].<ref name="TGJ"/> | ||
[[File:Chiefarbiter.jpg|thumb|250px|John-117 and Thel 'Vadam fighting alongside each other.]] | [[File:Chiefarbiter.jpg|thumb|250px|John-117 and Thel 'Vadam fighting alongside each other.]] | ||