Mark of Shame

"This armor suits you, but it cannot hide that mark."

— Rtas 'Vadumee

"Nothing ever will."

— Thel 'Vadamee

Tartarus holding the Mark brander

The Mark of Shame

The Mark of Shame is a tattoo-like mark given to those who have either disgraced or turned away from the Covenant. The Mark of Shame is permanently imprinted onto the bare chest of the being using a special branding iron.

After being branded with it, the being is executed soon thereafter out of sheer humility, perhaps harnessing the last bit of honored dignity they can draw up. The only known exception to this tradition was Thel 'Vadam, the Supreme Commander in charge of the protection of Installation 04. He became the Arbiter and was sent to eliminate Heresy promoted by Sesa 'Refumee on Threshold.

The Mark Of Shame can only be seen in the first cutscene of Halo 2, and it can be used as a Multiplayer Emblem.

Trivia

• The Mark of Shame is available as a Multiplayer Emblem in Halo 2 and Halo 3.
• If you look closely, the Mark of Shame can be seen on the combat harnesses worn by Elites in Halo 3's Campaign. They may wear it out of deference and respect for their current Arbiter, or because they have turned away from the Covenant.
• It also seems that the Arbiter's name means nothing, and is not mentioned due to the disgrace signified by the mark.
• Ironically, the Mark of Shame was supposed to bring Thel Vadam shame, but during the Covenant Civil War, it actually became a symbol of his honor.
• The mark of shame may be the symbol of the Heretic skull.
• The Arbiter is the only known Elite witnessed to be branded with The Mark of Shame.