Editing Arbiter (Killer Instinct)

{{Status|NonCanon}}
{{Not canon}}
{{disambig header|the Killer Instinct guest character|other articles including "Arbiter"|Arbiter (disambiguation)}}

{{Character infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=
|image=[[File:Killer Instinct - Arbiter.png|300px]]
|homeworld=
|birth=
|death=
|causeofdeath=
|parents=
|siblings=
|spouses=
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|species=[[Sangheili]]
|gender=Male
|height=
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|hair=
|eyes=Amber
|affiliation=
|rank-title=Titles|rank=[[Arbiter]]
|sn=
|notable=Is an amalgamation of [[Thel 'Vadam]] with traits from other Arbiters.
}}
{{Quote|I have faced the Flood and silenced Truth. I will quell your thunder and douse your flame.|The Arbiter's intro quote}}

'''The Arbiter''' is a guest character in the third season of the 2013 fighting game ''[[Wikipedia:Killer Instinct (2013 video game)|Killer Instinct]]''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIxkQLaW0Ao '''Youtube''' - ''Killer Instinct Arbiter Trailer'']</ref>

==Overview==
{{Quote|I have fought with [[Battle of Camber|honor]], endured the [[Mark of Shame|brand of shame]], dealt out [[Battle of the Citadel|vengeance]], even at the threshold of [[Great Schism|oblivion]], I stood against false [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]] and the all consuming [[flood]], but now [[Blooding Years|new foes]] have arisen|This Arbiter shares the same history as [[Thel Vadam]]}}<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIxkQLaW0Ao Killer Instinct Arbiter Trailer]</ref> 

Though ''Killer Instinct''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s developers regard the character as an amalgamation of themes and traits from various Arbiters,<ref>[http://forums.ultra-combo.com/t/the-arbiter-s-trailer/5091/214 '''Killer Instinct Forums''': ''rukizzel explains who this Arbiter is'']</ref> he is clearly intended to be a stand-in for [[Thel 'Vadam]], the Arbiter introduced in ''[[Halo 2]]''. His default and alternate skins are recreations of 'Vadam's ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' and ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' appearances, respectively. The Arbiter claims to have encountered the [[Flood]] and killed the [[Prophet of Truth]], both key elements of 'Vadam's history. In his reveal trailer, he even uses 'Vadam's ''[[Halo 3]]'' catchphrase, "Were it so easy."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIxkQLaW0Ao Killer Instinct Arbiter Trailer]'</ref>

Regardless of the skin used, the Arbiter is equipped with a [[Mosa-pattern carbine|Covenant carbine]], an [[energy sword]] (the [[Prophets' Bane]], the {{Pattern|Domotos|energy sword}}, or the [[unidentified energy sword pattern]]) and {{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}s, and [[active camouflage]]. Using the default ''Halo 5: Guardians'' Kaidon skin arms the Arbiter with Thel 'Vadam's personal energy sword, [[Prophets' Bane]], though the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' skin uses a standard Type-1 energy sword. The player can also outfit the Arbiter with the combat harness from ''Halo 2: Anniversary'', the Ascetic armor from ''Halo 3'', the Ranger and Zealot harnesses from ''Halo: Reach'', and the Storm and Commander armors from ''Halo 4''.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-fighting-words '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fighting Words'']</ref>

==Gameplay==
Arbiter is a strong mid-range character, excelling at safe pokes and having a formidable arsenal of normal and Special attacks. His large and imposing size contrast many smaller characters in the roster, boasting high health and an additional energy shield by spending meter. However, his slow movement and large hurtboxes make him susceptible to quick punishes, and poor management of his limited Carbine ammo can invalidate a lot of combo routes, requiring players to employ clever usage of his command grabs and resources for terrifying offense.

Similar to [[Nicole-458]] from ''[[Wikipedia: Dead or Alive 4|Dead or Alive 4]]'', many of Arbiter's moves and traits are named after elements of the ''Halo'' franchise.

===Terminology===
Symbols and abbreviations are commonly used to describe motion inputs and specific buttons part of the ''Killer Instinct'' control scheme.
* '''<span style="color:#00a2e8;">LP</span>, <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MP</span>, <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HP</span> -''' Light, Medium, and Heavy Punch
* '''<span style="color:#00a2e8;">LK</span>, <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MK</span>, <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span> -''' Light, Medium, and Heavy Kick
* '''PP {{C|or}} KK -''' Any two Punches or Kicks
* '''QCF (Quarter-Circle Forward) -''' Motion input indicated by the movement ↓ ↘ → or Down > Down-Forward > Forward when facing right.
* '''QCB (Quarter-Circle Back) -''' Motion input indicated by the movement ↓ ↙ ← or Down > Down-Back > Back when facing right.
* '''+ {{C|and}} > -''' Simultaneous and consecutive inputs, respectively.

===Traits===
* '''Combat Trait: Combat Evolved -''' After performing a throw or any Ender, Arbiter can follow up by sticking a plasma grenade to the opponent or firing his carbine to deal additional damage and extend the combo slightly.
* '''Instinct Mode: Judge and Executioner -''' By pressing '''(<span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HP</span> + <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span>)''' with a full Instinct bar, the Arbiter summons an energy shield that extends his health meter slightly and removes all hitstun against projectiles but not their damage. The shield is self-regenerating and begins recharging if not attacked for three seconds, roughly amounting to 20% extra health if used wisely.
** '''Combat Elite -''' While in Instinct, pressing '''(<span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HP</span> + <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span>)''' again makes Arbiter raise his hand and enter a brief Parry stance. If the opponent attacks in this duration, Arbiter will parry and leave them open to a quick counterattack. This move parries both high and low attacks, has no start-up, and can be performed in-air as well, but the parry window is tight and mistiming it leaves him vulnerable.

===Unique Moves===
* '''Plasma Grenade (<span style="color:#00a2e8;">LP</span> + <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MP</span> + <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HP</span>) -''' Arbiter can throw up to three sticky Plasma Grenades that detonate after three seconds, damaging any player caught in his blast. Holding '''Forward''' or '''Back''' changes the trajectory of the grenade, which staggers grounded players and recaptures airborne ones. Holding '''Down''' however detonates it instantly in front of Arbiter, causing a hard knockdown on airborne opponents. This attack has an invincible start-up and the grenades replenish after some time.
* '''Type-51 Carbine (<span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span>) -''' Arbiter fires his Covenant Carbine straight ahead, but holding '''Forward''' shoots it diagonally upward as an anti-air, while pressing it in-air fires it diagonally downward. The Carbine can be fired in three-round bursts, and once all 18 rounds are depleted this attack is replaced by '''Interrogator''' and '''No Regret'''.
* '''Interrogator (Forward + <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span>) -''' Arbiter slams the stock of his Carbine as an overhead attack. After spending the Carbine's ammo this replaces the default '''<span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span>''' on the ground.
** '''No Regret (Forward + <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span>) {{C|AIR ONLY}} -''' Arbiter hits with the stock of his Carbine downward as a jumping strike. After spending the Carbine's ammo this replaces the default '''<span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span>''' in the air.
* '''Particular Justice (Down-Forward + <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span>) -''' Arbiter brings the stock of his Carbine up and above, making it a decent anti-air attack.
* '''Cloven Kick (Forward + <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MK</span>) -''' Arbiter steps forward with a straight kick, causing a wall-splat upon contact.
* '''Slayer (<span style="color:#00a2e8;">LK</span>) -''' Arbiter's standard Light Kick is a standing knee strike, and hitting airborne opponents with it causes a flipout, making it great for left-right mixups.
* '''Throw (Forward/Back + <span style="color:#00a2e8;">LP</span> + <span style="color:#00a2e8;">LK</span>) -''' Arbiter grabs the opponent and slashes twice with his sword, and both throws launch the opponent.

===Target Combos===
* '''Mark of Shame (<span style="color:#ffc80f;">MP</span> > <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MP</span>)'''
* '''Honor and Respect (<span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HP</span> > <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HP</span>)'''
* '''Blood of our Fathers (<span style="color:#ffc80f;">MP</span> > <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HP</span>)'''
* '''Blood of our Sons (<span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HP</span> > <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MP</span>)'''
* '''Negotiator (<span style="color:#00a2e8;">LP</span> > <span style="color:#00a2e8;">LK</span>)'''
Except '''Negotiator''', all these Target Combos involve quick slashes with the Energy Sword, differing in their damage, speed, and range. All of them can be cancelled into Special Moves or Shadow Moves.

===Special and Shadow Moves===
* '''Mercy's Demise (QCF + P) -''' Arbiter lunges forward into a devastating uppercut with his Energy Sword. Punch Strength determines the attack's range, with all of them being unsafe on block. Hitting an opponent off the ground launches them high into the air.
** '''Shadow Mercy's Demise (QCF + PP) -''' This version consumes one stock of Shadow Meter, with Arbiter performing five separate sword slashes after the initial lunge instead of just one.
** '''Shadow Counter (<span style="color:#ffc80f;">MP</span> + <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MK</span>) -''' While blocking, pressing this right before the last hit of the opponent's attack will perform '''Shadow Mercy's Demise''' as a counterattack, consuming one stock of Shadow Meter.
* '''Truth Seeker (QCB + P) -''' Arbiter hops off the ground before spinning into a powerful downward slash with his Energy Sword, hitting overhead. Punch Strength determines the range and start-up speed, with Light version being fastest and unsafe on block and Heavy version being slowest but safe on block.
** '''Shadow Truth Seeker (QCB + PP) -''' This version consumes one stock of Shadow Meter, with only one slash hitting five times. Notably, this move is projectile invincible.
* '''Prophet's Bane (QCB + K) -''' Arbiter activates camouflage and dashes forward. Upon contact, he grabs the opponent and stabs them in the chest before throwing them away. Kick Strength determines distance traveled while invisible, and since it's a command grab it cannot be escaped, forcing the opponent to jump to safety.
** '''Shadow Prophet's Bane (QCB + KK) -''' This version consumes one stock of Shadow Meter, with extra damage and the ability to hold the buttons and keep Arbiter invisible up to three seconds. He is completely invincible in this duration, and upon releasing the buttons he will grab the opponent no matter how far they are as long as they're grounded.
* '''Energy Shield (QCF + KK) -''' A Shadow-only move, it consumes one stock of Shadow Meter and gives Arbiter an energy shield, roughly amount to 7% extra health. This energy shield negates all hitstun from projectiles, and upon activation causes a soft knockdown with no damage on contact with the opponent.

===Combo Components===
* '''Openers'''
** '''Mercy's Demise {{C|Shadow OK}}'''
** '''Truth Seeker {{C|Shadow OK}}'''
* '''Linkers'''
** '''Mercy's Demise {{C|Shadow OK}}'''
** '''Truth Seeker {{C|Shadow OK}}'''
* '''Enders'''
** '''Mercy's Demise -''' Causes hard knockdown upon finishing, opening up pressure options.
** '''Truth Seeker -''' Causes a ground bounce upon finishing, leading to further combo opportunities.
** '''Prophet's Bane -''' Causes heavy daamge but ends the combo and resets gameplay to neutral.

===Finishers===
* '''Ultra Combo (QCF + <span style="color:#00a2e8;">LP</span> + <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MP</span> + <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HP</span>) -''' A unique finishing move that can only be performed when the opponent is in Danger. Arbiter begins an unrelenting string of attacks involving punches, kicks, and slashes, delivering 31 hits to the opponent before ending the match in style accompanied by a musical rhythm
** '''Ultra Ender (<span style="color:#ffc80f;">MP</span> + <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MK</span>) -''' Used to end the Ultra Combo prematurely or right near its end with a pwoerful Energy Sword strike.
* '''Stage Ultra: "Cratered" (QCF + <span style="color:#00a2e8;">LK</span> + <span style="color:#ffc80f;">MK</span> + <span style="color:#fc3d3d;">HK</span>) -''' Only available on the [[Arena of Judgment]] stage, the Stage Ultra is detailed in a separate section below.

===Quotes===
*''I have fought with honor, endured the brand of shame, dealt out vengeance - even at the threshold of oblivion, I stood against false truth and the all-consuming Flood. But now, new foes have risen, and I have become their prey. Strange in appearance, these warriors hunt me. I see courage and conviction in their eyes, but also questions - the same questions I ask myself. In a lifetime of war, is this the end? My final battle? Will this hunter be the end of me? Were it so easy.'' — reveal trailer narration
*''I have faced the Flood and silenced Truth. I will quell your thunder and douse your flame.'' — intro
*''Another victory, yes, but ... there is always another battle.'' — victory
*''Cleansing flame!'' — throwing plasma grenade
*''Pathetic.'' — performing throw

==Stage==
[[File:Judge.jpg|thumb|250px|right]]
{{Main|Arena of Judgment}}

The Arbiter's stage is the Arena of Judgment, a long-abandoned structure on [[Sanghelios]]. The stage background features a battle between the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]. As the match progresses, the battle destroys the statues and other structures constituting the arena. At different stages of the match, a {{Pattern|Mikpramu|Phantom}} can be seen crashing into the scenery, or Sangheili belonging to both [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] are spotted firing at each other; environmental destruction from either event reveals aerial battles between Sangheili warships in the distance.

When Arbiter triggers his Ultra Combo on this map, a {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}} is shown to crash through the back wall, causing a lot of rubble to fall over. It attempts to shake and break free from being trapped but eventually it loses power and stops struggling in the background as Arbiter continues his 31-hit finisher move.

Arena of Judgement also features its own Stage Ultra called '''"Cratered"'''. When activated, it resembles the beginning of Arbiter's Ultra Combo with the Scarab bursting through the structure as the winner begins their relentless offense. This is cut short as the opponent is knocked down and right as they get back up an Ultra {{Pattern|D'nomlhe|Banshee}} crashes on top of them, before the camera pans to the winner performing a victory pose.

==Production notes==
*The Arbiter is portrayed by American voice actor [[Wikipedia:Ray Chase (voice actor)|Ray Chase]],{{Ref/Twitter|Id=voice|RayChase|1460693636035710979|Ray Chase|Quote=Happy to be a part of Halo Infinite multiplayer! From Arbiter in Killer Instinct to Spartan... quite a journey...|D=11|M=8|Y=2023}} who would go on to voice [[Adjutant Resolution]],{{Ref/Game|HI|Halo Infinite credits|credits}} along with multiplayer Spartan Voiceprint 1A76, in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|voice}}
*The Arbiter sports a custom life bar compared to other playable characters in the game. Its appearance resembles the shield bar seen on the [[Heads-up display#Halo 5: Guardians (Final)|default multiplayer HUD]] from ''Halo 5: Guardians'', except inverted.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:KI - Arbiter.jpg|The Arbiter with his energy sword
File:KillerInstinctRangerOptions.png|[[Ranger harness]]
File:KillerInstinctZealotOptions.png|Zealot harness
File:KillerInstinctEliteOptions.png|Elite combat harness
File:KillerInstinctStormOptions.png|[[Storm harness]]
File:KillerInstinctCommanderOptions.png|Sangheili Commander
File:KillerInstinctAsceticOptions.png|[[Ascetic Harness]]
</gallery>

===Player 2 colors===
<gallery>
File:Command rank storm harness.png|Storm harness Command-rank
File:KIRanger harness 2.png|Ranger harness 2
File:KIZealot harness 2.png|Zealot harness 2
File:KICommander harness 2.png|Commander harness 2
File:KIA harness 2.png|Ascetic harness 2
File:Combatharness 2 KI.jpg|Combat harness 2
</gallery>

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

==See also==
*[[Nicole-458]]

[[Category:Sangheili characters]]
[[Category:Arbiters]]
[[Category:Covenant military personnel]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]