Editing Line of Immaculate Succession

{{Status|Canon}}
The "'''Line of Immaculate Succession'''" was a formal list of designated [[Arbiter]]s who were directly appointed by the [[Hierarchs]], the ruling triumvirate of the [[Covenant]]. The line represented the [[San'Shyuum]] leadership's complete control over the mantle of Arbiter, ensuring that only [[Sangheili]] sanctioned by the Hierarchs could hold the position. At the time of the Covenant's destruction, there had been a total of eighteen Arbiters in this line.{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22pg245|Enc22|Page=245}}

==History==
The Line of Immaculate Succession was instituted in [[2152]], following the death of Arbiter [[Fal 'Chavamee]]{{Ref/Reuse|enc22pg245}} who was an honorable warrior that was branded a [[List of known Covenant heretics|heretic]] for rejecting the [[Covenant religion]]. His end marked a turning point in the history of the Arbiter title, which for centuries had been a symbol of valor and leadership among the Sangheili. After 'Chavamee's death, the position was twisted by the San'Shyuum into a role of penance and martyrdom. From that point forward, the Arbiter's appointment was no longer a matter of Sangheili tradition, but a privilege dictated by the Covenant’s leadership caste, who used it to command loyalty and enforce their religious authority.<ref name="h2aterm">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''</ref>

After 400 years of its establishment, the Hierarchs had bestowed the title of Arbiter to disgraced Sangheili on eighteen occasions. Among these were [[Heki 'Gibadee]], remembered for quelling the [[Unggoy Rebellion]]; [[Ripa 'Moramee]], a ruthless warlord who was appointed the 17th Arbiter in the line of succession by the [[Prophet of Regret]]{{Ref/Comic|Id=genesis|HWG}}; and lastly [[Thel 'Vadam]], whose tenure as Arbiter ultimately led to the fracturing of the Covenant and the downfall of its theocracy.{{Ref/Reuse|enc22pg245}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:H2A Terminals - UR Arbiter 1.jpg|Heki 'Gibadee is appointed as an Arbiter in the line.
File:HWG regret and Ripa.png|Ripa 'Moramee accepts his new role.
File:H2A - Arbiter helmet.jpg|Thel 'Vadam, the last Arbiter in the Line of Immaculate Succession.
</gallery>

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
[[Category:The Covenant]]