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Arbiter: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

(This makes more sense. Why upgrade a shamed rank?)
('Moramee was only the seventeenth Arbiter in the Line of Immaculate Succession, so said line could not contain every Arbiter in the Covenant's history. There were 182 caskets in the Mausoleum.)
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|name        = Arbiter
|name        = Arbiter
|image      = [[File:Arbarm.JPG|250px]]
|image      = [[File:Arbarm.JPG|250px]]
|weapons    = *[[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|Energy Sword]]
|weapons    = *[[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|Energy sword]]
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle|Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle|Plasma rifle]]
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|Plasma Pistol]]
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|Plasma pistol]]
*[[Type-51 Carbine|Covenant Carbine]]
*[[Type-51 Carbine|Covenant carbine]]
*[[Plasma Grenade]]
*[[Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade|Plasma grenade]]
|species    = [[Sangheili]]
|species    = Sangheili
|equipment = *[[Arbiter body armor]]
|equipment = *[[Arbiter body armor]]
*[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
*[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
*[[Active camouflage]]
*[[Active camouflage]]
|missions    = Missions of suicidal danger and grave religious or political importance
|missions    = Missions of suicidal danger and grave religious or political importance
|role        = "The Blade, the 'Will of [[High Prophets]]'"
|role        = To undertake suicidal missions at the behest of the Hierarchs
|notable    =
|notable    =
*[[Fal 'Chavamee]]
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]]
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]]
*[[Thel 'Vadamee]]
*[[Thel 'Vadam]]ee
*[[Fal 'Chavamee]]
|affiliation = [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], later [[Covenant Separatists]]
|affiliation = [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]], later [[Covenant Separatists]]
}}
}}


<center>''Looking for the ''[[Halo 2]]'' level [[The Arbiter]], former Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]], or current Arbiter [[Thel 'Vadam]]?''</center>
<center>''Were you looking for the ''Halo 2'' level [[The Arbiter]], former Arbiters [[Fal 'Chavamee]] or [[Ripa 'Moramee]], or current Arbiter [[Thel 'Vadam]]?''</center>
 
{{Quote|The [[Taming of the Lekgolo|Taming of the Hunters]], the [[Unggoy Rebellion|Grunt Rebellion]]. Were it not for the Arbiters, the Covenant would have broken long ago.|[[Prophet of Mercy]].}}


{{Quote|The [[Taming of the Hunters]], the [[Grunt Rebellion]]. Were it not for the Arbiters, the Covenant would have broken long ago.|[[Prophet of Mercy]].}}
The title of '''Arbiter''' is the highest possible honor bestowed upon a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[Sangheili]] by the [[Hierarchs]] during a time of need. It is the greatest religious rank of the Sangheili, although [[councilor]] rank higher in political matters. The Arbiter acts as a sort of field general, going on missions for the [[San 'Shyuum|Prophets]] and during incidents such as the Taming of the Lekgolo, the Unggoy Rebellion, [[Human-Covenant War]], and most recently, the threat of the [[heretics]] led by [[Sesa 'Refumee]].


The title of '''Arbiter''' is the highest possible honor bestowed upon a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[Sangheili]] by the [[Hierarch]]s during a time of need. It is the greatest religious rank of the Sangheili, although the [[Councilor]] is superior in political and military rank. The Arbiter acts as a sort of field general, going on missions for the [[Prophets]] and during incidents such as the [[Taming of the Hunters]], The [[Grunt Rebellion]], [[Human-Covenant War|the war with the Humans]], and most recently, the threat of the [[Heretics]].
Arbiters are sent on highly perilous and suicidal missions in times of need. On these missions, the Arbiter is expected to die and to become another great martyr of the Covenant on their path to the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]].


The Arbiter is sent on the most perilous and suicidal missions in times of when he is needed. On those missions, the Arbiter is expected to die and become another great martyr of the Covenant on their path to the [[Great Journey]].
==Purpose==
Originally, the title of Arbiter was a grand privilege among the Sangheili; it was a symbol of extremely significant honor. However, at some point between [[2142]] and [[2525]], the contemporary Arbiter, [[Fal 'Chavamee]], refused to accept the [[Covenant religion]] and was branded a heretic by the Prophets. The resulting chain of events, which led to the deaths of both 'Chavamee and a high-ranking kinsman named [[Haka]], led to the Prophets changing the role of the Arbiter significantly. The title was thereafter given to disgraced Sangheili in order for them to regain their honor by way of suicidal missions of great importance to the Covenant as a whole.


==Evaluating the Rank of Arbiter==
Many members of the Covenant, especially the [[Unggoy]], see Arbiters as saviors; Arbiters' Sangheili peers consider them as the living embodiment of the "Will of the Prophets" or, in their military role, the "Blade of the Prophets". Every Arbiter is "created and consumed in times of extraordinary crisis", and has been martyred in the undertaking of his momentous, though suicidal tasks, as explained by the [[Prophet of Mercy]]. Their corpses - or presumably memorials in some cases <ref name="Escape"/><ref name="ENC"> '''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', page ''???''</ref> - are housed in identical caskets in the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]]. In the center of this room is a floating pod that contains the [[Arbiter body armor|armor of the Arbiter]] when one is not currently appointed. This armor, while highly decorative, is fully functional as battle armor.
Originally, the title of Arbiter was a Sangheili-granted privilege, a symbol of extremely significant honour, and may have been a rank. This, however, changed in approximately [[2142]], when the Arbiter of the time, [[Fal 'Chavamee]], refused to accept the [[Covenant religion]] and was branded a [[Heretic]] by the Prophets. The resulting chain of events, which lead to the deaths of both 'Chavamee and a high-ranking Elite named [[Haka]], lead to the Prophets changing the role of the Arbiter significantly. The title was thereafter given to ''disgraced'' [[Elite]]s in order for them to regain the honour by way of suicidal missions of great importance to the Covenant as a whole. Many members of the Covenant, especially [[Unggoy|Grunts]], see an Arbiter as their "Savior", and their peers consider him as the living embodiment of the "Will of the Prophets" or, in his military role, the "Blade of the Prophets". Every Arbiter was "created and consumed in times of extraordinary crisis", and has been martyred in the undertaking of his momentous, though suicidal tasks, as explained by the [[Prophet of Mercy]]. The corpses (or perhaps only memorials in some cases)<ref>''Ripa 'Moramee's body could not possibly have been retrieved from the [[Flood-infested Shield World]] before it was destroyed.''</ref> are housed in identical caskets in the great [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]]; in the center of this room is a floating pod that contains the sacred armor of the holy Arbiter when one is not currently appointed. This armour, while highly decorative, is fully functional as battle armour, despite its apparent extreme age. The Mausoleum houses a very large number of caskets, reaching high into the air, and references of Arbiters settling the "[[Grunt Rebellion]]" and aiding the "[[Taming of the Hunters]]" would indicate that the office has existed for quite some time - before the Covenant, as we know it, was fully formed and its castes defined. The definition for the word "Arbiter" is 'one who judges'.


When an Arbiter is chosen, it is usually a highly skilled Sangheili warrior. The rank of the Elite previous to becoming Arbiter most likely has no effect on the chance of becoming Arbiter, though higher-ranked Elites have better chances due to their extensive experience and superior skill. The rank of Arbiter can be considered a very prized reward.
When an Arbiter is chosen, he is usually a highly skilled Sangheili warrior. The rank of the Sangheili prior to becoming Arbiter presumably has no effect on the chance of becoming Arbiter, though higher-ranked Sangheili have better chances due to their more extensive experience and superior skill. The rank of Arbiter can be considered a very prized reward.


Though considered a status of high command, he who wears the armor of the Arbiter is condemned to a life of suicidal missions to regain his honor. This includes the current Arbiter, [[Thel 'Vadam]], who was branded a Heretic for his failure to protect one of the sacred [[Installation 04|Halo]] rings from the insidious [[Master Chief|Demon]]. Although the Arbiter is a singular warrior, and does not directly command or have the authority to give orders to other Covenant soldiers, Lances of Covenant troops often accompany the Arbiter on his missions, to further ensure the completion of the task. The Arbiter is considered an equal to a [[SPARTAN-II]], as both are incredibly highly skilled in combat and vehicular activities, and have the ability to instill morale even in the strongest or weakest of troops.
Though considered a status of high command, the Arbiter is condemned to a life of suicidal missions to regain his honor. This includes the current Arbiter, [[Thel 'Vadam]], who was branded a heretic for his failure to protect [[Installation 04|one of]] [[Halo Array|the sacred Halo rings]] from the so-called "[[Demon]]", [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]]. Although the Arbiter is a singular warrior, he has the authority to give orders to other Covenant soldiers; this command can be likened to that of a [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[General|four-star general]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''' ''instruction manual''</ref>


A list of every Elite to have become an Arbiter throughout the history of the Covenant is kept, and is known as the Line of Immaculate Succession.
Most Arbiters can be considered an equal to a SPARTAN-II supersoldier, as both are incredibly highly skilled in combat and vehicular activities and have the ability to instill morale even in the strongest or weakest of troops.


==Armor==
==Armor==
Each Arbiter receives a unique set of [[Arbiter body armor|armor]], though built according to an age-old design. The very nature of the Arbiter means that they are sent on dangerous, often suicidal missions, where recovery of the corpse and the armor it wears may be impossible<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''', ''[[Escape (Level)]]''</ref>. The armor of the Arbiter is kept in the Mausoleum of the Arbiter, until it is bestowed upon a new holder of that title. It is composed of a silvery metal, with ornate engravings and metal work, indicating the Arbiter's ceremonial nature. However, it is fully functional as a combat suit, incorporating a [[Heads-Up-Display]], [[Energy Shield|Energy shield system]], and [[Active Camouflage]]. The armor incorporates a form-fitting bodysuit and blue restraining straps; these may be to prevent the Arbiter from removing the armor. Indeed, the Arbiter's armor has been described in [[The Art of Halo]] as being "part armor, part prison."
Each Arbiter receives a unique set of [[Arbiter body armor|armor]], that is built according to an age-old design. The very nature of the Arbiter means that they are sent on dangerous, often suicidal missions, where recovery of the corpse and the armor it wears may be impossible.<ref name="Escape">'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Escape]]''</ref><ref name="ENC"/> The armor of the Arbiter is kept in the Mausoleum of the Arbiter until it is bestowed upon a new holder of the title. It is composed of a silvery-bronze colored metal with ornate engravings and metal work, indicating the Arbiter's ceremonial nature. However, it is fully functional as a combat suit, incorporating a [[Heads Up Display]], an [[energy shielding]] system, and [[active camouflage]]. The armor incorporates a form-fitting bodysuit and blue restraining straps; these may be to prevent the Arbiter from removing the armor. Contrary to the claims of the Hierarchs, the Arbiters' armor is generally, if not always, replaced between wearers, as it is often irreparably damaged when an Arbiter is killed. This was the case with Ripa 'Moramee, whose body was pushed several kilometers off [[the Apex]] and was subsequently destroyed by a supernova.<ref name="Escape"/><ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', page ''???''</ref>


The technology used in the armor is similar to the standard [[Sangheili Combat Harness]], though of an older design. While modern Covenant active camouflage has a virtually unlimited duration, the Arbiter's camouflage lasts only for a few seconds, though still enough to give him a tactical advantage<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', ''[[The Arbiter (Level)]]''</ref>. 
The technology used in the armor is similar to the standard [[Sangheili Combat Harness]], though it is of an older design. While modern Covenant active camouflage has a virtually unlimited duration, the Arbiter's camouflage lasts only for a few seconds, though still enough to give him a tactical advantage.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref>


The armor may be subject to some small amount of customization. [[Ripa 'Moramee]] was taller than the average Sangheili, at over 8'1, while [[Thel 'Vadam]] stood at 7'10<nowiki>''</nowiki>. Further, when first donning the armor, Thel lacked mandible guards or a shoulder-mounted light that he possessed after the [[Great Schism]], where his active camouflage was also significantly upgraded.<ref>''[[Halo 3]]''</ref> Ripa's armor had far more advanced active camouflage as he was able to sneak up on Sgt. Forge on two separate occasions while fully cloaked. His unit in the game is also able to obtain a permanent cloak.<ref>''[[Halo Wars]]''</ref>
The armor may be subject to some small amount of customization. [[Ripa 'Moramee]] was taller than most Sangheili, at over 8'1, while Thel 'Vadam stands at 7'10<nowiki>''</nowiki>. Further, when first donning the armor, 'Vadamee lacked mandible guards or a shoulder-mounted light that he possessed after the [[Great Schism]], where his active camouflage was also significantly upgraded.<ref>''Halo 3''</ref> 'Moramee's armor, unlike 'Vadam's, featured a functionally unlimited capacity for using active camouflage.<ref>''Halo Wars''</ref>


==Known Arbiters==
==Known Arbiters==
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This is a list of all known Arbiters in chronological order.
This is a list of all known Arbiters in chronological order.


*[[Fal 'Chavamee]] - Arbiter during the period between the discovery of the Unggoy and the contact with humanity.<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=952800 '''Frankie:''' ''This is quite late into the Covenant as a society, with most of the client species either absorbed or in the process of absorption...]''</ref>
*[[Fal 'Chavamee]] - Arbiter during the period between the discovery of the Unggoy and the contact with humanity.<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=952800 '''Frankie:''' ''This is quite late into the Covenant as a society, with most of the client species either absorbed or in the process of absorption...]''</ref> 'Chavamee's refusal to accept the [[Covenant religion]] led to the rank of Arbiter being converted into a badge of shame.


*Unnamed Arbiter during the [[Taming of the Lekgolo]], tasked with pacifying the [[Lekgolo]] resistance.
*Unidentified Arbiter during the [[Taming of the Lekgolo]], tasked with pacifying the [[Lekgolo]] resistance.


*Unnamed Arbiter during the [[Unggoy Rebellion]], tasked with quelling the uprising.
*Unidentified Arbiter during the [[Unggoy Rebellion]], tasked with quelling the uprising.


*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] - The seventeenth Arbiter in the line of Immaculate Succession who led Covenant forces on [[Harvest]], [[Arcadia]], and a [[Flood]][[Shield World (Halo Wars)|-controlled Shield World]].
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] - The seventeenth Arbiter in the line of Immaculate Succession who led Covenant forces on [[Harvest]], [[Arcadia]], and a [[Flood]][[Shield World (Halo Wars)|-controlled Shield World]].


*Unnamed Arbiter during the [[Battle of Jericho VII]].<ref>[[:File:Halo - Interactive Strategy Game - Back View.jpg|Strategy Game back]], the Blurb is talking about Jericho VII</ref>
*Unidentified Arbiter during the [[Battle of Jericho VII]].<ref>[[:File:Halo - Interactive Strategy Game - Back View.jpg|''Halo Interactive Strategy Game'' back side]]</ref>


*Unnamed Arbiter during the [[Fall of Reach]]. It is possible this Arbiter and the one at Jericho VII are the same.<ref>Covenant players in the Reach campaign missions of the ''[[Halo - Interactive Strategy Game|Halo Interactive Strategy Game]]'' play as an Arbiter</ref>
*Unidentified Arbiter during the [[Fall of Reach]]. It is possible this Arbiter and the one at Jericho VII are the same.<ref>Covenant players in the Reach campaign missions of the ''[[Halo - Interactive Strategy Game|Halo Interactive Strategy Game]]'' play as an Arbiter.</ref>


*Thel 'Vadam - Arbiter who defeated the [[heretics]] led by [[Sesa 'Refumee]] and led the [[Covenant Separatists]] during the [[Great Schism]]
*[[Thel 'Vadam]] - Arbiter who defeated the [[heretics]] led by [[Sesa 'Refumee]] and later led the [[Covenant Separatists]] during the [[Great Schism]].
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*In ''a Halo Wars'' cutscene it shows Ripa 'Moramee, the current Arbiter of the game, being pushed off the side of the platform and then the entire area destroyed by a [[supernova]]. So, the Covenant would have to have made another armor set to be used for Thel 'Vadam (this would have been necessary anyway as Ripa was massive, even for a Sangheili, while Thel was of average stature). Also, this would mean that his crypt in the Mausoleum of the Arbiter would be empty.
*In ''Halo 3'', the Arbiter's armor is different from its appearance in ''Halo 2''. The Arbiter's mandibles in ''Halo 2'' are unprotected, while in ''Halo 3'', the armor covers the mandibles. Also, the ''Halo 2'' Arbiter armor is silver/gray, while the ''Halo 3'' armor is closer in coloration to copper or bronze, though this is due to the improved lighting effects, as his armor is grey in levels with sparse light. Similarly, the Arbiter has a [[flashlight]] on his left shoulder, but it only works when playing with other players or a guest.
*Note that the Arbiter armor is different in ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]''. The Arbiter's mandibles in ''Halo 2'' are unprotected, while in ''Halo 3'', the armor covers the mandibles. Also, the ''Halo 2'' Arbiter armor is silver/gray, while the ''Halo 3'' armor is closer in coloration to copper or bronze (however, this is due to the improved lighting effects, as his armor is grey in levels with sparse light). Similarly, the Arbiter now has a [[flashlight]] on his left shoulder, but it only works when playing with other players or a guest.
*The Arbiter was originally meant to be called the "Dervish". The name was changed because it might create an unintended parallel between the game and the real-life conflict between the Western World and the Middle East. In the Spanish version of ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', the Arbiter is called "Inquisidor". This is because the cognate (similarly spelled word) "árbitro" means "umpire" instead of "Arbiter."
*The Arbiter was originally meant to be called the "Dervish". The name was changed because it might create an unintended parallel between the game and the real-life conflict between the Western World and the Middle East. In the Spanish version of ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', the Arbiter is called "Inquisidor". This is because the cognate (similarly spelled word) "árbitro" means "umpire" instead of "Arbiter."
*Before ''Halo 2'' was released, the Elite bipeds in Multiplayer had the armor of an Arbiter, but their armor was changed to the regular Elite armor.<ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5392303428310612399&q=Halo+2+documentary&total=153&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=4 Google Video: Halo 2 Bonus DVD : Multiplayer Featurette]</ref>
*Before ''Halo 2'' was released, the Elite bipeds in Multiplayer had the armor of an Arbiter, but their armor was changed to the regular Elite armor.<ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5392303428310612399&q=Halo+2+documentary&total=153&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=4 Google Video: Halo 2 Bonus DVD : Multiplayer Featurette]</ref>
*In ''Halo 2'', the Arbiter's right side shoulder armor contains a mini sculpt of the Legendary Difficulty Skull. This can be seen in cut scenes (if you look carefully) and in co-op.
*In ''Halo 2'', the Arbiter's right side shoulder armor contains a mini sculpt of the Legendary Difficulty Skull. This can be seen in cut scenes and in co-op.
*The [[wikipedia:arbitration|definition]] of an Arbiter is someone that settles negotiations and disputes between striking workers and their employers. An Arbiter's decisions are legally binding and endorsing.
*An [[wikipedia:Arbitration|arbiter]] is someone that settles negotiations and disputes between striking workers and their employers. An Arbiter's decisions are legally binding and endorsing.
*The Arbiter armor was originally going to be an [[Armor Permutations (Halo 3)|armor permutation]] in ''Halo 3''{{citation needed}}, but it was later removed, likely due to the noticeably different hitbox.
*It is stated in the Halo Wars manual that the Arbiter is theorized to be the equivalent of a [[UNSC]] Four-Star General.
*In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo Wars'', both Arbiters refer to themselves in third person as "Your Arbiter" when asking a Prophet for orders.
*Since the Arbiter armor has been remade before (Ripa Moramee's was destroyed in a [[supernova]]), it's unusual that the Covenant would not add more modern features such as infinite camouflage. It could be that since the Arbiter is sent on suicide missions and is a rank of shame, such features would never be considered.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:arbiter 23.jpg|Concept art of the arbiter in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Fal Arbiter.jpg|Fal 'Chavamee, the last Arbiter to bear the title as a badge of honor.
File:cov_arbiter_render_v2_3.jpg|Pre-final design of the Arbiter in ''Halo Wars''.
File:cov_arbiter_render_v2_3.jpg|An earlier, less traditional concept of Ripa 'Moramee's armor.
File:arbiter 23.jpg|A later concept of 'Moramee's armor.
File:1223223455 Arby helmet.jpg|Thel 'Vadamee accepts the title of Arbiter.
File:Arbiter3.jpg|'Vadamee at audience with the Hierarchs.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[The Return]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==

Revision as of 19:43, April 11, 2011

Template:Ratings

Template:Covenant Rank Infobox

Were you looking for the Halo 2 level The Arbiter, former Arbiters Fal 'Chavamee or Ripa 'Moramee, or current Arbiter Thel 'Vadam?

"The Taming of the Hunters, the Grunt Rebellion. Were it not for the Arbiters, the Covenant would have broken long ago."
— Prophet of Mercy.

The title of Arbiter is the highest possible honor bestowed upon a Covenant Sangheili by the Hierarchs during a time of need. It is the greatest religious rank of the Sangheili, although councilor rank higher in political matters. The Arbiter acts as a sort of field general, going on missions for the Prophets and during incidents such as the Taming of the Lekgolo, the Unggoy Rebellion, Human-Covenant War, and most recently, the threat of the heretics led by Sesa 'Refumee.

Arbiters are sent on highly perilous and suicidal missions in times of need. On these missions, the Arbiter is expected to die and to become another great martyr of the Covenant on their path to the Great Journey.

Purpose

Originally, the title of Arbiter was a grand privilege among the Sangheili; it was a symbol of extremely significant honor. However, at some point between 2142 and 2525, the contemporary Arbiter, Fal 'Chavamee, refused to accept the Covenant religion and was branded a heretic by the Prophets. The resulting chain of events, which led to the deaths of both 'Chavamee and a high-ranking kinsman named Haka, led to the Prophets changing the role of the Arbiter significantly. The title was thereafter given to disgraced Sangheili in order for them to regain their honor by way of suicidal missions of great importance to the Covenant as a whole.

Many members of the Covenant, especially the Unggoy, see Arbiters as saviors; Arbiters' Sangheili peers consider them as the living embodiment of the "Will of the Prophets" or, in their military role, the "Blade of the Prophets". Every Arbiter is "created and consumed in times of extraordinary crisis", and has been martyred in the undertaking of his momentous, though suicidal tasks, as explained by the Prophet of Mercy. Their corpses - or presumably memorials in some cases [1][2] - are housed in identical caskets in the Mausoleum of the Arbiter. In the center of this room is a floating pod that contains the armor of the Arbiter when one is not currently appointed. This armor, while highly decorative, is fully functional as battle armor.

When an Arbiter is chosen, he is usually a highly skilled Sangheili warrior. The rank of the Sangheili prior to becoming Arbiter presumably has no effect on the chance of becoming Arbiter, though higher-ranked Sangheili have better chances due to their more extensive experience and superior skill. The rank of Arbiter can be considered a very prized reward.

Though considered a status of high command, the Arbiter is condemned to a life of suicidal missions to regain his honor. This includes the current Arbiter, Thel 'Vadam, who was branded a heretic for his failure to protect one of the sacred Halo rings from the so-called "Demon", SPARTAN John-117. Although the Arbiter is a singular warrior, he has the authority to give orders to other Covenant soldiers; this command can be likened to that of a UNSC four-star general.[3]

Most Arbiters can be considered an equal to a SPARTAN-II supersoldier, as both are incredibly highly skilled in combat and vehicular activities and have the ability to instill morale even in the strongest or weakest of troops.

Armor

Each Arbiter receives a unique set of armor, that is built according to an age-old design. The very nature of the Arbiter means that they are sent on dangerous, often suicidal missions, where recovery of the corpse and the armor it wears may be impossible.[1][2] The armor of the Arbiter is kept in the Mausoleum of the Arbiter until it is bestowed upon a new holder of the title. It is composed of a silvery-bronze colored metal with ornate engravings and metal work, indicating the Arbiter's ceremonial nature. However, it is fully functional as a combat suit, incorporating a Heads Up Display, an energy shielding system, and active camouflage. The armor incorporates a form-fitting bodysuit and blue restraining straps; these may be to prevent the Arbiter from removing the armor. Contrary to the claims of the Hierarchs, the Arbiters' armor is generally, if not always, replaced between wearers, as it is often irreparably damaged when an Arbiter is killed. This was the case with Ripa 'Moramee, whose body was pushed several kilometers off the Apex and was subsequently destroyed by a supernova.[1][4]

The technology used in the armor is similar to the standard Sangheili Combat Harness, though it is of an older design. While modern Covenant active camouflage has a virtually unlimited duration, the Arbiter's camouflage lasts only for a few seconds, though still enough to give him a tactical advantage.[5]

The armor may be subject to some small amount of customization. Ripa 'Moramee was taller than most Sangheili, at over 8'1, while Thel 'Vadam stands at 7'10''. Further, when first donning the armor, 'Vadamee lacked mandible guards or a shoulder-mounted light that he possessed after the Great Schism, where his active camouflage was also significantly upgraded.[6] 'Moramee's armor, unlike 'Vadam's, featured a functionally unlimited capacity for using active camouflage.[7]

Known Arbiters

File:Arbiter Closeup Apex.png
Ripa 'Moramee, the seventeenth Arbiter in the line of Immaculate Succession.

This is a list of all known Arbiters in chronological order.

  • Fal 'Chavamee - Arbiter during the period between the discovery of the Unggoy and the contact with humanity.[8] 'Chavamee's refusal to accept the Covenant religion led to the rank of Arbiter being converted into a badge of shame.
  • Unidentified Arbiter during the Unggoy Rebellion, tasked with quelling the uprising.
  • Unidentified Arbiter during the Fall of Reach. It is possible this Arbiter and the one at Jericho VII are the same.[10]

Trivia

  • In Halo 3, the Arbiter's armor is different from its appearance in Halo 2. The Arbiter's mandibles in Halo 2 are unprotected, while in Halo 3, the armor covers the mandibles. Also, the Halo 2 Arbiter armor is silver/gray, while the Halo 3 armor is closer in coloration to copper or bronze, though this is due to the improved lighting effects, as his armor is grey in levels with sparse light. Similarly, the Arbiter has a flashlight on his left shoulder, but it only works when playing with other players or a guest.
  • The Arbiter was originally meant to be called the "Dervish". The name was changed because it might create an unintended parallel between the game and the real-life conflict between the Western World and the Middle East. In the Spanish version of Halo 2 and Halo 3, the Arbiter is called "Inquisidor". This is because the cognate (similarly spelled word) "árbitro" means "umpire" instead of "Arbiter."
  • Before Halo 2 was released, the Elite bipeds in Multiplayer had the armor of an Arbiter, but their armor was changed to the regular Elite armor.[11]
  • In Halo 2, the Arbiter's right side shoulder armor contains a mini sculpt of the Legendary Difficulty Skull. This can be seen in cut scenes and in co-op.
  • An arbiter is someone that settles negotiations and disputes between striking workers and their employers. An Arbiter's decisions are legally binding and endorsing.

Gallery

  • Fal 'Chavamee, the last Arbiter to bear the title as a badge of honor.

    Fal 'Chavamee, the last Arbiter to bear the title as a badge of honor.

  • Cov arbiter render v2 3.jpg

    An earlier, less traditional concept of Ripa 'Moramee's armor.

  • Arbiter 23.jpg

    A later concept of 'Moramee's armor.

  • 1223223455 Arby helmet.jpg

    Thel 'Vadamee accepts the title of Arbiter.

  • 'Vadamee at audience with the Hierarchs.

    'Vadamee at audience with the Hierarchs.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c Halo Wars, campaign level Escape
  2. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia, page ???
  3. ^ Halo Wars instruction manual
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia, page ???
  5. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Arbiter
  6. ^ Halo 3
  7. ^ Halo Wars
  8. ^ Frankie: This is quite late into the Covenant as a society, with most of the client species either absorbed or in the process of absorption...
  9. ^ Halo Interactive Strategy Game back side
  10. ^ Covenant players in the Reach campaign missions of the Halo Interactive Strategy Game play as an Arbiter.
  11. ^ Google Video: Halo 2 Bonus DVD : Multiplayer Featurette

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