Sangheili: Difference between revisions
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{{Quote|On the blood of our fathers, on the blood of our sons, we swore to uphold the Covenant!|[[Rtas 'Vadumee]] before the [[raid on the Threshold gas mine]].}} | {{Quote|On the blood of our fathers, on the blood of our sons, we swore to uphold the Covenant!|[[Rtas 'Vadumee]] before the [[raid on the Threshold gas mine]].}} | ||
The '''Sangheili'''<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 189'' (''"Sangheili: the Elite name for their race"'')</ref> (Latin ''Macto cognatus'',<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> meaning "I glorify my kin") are a saurian<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=enemies&cid=24611 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach: Enemies - Elite'']</ref> | The '''Sangheili'''<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 189'' (''"Sangheili: the Elite name for their race"'')</ref> (Latin ''Macto cognatus'',<ref name="Bestiarum">'''[[Bestiarum]]'''</ref> meaning "I glorify my kin") are a saurian<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=enemies&cid=24611 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach: Enemies - Elite'']</ref> intelligent species known for their warrior culture. Named after their home planet, [[Sanghelios]], they have historically been known to [[human]]s as '''Elites''' for their former role in the [[Covenant]]'s [[Covenant military|military]] hierarchy.<ref name="h2prima">'''[[The Official Halo 2 Strategy Guide]]''' ''page 43''</ref> Originally one of the Covenant's two founding species, the Sangheili formed the hegemony's military backbone until just before the end of its existence. They had a very strong rivalry with the [[Jiralhanae]], which finally led to open conflict during the [[Great Schism]] at the conclusion of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | ||
After the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and the [[Prophet of Mercy|High Prophet of Mercy]] ordered the genocide of the entire Sangheili race during the Great Schism, the species was forced into civil war against the Covenant proper. This was established after the assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] at the hands of [[John-117]]. The two remaining Hierarchs held the Sangheili responsible for the Prophet of Regret's death, and the species was seen as "unfit" to continue to guard the [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]]. The Prophets sought to achieve this through the use of the other Covenant races, primarily the [[Jiralhanae]]. During the conflict, [[Fleet of Retribution|a significant number of Sangheili]] sided with the UNSC against the Prophet-led Covenant; this alliance continued to hold in the post-war era. The aftermath of the civil war formed the bedrock of the Covenant Empire's [[Battle of the Citadel|ultimate collapse]] and the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | After the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] and the [[Prophet of Mercy|High Prophet of Mercy]] ordered the genocide of the entire Sangheili race during the Great Schism, the species was forced into civil war against the Covenant proper. This was established after the assassination of the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] at the hands of [[John-117]]. The two remaining Hierarchs held the Sangheili responsible for the Prophet of Regret's death, and the species was seen as "unfit" to continue to guard the [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]]. The Prophets sought to achieve this through the use of the other Covenant races, primarily the [[Jiralhanae]]. During the conflict, [[Fleet of Retribution|a significant number of Sangheili]] sided with the UNSC against the Prophet-led Covenant; this alliance continued to hold in the post-war era. The aftermath of the civil war formed the bedrock of the Covenant Empire's [[Battle of the Citadel|ultimate collapse]] and the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. | ||
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The Sangheili display respect and admiration for honorable fighters, whether they are allies of the Sangheili or not; it is not unusual for the Sangheili to have such an admiration for their adversaries. Sangheili respect and revere veterans and often follow their lead. Their history is rife with victorious combatants welcoming the defeated enemies' remaining forces into their own army, provided of course that they fought with honor. During the [[Unggoy Rebellion]], the most tenacious of the Unggoy who survived the conflict were admitted for the first time into previously all-Sangheili forces, much to the Prophets' discontent.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 151''</ref> | The Sangheili display respect and admiration for honorable fighters, whether they are allies of the Sangheili or not; it is not unusual for the Sangheili to have such an admiration for their adversaries. Sangheili respect and revere veterans and often follow their lead. Their history is rife with victorious combatants welcoming the defeated enemies' remaining forces into their own army, provided of course that they fought with honor. During the [[Unggoy Rebellion]], the most tenacious of the Unggoy who survived the conflict were admitted for the first time into previously all-Sangheili forces, much to the Prophets' discontent.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 151''</ref> | ||
Despite their intelligence, the Sangheili often allow their obsession with honor to cloud their better judgement. The Sangheili usually employ complex strategy only if it either improves success in battle, allows them to inflict more casualties on their enemies, or if it conforms to their code of honor. Otherwise, in both tactical and strategic combat, Sangheili generally charge their enemies with reckless aggression, regardless of any damage they sustain. Only very seldom do they admit temporary defeat, while lower-ranked Sangheili might make numerous tactical mistakes, such as standing in the open rather than taking cover. More experienced Sangheili are notorious for luring their enemies into traps and quickly dispatching them in close combat. Sangheili often sustain heavy casualties in the fervor to kill, though they use their client races to screen and protect themselves. The race's desire for grandeur has led to their defeat in many engagements, such as the [[Battle of Psi Serpentis]], [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]], and the [[Battle of Onyx]] | Despite their intelligence, the Sangheili often allow their obsession with honor to cloud their better judgement. The Sangheili usually employ complex strategy only if it either improves success in battle, allows them to inflict more casualties on their enemies, or if it conforms to their code of honor. Otherwise, in both tactical and strategic combat, Sangheili generally charge their enemies with reckless aggression, regardless of any damage they sustain. Only very seldom do they admit temporary defeat, while lower-ranked Sangheili might make numerous tactical mistakes, such as standing in the open rather than taking cover. More experienced Sangheili are notorious for luring their enemies into traps and quickly dispatching them in close combat. Sangheili often sustain heavy casualties in the fervor to kill, though they use their client races to screen and protect themselves. The race's desire for grandeur has led to their defeat in many engagements, such as the [[Battle of Psi Serpentis]], [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]], and the [[Battle of Onyx]]. | ||
One of the clearest examples of how zealous the Sangheili are for honor comes from when [[Thel 'Vadamee]] engaged the [[UNSC]] during his time as [[Supreme Commander]], when Thel and two [[Special Operations Sangheili]] attacked an unarmed [[3rd Battalion Reserves]] during the assault on the planet [[Camber]]. When Thel saw the humans unable to defend themselves, he dropped his [[Type-25 plasma rifle]] and activated his [[active camouflage]] so the Marines could gear up and have a chance to fight. This was the first time the humans documented the Sangheili strive for honor, even if it endangered themselves or others. | One of the clearest examples of how zealous the Sangheili are for honor comes from when [[Thel 'Vadamee]] engaged the [[UNSC]] during his time as [[Supreme Commander]], when Thel and two [[Special Operations Sangheili]] attacked an unarmed [[3rd Battalion Reserves]] during the assault on the planet [[Camber]]. When Thel saw the humans unable to defend themselves, he dropped his [[Type-25 plasma rifle]] and activated his [[active camouflage]] so the Marines could gear up and have a chance to fight. This was the first time the humans documented the Sangheili strive for honor, even if it endangered themselves or others. | ||