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{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Unit infobox|variant=Cov
{{New content}}
{{Unit infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Major
|name=Major
|image=[[File:H2A Sangheili-Major.png|250px]]
|image=[[File:H2A Sangheili-Major.png|250px]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]] <br> [[Swords of Sanghelios]] <br> [[Joyous Exultation Covenant]] <br> [[Merg Vol's Covenant]] <br> [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]
*[[Covenant separatists]]{{Ref/Game|Id=H2|H2}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3|H3}}
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Swords of Sanghelios]]{{citation needed}}
**[[Joyous Exultation Covenant]]
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|HSA}}
**[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|HSS}}
|branch=
|branch=
|mission=Ground assault/infantry
|mission=*Ground assault/infantry
<br>Defense
*Defense
|role=Starship second-in-command
|role=[[Second|Starship second-in-command]]{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Page=189}}
|equipment=[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
|equipment=
<br>[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
*[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
*[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
|armament=[[Type-1 energy sword]]
|armament=[[Type-1 energy sword]]
<br>[[Type-1 plasma grenade]]
<br>[[Type-1 plasma grenade]]
<br>[[Type-25 plasma rifle]]
<br>{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}
<br>[[Type-31 needle rifle]]
<br>{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}
<br>[[Type-33 Needler]]
<br>[[Type-33 Needler]]
<br>[[Type-50 concussion rifle]]
<br>[[Type-50 concussion rifle]]
<br>[[Type-51 carbine]]
<br>{{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}
<br>[[Type-51 plasma repeater]]
<br>{{Pattern|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}}
<br>[[Type-52 focus rifle]]
<br>{{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}}
|notable=[[Thel 'Lodamee]]
|notable=[[Thel 'Lodamee]]{{Ref/Film|Id=legends|Film=Halo Legends|Story=The Package}}
}}
}}
{{Quote|Station and Salvation both command a heavy price.|Sangheili Major's mantra<ref name="Reach">''Halo: Reach''</ref>}}
{{Quote|Station and Salvation both command a heavy price.|Sangheili Major's mantra<ref name="Reach">''Halo: Reach''</ref>}}
'''Major''', also known as '''Obedientiary''',<ref name="hgc">'''Halo: Ground Command''', ''[http://imgur.com/IYihrPB Description]''</ref> is a [[Sangheili]] military rank. Those who hold this rank are directly superior to their [[Sangheili Minor|Minor counterparts]]. Within the rank exists the '''Officer''' subclass.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}}<ref name="enc11">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 130'' (2011 edition)</ref> The [[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]] term for the Majors translates approximately as "lesser chosen" or "charged with glory".{{Ref/Reuse|hgc}}
The '''Sangheili Major''', also known as '''Obedientiary''',<ref name="hgc">'''Halo: Ground Command''', ''[http://imgur.com/IYihrPB Description]''</ref> is a [[Sangheili]] [[Covenant military|military]] rank. Those who hold this rank are directly superior to their [[Sangheili Minor|Minor counterparts]]. Within the rank exists the '''Officer''' subclass.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}}<ref name="enc11">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 130'' (2011 edition)</ref> The [[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]] term for the Majors translates approximately as "lesser chosen" or "charged with glory".{{Ref/Reuse|hgc}}


== Background ==
== Overview ==
If a Sangheili Minor proves himself in battle by killing opponents in legitimate combat, in accordance with honorable achievements earned on the battlefield, he is promoted. Sangheili do not think of promotion in the terms [[human]]s associate it with; Sangheili Minors who prove their worth to their commanders ascend to a command role.<ref name="ency">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 124'', (2009 edition); ''page 130'' (2011 edition)</ref><ref>'''Halo 2 Prima Strategy Guide''', ''page 43''</ref> Organized under the host of Obedientaries,{{Ref/Reuse|hgc}} Sangheili Majors represent the upper echelon of the Covenant's infantry and are known primarily for their ruthlessness. Majors are some of the most skilled and experienced warriors in the field and typically command [[lance]]s of fewer than a dozen soldiers, including Sangheili Minors.<ref name="CEA">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''' ''[[Library (feature)|Library]]''</ref>  They also commonly pilot ground and air vehicles such as the [[Type-26 Wraith|Type-26 ''Wraith'' tank]] and the [[Type-26 Banshee|Type-26 ''Banshee'' attack aircraft]],{{Ref/Reuse|ency}}<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[Assault on the Control Room]]''</ref> with the Sangheili pilots of craft such as the [[Seraph]] explicitly drawn from the host of Obedientiaries.<ref>'''[[Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo|Halo: Warfleet]]''', p.58-59</ref> Though Majors are part of standard infantry, it is not uncommon for them to be in the presence of a [[shipmaster]] or [[fleetmaster]], due to the critical nature of their role at the front lines.{{Ref/Reuse|CEA}} Some Majors also hold [[Second|second-in-command]] positions aboard Covenant ships.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 189''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Blood Line''', ''[[Halo: Blood Line Issue 1|Issue 1]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo Legends:''' ''The Package''</ref> 
===Roles and responsibilities===
If a Sangheili Minor proves himself in battle by killing opponents in legitimate combat, in accordance with honorable achievements earned on the battlefield, he is promoted. Sangheili do not think of promotion in the terms [[human]]s associate it with; Sangheili Minors who prove their worth to their commanders ascend to a command role.<ref name="ency">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 124'', (2009 edition); ''page 130'' (2011 edition)</ref><ref>'''Halo 2 Prima Strategy Guide''', ''page 43''</ref> Organized under the host of Obedientaries,{{Ref/Reuse|hgc}} Sangheili Majors represent the upper echelon of the Covenant's infantry and are known primarily for their ruthlessness. Majors are some of the most skilled and experienced warriors in the field and typically command [[lance]]s of fewer than a dozen soldiers, including Sangheili Minors.<ref name="CEA">'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''' ''[[Library (feature)|Library]]''</ref>  They also commonly pilot ground and air vehicles such as the [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Type-26 ''Wraith'' tank]] and the [[Type-26 Banshee|Type-26 ''Banshee'' attack aircraft]],{{Ref/Reuse|ency}}<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[Assault on the Control Room]]''</ref> with the Sangheili pilots of craft such as the [[Seraph]] explicitly drawn from the host of Obedientaries.<ref>'''[[Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo|Halo: Warfleet]]''', p.58-59</ref> Though Majors are part of standard infantry, it is not uncommon for them to be in the presence of a [[shipmaster]] or [[fleetmaster]], due to the critical nature of their role at the front lines.{{Ref/Reuse|CEA}} Some Majors also hold [[Second|second-in-command]] positions aboard [[Covenant starship|Covenant ships]].{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Page=189}}{{Ref/Comic|Id=HE|Comic=HBL|Issue=[[Halo: Blood Line Issue 1|#1]]}}{{Ref/Reuse|legends}}


Officers are a subset of the Major rank. Sangheili Officers wear more ornamental armor than other Majors, though their combat role bears no apparent distinction from the rest of their grade. Like regular Majors, Officers report to their onsite [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]] or, in the absence of an Ultra, directly to their [[Sangheili General|General]] or [[Shipmaster]]. Most Officers have a selection of units under their command, including Sangheili Minors, [[Unggoy]], and [[Kig-Yar]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 135'' (2011 edition)</ref>
===Organisation===
Officers are a subset of the Major rank. Sangheili Officers wear more ornamental armor than other Majors, though their combat role bears no apparent distinction from the rest of their grade. Like regular Majors, Officers report to their onsite [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]] or, in the absence of an Ultra, directly to their [[Sangheili General|General]] or [[Shipmaster]]. Most Officers have a selection of units under their command, including Sangheili Minors, [[Unggoy]], and [[Kig-Yar]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 135'' (2011 edition)</ref>


The Major rank and equivalent titles still see use in the wake of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The now-defunct [[Merg Vol's Covenant|faction]] led by [[Merg Vol]] used the traditional Major rank and armor.<ref>''Halo: Spartan Assault''</ref> [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] instead fields [[Sangheili Commander|Commanders]], who wear a modified version of the Officer harness and helmet.<ref>''Halo 4''</ref> During at least [[Battle of Installation 03|one engagement]], Jul 'Mdama's Covenant have utilized the rank.<ref name="opa">'''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''</ref>
In [[Warzone]] simulations, [[Spartan-IV]]s train against Sangheili Covert Majors. In this simulation Covert Majors operate in very small special units. They usually lead two Sangheili Officers equipped with {{Pattern|Kelos'vaarda|storm rifle}}s. All team members are equipped with [[active camouflage]], and the Covert Major specifically wields an [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]].<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide]] (Collector's Edition)''', ''page 308''</ref>


==Classes==
===History===
=== Major ===
The Major rank and equivalent titles still see use in the wake of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The now-defunct [[Merg Vol's Covenant|faction]] led by [[Merg Vol]] used the traditional Major rank and armor.{{Ref/Game|Id=HSA|HSA}} [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] instead fields [[Commander (Covenant)|Commanders]], who wear a modified version of the Officer harness and helmet.{{Ref/Game|Id=H4|H4}} During at least [[Battle of Installation 03|one engagement]], Jul 'Mdama's Covenant have utilized the rank.{{Ref/Game|Id=HSS|HSS}}
[[File:H3 - Sangheili Major render.png|130px|thumb|right|A Sangheili Major.]]
 
==Equipment==
Typically, the [[Sangheili harness|armor]] of a Major is a standard [[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]] that is nearly identical to that of a Sangheili Minor, save for its red coloration, which is comparable to the red armor of [[Unggoy Major]]s. As with other Sangheili ranks a variety of helmet and armor styles may be utilized, though all are colored a shade of red, typically scarlet or maroon. The suit is augmented with a stronger [[energy shielding]] system than that used by Minors.
Typically, the [[Sangheili harness|armor]] of a Major is a standard [[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]] that is nearly identical to that of a Sangheili Minor, save for its red coloration, which is comparable to the red armor of [[Unggoy Major]]s. As with other Sangheili ranks a variety of helmet and armor styles may be utilized, though all are colored a shade of red, typically scarlet or maroon. The suit is augmented with a stronger [[energy shielding]] system than that used by Minors.
{{clear}}


=== Officer ===
[[File:HReach - Officer Sangheili.png|130px|thumb|right|A Sangheili Officer.]]
A byproduct of the Major role, Officers wear more ornamental armor, which functions with no substantial differences to Major Sangheili equipped with the standard combat harness.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} The officer harness features much more pronounced shoulder pauldrons and a more elaborate helmet with a backward-swept spike in the center.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}} The design is more standardized than that of ordinary Majors, varying only in color. One color scheme is blood red with a golden tinge and brass-colored highlights;{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}} another is matte burgundy with white accents on the arms and legs, the collar, and the helmet.<ref>''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''</ref>
A byproduct of the Major role, Officers wear more ornamental armor, which functions with no substantial differences to Major Sangheili equipped with the standard combat harness.{{Ref/Reuse|enc11}} The officer harness features much more pronounced shoulder pauldrons and a more elaborate helmet with a backward-swept spike in the center.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}} The design is more standardized than that of ordinary Majors, varying only in color. One color scheme is blood red with a golden tinge and brass-colored highlights;{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}} another is matte burgundy with white accents on the arms and legs, the collar, and the helmet.<ref>''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''</ref>
{{clear}}
 
=== Covert Major (Warzone) ===
<gallery>
[[File:H5G guide - Covert Major.jpg|150px|thumb|right|A Sangheili Covert Major.]]
File:H3 - Sangheili Major render.png|A Sangheili Major.
In [[Warzone]] simulations, [[Spartan-IV]]s train against this type of enemy. In this simulation Covert Majors operate in very small special units. They usually lead two Sangheili Officers equipped with [[Type-55 storm rifle]]s. All team members are equipped with [[active camouflage]], and the Covert Major specifically wields an [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]].<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide]] (Collector's Edition)''', ''page 308''</ref>
File:HReach - Officer Sangheili.png|A Sangheili Officer.
File:H5G guide - Covert Major.jpg|A Sangheili Covert Major as it appear in [[Warzone]] simulation.
</gallery>
 
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
Sangheili Majors are commonly seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'', and ''Halo: Reach'' (as Officers) on the [[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]] difficulties. On [[Easy]] and [[Normal]], their presence is relatively infrequent. They commonly lead lances of Unggoy, Kig-Yar and Sangheili Minors.
These Sangeili are commonly seen in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2'' (as Majors), and ''Halo: Reach'' (as Officers) on the [[Heroic]] and [[Legendary]] difficulties. On [[Easy]] and [[Normal]], their presence is relatively infrequent. They commonly lead lances of Unggoy, Kig-Yar and Sangheili Minors.


Equipped with approximately 50% stronger energy shields than their lower-ranked counterparts, Majors are competent and forceful warriors capable of overpowering their opponents, namely UNSC Marines and ODSTs although not ''necessarily''. They are less likely to perform tactical errors when compared with the inferior Sangheili Minors; Majors seek more cover and fire their weapons with a greater accuracy and faster rate of fire, and are also more maneuverable. However, they still make some tactical mistakes, as they tend not to seek cover in many occasions, even with their shields down.
Equipped with approximately 50% stronger energy shields than their lower-ranked counterparts, Majors are competent and forceful warriors capable of overpowering their opponents, namely UNSC Marines and ODSTs although not ''necessarily''. They are less likely to perform tactical errors when compared with the inferior Sangheili Minors; Majors seek more cover and fire their weapons with a greater accuracy and faster rate of fire, and are also more maneuverable. However, they still make some tactical mistakes, as they tend not to seek cover in many occasions, even with their shields down.


Like the Minors, Majors usually wield [[Type-25 plasma rifle]]s, occasionally [[dual wielding]] them. In some scenarios, Majors wield [[Type-51 carbine]]s and [[Type-33 Needler]]s.
Like the Minors, Majors usually wield [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|Plasma rifles]], occasionally [[dual wielding]] them, but can be encountered with [[Vostu-pattern carbine|Covenant carbines]], [[Type-33 needler|Needlers]], [[Gadulo-pattern needle rifle|Needle rifles]], and many other equally or more powerful weapons, depending on the game.


There is no discernible difference between the Major and Officer: both would appear to have the same gameplay properties (i.e. energy shield strength, damage).
There is no discernible difference between the Major and Officer: both would appear to have the same gameplay properties (i.e. energy shield strength, damage).
Line 60: Line 72:
*'''Unlock''': Redeemed from an [[Xbox 360]] download code complemented in the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|''Halo: Reach'' Limited Edition]]
*'''Unlock''': Redeemed from an [[Xbox 360]] download code complemented in the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|''Halo: Reach'' Limited Edition]]
*'''Description''': ''"Station and Salvation both command a heavy price."''
*'''Description''': ''"Station and Salvation both command a heavy price."''
=== Halo: The Master Chief Collection ===
*Unlocked with {{SeasonPoint}} 1.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sangheili Majors}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sangheili Majors}}
*As seen in an early trailer for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Sangheili Majors were capable of wielding [[Sangheili point defense gauntlet|point defense gauntlets]] during the game's development.
*As seen in an early trailer for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Sangheili Majors were capable of wielding [[Sangheili point defense gauntlet|point defense gauntlets]] during the game's development.
*The Sangheili Officer combat harness is available as a Sangheili [[Armor Permutations (Halo: Reach)|armor permutation]] in [[multiplayer]] as a reward for buying the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|''Halo: Reach'' Limited]] or [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=intel&cid=25875 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Intel - Pre-Order'']</ref>
*The Sangheili Officer combat harness is available as a Sangheili [[Armor customization (Halo: Reach)|armor permutation]] in [[multiplayer]] as a reward for buying the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|''Halo: Reach'' Limited]] or [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=intel&cid=25875 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Intel - Pre-Order'']</ref>
*It was previously assumed that the full title was "Major Domo Sangheili", first mentioned in ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', which makes a reference to a "Major Domo Sangheili".<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 349''</ref> On the following pages Sangheili of the military rank are simply called Majors.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 350''</ref> In the real world, "[[Wikipedia:Majordomo|majordomo]]" is a term for the head of a family staff in an aristocracy. In light of this, it is possible that Sangheili who hold the title of Major Domo are in a similar position in the Sangheili [[Aristocrat|aristocracy]]. Alternatively, it is possible that Major Domo is an alternate title for Officer, or another subclass within the Major rank.
*It was previously assumed that the full title was "Major Domo Sangheili", first mentioned in ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', which makes a reference to a "Major Domo Sangheili".<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 349''</ref> On the following pages Sangheili of the military rank are simply called Majors.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 350''</ref> In the real world, "[[Wikipedia:Majordomo|majordomo]]" is a term for the head of a family staff in an aristocracy. In light of this, it is possible that Sangheili who hold the title of Major Domo are in a similar position in the Sangheili [[Aristocrat|aristocracy]]. Alternatively, it is possible that Major Domo is an alternate title for Officer, or another subclass within the Major rank.


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File:H3 Elite Majors.jpg|Two Sangheili Major in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Elite Majors.jpg|Two Sangheili Major in ''Halo 3''.
File:Major Elite Variations.jpg|The color differentiation of the Major harness in ''Halo 3''.
File:Major Elite Variations.jpg|The color differentiation of the Major harness in ''Halo 3''.
File:HR_EliteMajor_Concept.png|Concept art of a Sangheili Officer in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST-Shleets.png|2 Sangheili Majors with a Special Operations Sangheili in the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' [[Firefight]].
File:HR EliteOfficer Concept 1.jpg|Concept linework of the Officer for ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR_EliteOfficer_Concept_2.jpg|Material pass for the Officer concept.
File:HR_EliteMajor_Concept.png|Concept art of a Sangheili Officer in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_EliteOfficer_Concept.png|Another concept of an Officer in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_EliteOfficer_Concept.png|Another concept of an Officer in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo Reach Sangheili.png|A ''Halo: Reach'' pre-alpha image of a white-armored Officer.
File:Halo Reach Sangheili.png|A ''Halo: Reach'' pre-alpha image of a white-armored Officer.
File:HR officer sang.jpg|Character reference for the Sangheili Officer.
File:HR officer sang.jpg|Character reference for the Sangheili Officer.
File:HR EliteOfficer Crop.png|An Officer.
File:HR EliteOfficer Crop.png|An Officer.
File:HR - Officer Sangheili with Plasma Rifle.png|An Officer with a Plasma Rifle.
File:HR - Officer Sangheili with Plasma Rifle.png|An Officer with a plasma rifle.
File:Halo Reach - Sangheili Officer.png|The Sangheili Officer armor permutation available with the purchase of the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|Limited]] and [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions of ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo Reach - Sangheili Officer.png|The Sangheili Officer armor permutation available with the purchase of the [[Halo: Reach Limited Edition|Limited]] and [[Halo: Reach Legendary Edition|Legendary]] editions of ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Reach E310 Campaign06.jpg|Two [[UNSC Army|Army troopers]] firing upon a Sangheili Officer as he is [[assassination|assassinated]] by [[SPARTAN-B312]].
File:Reach E310 Campaign06.jpg|Two [[UNSC Army|Army troopers]] firing upon a Sangheili Officer as he is [[assassination|assassinated]] by [[SPARTAN-B312]].
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*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
*''[[Halo: Lone Wolf]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}



Latest revision as of 12:56, December 9, 2023

"WE'VE GOT A NEW CONTACT, UNKNOWN CLASSIFICATION!"
This article may contain information based upon upcoming, unreleased, or recently-released content, and may not be fully complete. Additionally, the information may be subject to change if it is based on pre-release material. Please update it as soon as any relevant and accurate material is available.
Major
H2A Sangheili-Major.png

Function:

  • Ground assault/infantry
  • Defense

Species:

Sangheili

Affiliation:

Other role(s):

Starship second-in-command[5]

Notable individuals:

Thel 'Lodamee[6]

 

"Station and Salvation both command a heavy price."
— Sangheili Major's mantra[7]

The Sangheili Major, also known as Obedientiary,[8] is a Sangheili military rank. Those who hold this rank are directly superior to their Minor counterparts. Within the rank exists the Officer subclass.[7][9] The Sangheili term for the Majors translates approximately as "lesser chosen" or "charged with glory".[8]

Overview[edit]

Roles and responsibilities[edit]

If a Sangheili Minor proves himself in battle by killing opponents in legitimate combat, in accordance with honorable achievements earned on the battlefield, he is promoted. Sangheili do not think of promotion in the terms humans associate it with; Sangheili Minors who prove their worth to their commanders ascend to a command role.[10][11] Organized under the host of Obedientaries,[8] Sangheili Majors represent the upper echelon of the Covenant's infantry and are known primarily for their ruthlessness. Majors are some of the most skilled and experienced warriors in the field and typically command lances of fewer than a dozen soldiers, including Sangheili Minors.[12] They also commonly pilot ground and air vehicles such as the Type-26 Wraith tank and the Type-26 Banshee attack aircraft,[10][13] with the Sangheili pilots of craft such as the Seraph explicitly drawn from the host of Obedientaries.[14] Though Majors are part of standard infantry, it is not uncommon for them to be in the presence of a shipmaster or fleetmaster, due to the critical nature of their role at the front lines.[12] Some Majors also hold second-in-command positions aboard Covenant ships.[15][16][6]

Organisation[edit]

Officers are a subset of the Major rank. Sangheili Officers wear more ornamental armor than other Majors, though their combat role bears no apparent distinction from the rest of their grade. Like regular Majors, Officers report to their onsite Ultra or, in the absence of an Ultra, directly to their General or Shipmaster. Most Officers have a selection of units under their command, including Sangheili Minors, Unggoy, and Kig-Yar.[17]

In Warzone simulations, Spartan-IVs train against Sangheili Covert Majors. In this simulation Covert Majors operate in very small special units. They usually lead two Sangheili Officers equipped with Kelos'vaarda-pattern storm rifles. All team members are equipped with active camouflage, and the Covert Major specifically wields an energy sword.[18]

History[edit]

The Major rank and equivalent titles still see use in the wake of the Human-Covenant War. The now-defunct faction led by Merg Vol used the traditional Major rank and armor.[3] Jul 'Mdama's Covenant instead fields Commanders, who wear a modified version of the Officer harness and helmet.[19] During at least one engagement, Jul 'Mdama's Covenant have utilized the rank.[4]

Equipment[edit]

Typically, the armor of a Major is a standard Sangheili combat harness that is nearly identical to that of a Sangheili Minor, save for its red coloration, which is comparable to the red armor of Unggoy Majors. As with other Sangheili ranks a variety of helmet and armor styles may be utilized, though all are colored a shade of red, typically scarlet or maroon. The suit is augmented with a stronger energy shielding system than that used by Minors.

A byproduct of the Major role, Officers wear more ornamental armor, which functions with no substantial differences to Major Sangheili equipped with the standard combat harness.[9] The officer harness features much more pronounced shoulder pauldrons and a more elaborate helmet with a backward-swept spike in the center.[7] The design is more standardized than that of ordinary Majors, varying only in color. One color scheme is blood red with a golden tinge and brass-colored highlights;[7] another is matte burgundy with white accents on the arms and legs, the collar, and the helmet.[20]

Gameplay[edit]

These Sangeili are commonly seen in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2 (as Majors), and Halo: Reach (as Officers) on the Heroic and Legendary difficulties. On Easy and Normal, their presence is relatively infrequent. They commonly lead lances of Unggoy, Kig-Yar and Sangheili Minors.

Equipped with approximately 50% stronger energy shields than their lower-ranked counterparts, Majors are competent and forceful warriors capable of overpowering their opponents, namely UNSC Marines and ODSTs although not necessarily. They are less likely to perform tactical errors when compared with the inferior Sangheili Minors; Majors seek more cover and fire their weapons with a greater accuracy and faster rate of fire, and are also more maneuverable. However, they still make some tactical mistakes, as they tend not to seek cover in many occasions, even with their shields down.

Like the Minors, Majors usually wield Plasma rifles, occasionally dual wielding them, but can be encountered with Covenant carbines, Needlers, Needle rifles, and many other equally or more powerful weapons, depending on the game.

There is no discernible difference between the Major and Officer: both would appear to have the same gameplay properties (i.e. energy shield strength, damage).

In-game Information[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

Halo: The Master Chief Collection[edit]

  • Unlocked with Spartan Point 1.

Trivia[edit]

  • As seen in an early trailer for Halo: Combat Evolved, Sangheili Majors were capable of wielding point defense gauntlets during the game's development.
  • The Sangheili Officer combat harness is available as a Sangheili armor permutation in multiplayer as a reward for buying the Halo: Reach Limited or Legendary editions.[21]
  • It was previously assumed that the full title was "Major Domo Sangheili", first mentioned in Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, which makes a reference to a "Major Domo Sangheili".[22] On the following pages Sangheili of the military rank are simply called Majors.[23] In the real world, "majordomo" is a term for the head of a family staff in an aristocracy. In light of this, it is possible that Sangheili who hold the title of Major Domo are in a similar position in the Sangheili aristocracy. Alternatively, it is possible that Major Domo is an alternate title for Officer, or another subclass within the Major rank.

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo 2
  2. ^ Halo 3
  3. ^ a b Halo: Spartan Assault
  4. ^ a b Halo: Spartan Strike
  5. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 189
  6. ^ a b Halo Legends - The Package
  7. ^ a b c d Halo: Reach
  8. ^ a b c Halo: Ground Command, Description
  9. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 130 (2011 edition)
  10. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 124, (2009 edition); page 130 (2011 edition)
  11. ^ Halo 2 Prima Strategy Guide, page 43
  12. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Library
  13. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Assault on the Control Room
  14. ^ Halo: Warfleet, p.58-59
  15. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 189
  16. ^ Halo: Blood Line, issue #1
  17. ^ Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, page 135 (2011 edition)
  18. ^ Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide (Collector's Edition), page 308
  19. ^ Halo 4
  20. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
  21. ^ Bungie.net: Halo: Reach Intel - Pre-Order
  22. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 349
  23. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 350