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{{Era|H2}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Conjectural title|1}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Center|You may be looking for [[Heretic (disambiguation)|other uses of the word heretic]].}}
{{Affiliation infobox
|name=
|image=[[File:H2A SesaAndTheHeretics.jpg|300px]]
|type=Reformation movement
|founder=[[Sesa 'Refumee]]
|documents=
|head= Sesa 'Refumee
|executive=
|legislative=
|judicial=
|branch=
|main=[[Threshold gas mine]]
|anthem=
|language=[[Sangheili language]]
|script=
|religion=
|techlevel=
|notable=
|formed=[[2552#September|September 2552]] ([[Ages of Reclamation|Ninth Age of Reclamation]])
|dissolved=[[2552#October|October 20, 2552]]: [[Raid on the Threshold gas mine]]
|affiliation=[[343 Guilty Spark]]
}}
{{Quote|Our Prophets are false! Open your eyes, my brothers! They would use the faith of our forefathers to bring ruin to us all!|[[Sesa 'Refumee]]}}


<center>''For other uses of the word'' Heretic'', see [[Heretic]].''</center>
A '''heretic faction''' led by [[Sesa 'Refumee]] broke away from the [[Covenant]] shortly after the [[Battle of Installation 04]]. Denouncing the [[Covenant religion|Prophets' religion]], they came to be regarded as heretics and were considered a substantial threat to the Covenant. The [[Hierarchs]] sent [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee to eliminate the secessionists before their message could spread and undermine the public faith in the [[Covenant religion#Great Journey|Great Journey]].<ref name="arbiter">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref>


{{Quote
== History ==
|1 = Our prophets are false! Open your eyes, my brothers! They would use the faith of our forefathers to bring ruin to us all!
===Origins===
|2 = -[[Sesa 'Refumee]] (Heretic Leader)
The faction was originally an artifact retrieval team attached to the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]]. Led by [[Sesa 'Refumee]] and [[Loka 'Bandolee]], they were dispatched by the [[Prophet of Stewardship]] to investigate a [[Threshold gas mine|gas mine]] above the planet [[Threshold]] when the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} crashed on [[Halo Array|Halo]] [[Installation 04]]. The team survived the Halo's destruction at the hands of [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]], unlike the majority of the Covenant forces who had failed to evacuate the system.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood|Halo: The Flood (2010)]]''', ''Adjunct''</ref>
}}


[[Image:Heretic_Elite.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Heretic Sangheili with an [[Energy Sword]].]]
[[File:Refumee & Spark.png|thumb|250px|Sesa 'Refumee meets 343 Guilty Spark.]]
Shortly afterwards, the retrieval team came into contact with the [[monitor]] of Installation 04, [[343 Guilty Spark]], who had traveled to the gas mining facility. After a brief confrontation with several [[Unggoy]] and [[Kig-Yar]], their [[Sangheili]] leader recognized the monitor as an "Oracle" and took him to the group's leader per the monitor's request. Guilty Spark cheerfully informed 'Refumee of the true purpose of the Halo Array, utterly destroying his and his team's faith in the promised "Great Journey". 'Refumee then ordered all communications with the fleet to be severed until the Oracle could fully explain the matter.<ref name="terminal">'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminal 11]]''</ref>


The '''Heretics''' were a faction of [[Sangheili]] and [[Heretic Grunt|Unggoy]] that broke away from the [[Covenant]] after the [[Battle of Installation 04]]. They and the [[Covenant Separatists]] are not the same group.
Disillusioned with the lies of the [[Hierarchs]] and their Great Journey, 'Refumee initiated an open rebellion against the Covenant's San'Shyuum leadership. He secretly dispatched holographic recordings to other Sangheili about the true purpose of the Halos. In the meantime he strengthened the defenses of the gas mine, fortifying it with [[Eeo'Pimu-pattern Shade|plasma cannons]] and a large complement of [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshee attack craft]] in anticipation of the Covenant's retribution for his heresy. He also had at least one [[Kai-pattern Seraph|Seraph starfighter]] in the mine's docking bay. In addition, the group was supported by the [[Sentinel]]s based in the gas mine, under the command of 343 Guilty Spark.{{Ref/Reuse|arbiter}}


== Origins ==
===Raid on the Threshold gas mine===
[[Image:Heretic grunts.jpg|thumb|[[Heretic Grunt]]s in battle.]]
{{Main|Raid on the Threshold gas mine}}
Originally, the Heretics were a Covenant artifact retrieval team attached to the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] and led by [[Sesa 'Refumee]]. They were investigating a [[Gas Mine]] on the planet [[Threshold]] when the ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn]]'' crashed on [[Installation 04|Halo]]. When the [[Master Chief]] destroyed Halo, the team was spared from death.
It is unclear how many more Covenant members 'Refumee was able to sway to his cause. Eventually, 'Refumee's activities were discovered by the [[Hierarchs]], who decided to quell the heresy using two former commanders of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]]: the disgraced [[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee, now the [[Arbiter]], and [[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee.{{Ref/Reuse|arbiter}}


A few days later, the retrieval team located the [[Monitor]] of Installation 04, [[343 Guilty Spark]], floating adrift in the wreckage of Halo. Spark promptly took command of the [[Sentinels]] running the gas mine and cheerfully informed the artifact retrieval team of the ''true'' purpose of the [[Halo Array]], utterly destroying their faith in the promised "[[Great Journey]]."
Whilst inhabiting the mine, the faction discovered that the facility had a secondary purpose: a [[Flood research facility]] was built into the mine as part of the Forerunners' attempt to find a way to destroy the [[Flood]]. The Arbiter and 'Vadumee arrived at the facility with orders to annihilate all heretics. Accompanying them were three [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantoms]] full of [[Special Operations Sangheili]] and [[Special Operations Unggoy|Unggoy]], fighting through a large contingent of heretic soldiers whilst chasing 'Refumee throughout the facility.{{Ref/Reuse|arbiter}}<ref name="oracle">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref>


Disillusioned with the lies of the [[Prophets]] and their Great Journey, 'Refumee initiated an open rebellion against the Prophet leadership and the basis of the Covenant. In secret, he sent holographic recordings to other [[Sangheili]], hoping to open their eyes as well. In the meantime, he strengthened the defenses of the gas mine, fortifying it with [[Plasma Cannon]]s and a large compliment of [[Banshee]] fighter craft in anticipation of the [[Covenant]]'s retribution for heresy. He also had at least one [[Seraph]] fighter, as seen in the docking bay.
Whether by accident or design, the heretics released the Flood upon themselves shortly before or during the Arbiter's arrival, creating a deadly triangle of conflict as all sides attempted to destroy the others. Despite heavy resistance from heretic forces and the Flood, the Arbiter was able to assassinate 'Refumee and destroy the gas mine completely by severing the support cables maintaining the facility's position.{{Ref/Reuse|oracle}}


It is unclear how many more Elites 'Refumee was able to sway to his cause, but one of the Sangheili he attempted to bring to his cause instead turned the holo-recording over to the [[High Prophets]], who decided to put the "Heretics" down with two other former commanders of the [[Fleet]] of [[Particular Justice]]: the disgraced [[Thel 'Vadamee]], now the [[Arbiter]] of the Covenant, and [[Special Operations|Spec-Ops]] Commander [[Rtas 'Vadumee]].
This was a crippling blow to the faction. It is possible, though unlikely, that some survived, as they operated [[Burial Mounds|a makeshift compound]] on Threshold's moon, [[Basis]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', multiplayer map ''[[Burial Mounds]]'' description</ref>


Whilst inhabiting the mine, the Heretics discovered that the facility had a secondary purpose: a [[Flood Research Facilities|Flood Research Facility]] was built into the mine as part of the Forerunners' attempt to find a way to destroy the Flood. The Arbiter and 'Vadumee arrived at the facility with orders to annihilate all Heretics. Accompanying them were three [[Phantom]]s full of [[Special Ops Elites|Spec-Ops Sangheili]] and [[Special Ops Grunts|Unggoy]], fighting through a large contingent of Heretic soldiers whilst chasing 'Refumee throughout the facility.
== Members ==
[[File:H2A Heretic Major.png|thumb|250px|A Sangheili heretic with a {{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}.]]
*[[Sesa 'Refumee]] - The faction's leader
*Dozens of [[Heretic Sangheili|Sangheili]] - The commanders of 'Refumee's forces
**[[Loka 'Bandolee]] - A Sangheili warrior
**[[Kola 'Baoth]]'s brother - Killed by Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-annual-achievements '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Annual Achievements'']</ref>
*Numerous [[Heretic Unggoy|Unggoy]] - Comprised the majority of 'Refumee's forces
*Unknown number of [[Kig-Yar]] - May have been killed prior to secession due to attacking 343 Guilty Spark{{Ref/Reuse|terminal}}


Whether by accident or design, the Heretics released the [[Flood]] upon themselves shortly before the Arbiter's arrival - creating a deadly triangle of conflict as all sides attempted to destroy the others. Despite heavy resistance from the Heretics and the Flood, the Arbiter was able to kill Sesa 'Refumee and destroy the gas mine completely by severing the support cables maintaining the facility's position.
==Equipment==
Sesa 'Refumee's group was equipped with non-standard armor, colored golden-beige and differing in design from normal Covenant armor. After they split from the Covenant, they donned the colors of [[Sangheilios]]. The Sangheili did not wear helmets, but were instead equipped with respirators and goggles to help them survive in the [[hydrogen]]-[[helium]] atmosphere of Threshold. Their armor was more ornate than the typical glossy armor worn by most Covenant forces, and their harnesses had four distinctive fins on the back. The [[methane tank]]s used by the Unggoy consisted of two translucent tubes. The [[Kig-Yar]] assigned to 'Refumee's artifact retrieval team wore similar harnesses.{{Ref/Reuse|terminal}}


This was a crippling blow to the Heretics as a faction. It is possible, though unlikely, that some survived, as ''[[Halo 2]]'' [[Multiplayer]] maps state the Heretics operated a base on [[Basis]] as well. In addition, it is not unfeasible that some of the remnants joined the Elites during the [[Great Schism]].
Sesa's group used several ''Drailaac''-pattern Banshee's often associated with select artifact-hunting [[Covenant fleet|fleets]], though they removed the Covenant manufactured cowlings from their Banshees revealing the Forerunner mechanisms beneath, and redesigned them so they sport the colors of Sanghelios.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070126131232/http://www.joyridestudios.com/halo2_7_heretic_banshee.asp '''Joyride Heretic Banshee description''']</ref>


== Appearance ==
Unlike most Sangheili warriors in the Covenant, very few Sangheili in the heretic faction (aside from Sesa 'Refumee himself and Banshee operators) wielded {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}s. The majority instead opted to use {{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}s or {{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}s as their standard weapon of choice. Others made use of [[Type-33 needler]]s and even [[Sentinel beam]]s. The faction's Sangheili did, however, continue to use [[Type-1 Energy Sword|Type-1 energy swords]] as normal. Heretic Unggoy were similarly nonstandard, nearly all equipping themselves with Type-33 needlers while a few used {{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}}s. This style of armament was a radically different to Unggoy within the Covenant who typically used [[Type-25 plasma pistol]]s.
[[Image:HereticArmor.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Clan armor seen in [[Halo Wars: Genesis]] that the Heretic armor resembles.]]
Having abandoned the inclusive culture and ideals of the Covenant entirely, [[Sesa 'Refumee]] decided to carry a new banner for his troops: the beige and gold colors of the original [[Sangheili]] homeworld. The Elites and [[Grunts]] donned new armor of these colors as well as outfittings to help them survive in the Hydrogen atmosphere of the [[Threshold]] [[Gas Mine]]. The armor, although protective, appears to be much more ornate and ceremonial than the Covenant standard issue armor, although the armor also may be re-painted and stripped down from the original Covenant armor. It appears, however, that the armor resembles greatly that worn by the Sangheili clan in [[Halo Wars: Genesis]]. It is plausible that the "Heretic armor" is in fact a clan-based armor that the Elites use outside of the Covenant military structure.


[[Image:HereticBanshee.jpg|left|thumb|150px|The Heretic's [[Heretic Banshee|Banshee]] with removed cowling.]]
===Weapons===
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]] {{C|limited use by Heretic [[Kig-Yar]]}}
*{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} {{C|limited use}}
*[[Type-33 needler]]
*{{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}}
*{{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}
*{{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}
*[[Sentinel beam]]


Apart from their different armor and banner, the Heretics rarely ever use the standard Covenant Weapons. The [[Heretic Elite|Elites]] are equipped with [[Carbines]], sometimes [[Sentinel Beam]]s, and [[Energy Swords]], instead of [[Plasma Rifles]] ([[Sesa 'Refumee]] not included), and the [[Heretic Grunt|Grunts]] are equipped with [[Needlers]] instead of the [[Plasma Pistols]] they were given by the Loyalists, as well as [[Fuel Rod Cannon]]s for anti-vehicular purposes.
===Vehicles===
*[[Kai-pattern Seraph]] {{c|single}}
*[[Type-26 Banshee#Type-26AZ|Drailaac-pattern Banshee]]
*[[Type-26 Banshee#Type-26BZ|Te'ved-pattern Banshee]]


The Heretics also changed the appearance of their vehicles: the Heretic Banshees had much of their external plating ripped off, revealing the [[Forerunner]] based workings within. They were also repainted to bear the colors of the Heretics and the Sangheili world.
==Trivia==
*Early concepts for the faction consisted solely of [[Mgalekgolo]].<ref>'''The Art of Halo'''</ref>
*Sesa 'Refumee's heretic Sangheili are among the only NPCs in any Halo game (besides [[the Flood]] and [[Sentinel]]s themselves) seen using the [[Sentinel beam]] as a standard weapon (though Sentinel beams can be traded to Sangheili allies in Halo 2 & 3).
**However, this was changed in [[Halo Infinite]], where [[Banished]] forces occasionally use [[Sentinel Beams]].


Heretics only appear in two levels, [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]] and [[The Oracle (Level)|The Oracle]]. Different [[Kig-yar Pirate Prince|heretical]] characters have appeared throughout canon however, though not of this group.
==Gallery==
===Infantry===
<gallery>
File:H2A-SesaRefumee.jpg|[[Sesa Refumee]], the leader of the faction.
File:H2A-HereticUnggoyconceptart.png|Concept art for heretic Unggoy for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:Heretic_grunt.jpg|A heretic Unggoy in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Heretic grunts.jpg|Heretic Unggoy in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2A_Heretic_Grunt.png|Heretic Unggoy in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:HereticJackal.png|A heretic Kig-Yar, armed with a [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistol]].
File:Heretic Sangheili Minor.png|Heretic Sangheili Minor in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2A Heretic Minor.png|Heretic Sangheili Minor in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:HereticEliteCarbine03.jpg|A heretic Sangheili Major in ''Halo 2''.
File:Heretic Elite.jpg|A heretic Sangheili Major with an [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:heretic Elite Major.jpg|A heretic Sangheili Major with a [[Sentinel beam]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2AHereticElite.png|A heretic Sangheili Major in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2AHereticElite1.png|A heretic Sangheili Major with an energy sword in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
</gallery>


There are 1-2 Heretic Banshees on the last level of ''Halo 2'', [[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]. You can find them at the bottom of the cliff near the Scarab through a glitch.
===Vehicles===
[[File:Heretic_Seraph.png|thumb|The Heretics' hangar in the ''Halo 2'' mission The Arbiter. The aircraft in the center is a Seraph.]]
<gallery>
File:Heretic_Seraph.png|A Seraph fighter in the heretics' hangar in the gas mine in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2A_-_Seraph_model.jpg|Model used for the Seraph fighter in ''Halo 2 Anniversary''.
File:H2 - Heretic Banshee.jpg|A [[Drailaac-pattern Banshee|T-26AZ Banshee]] being used by the heretics.
File:H2A_-_Heretic_Banshee.png|The ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' version of the Banshee used by the heretics.
</gallery>


==Members==
==List of appearances==
===[[Heretic Grunt]]s===
*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
[[Image:Heretic_grunt.jpg|thumb|170px|A [[Heretic Grunt]].]]
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
Heretic [[Grunts]] wield [[Needlers]], [[Fuel Rod Cannon]]s, and they can also man [[Plasma Cannon]]s. They have never been seen using [[Plasma Pistol]]s, the weapon more commonly used by their regular, non-Heretic counterparts, although a fair amount of Plasma Pistols are scattered throughout their base of operations. The most common weapon used by them is the [[Needler]]. They are also not as suicidally stupid as their [[Covenant]] counterparts, and they never panic or run away (despite that, they still could say ''He dead? Me run!'', when a Heretic Elite is killed). They are also noticeably tougher and harder to melee due to their reduced armored re-breathers. Their masks do not cover their entire mouths as those of Covenant [[Grunts]] do.
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]'' {{Mo}}


===[[Heretic Elite]]s===
==Sources==
[[Image:HereticEliteCarbine03.jpg|thumb|170px|A Heretic Major [[Elite]].]]
{{Ref/Sources}}
[[Heretic Elites]] seem to use either [[Covenant Carbine]]s or [[Sentinel Beam]]s and occasionally the [[Energy Sword]]. This probably means they use reloadable weapons instead of making multiple weapons. Apart from the [[Heretic Leader]] himself, they never use the [[Plasma Rifle]]s wielded more often by their regular counterparts, although if you board a Banshee piloted by one, the pilot will be wielding one. Heretic Elites have three ranks. Brown Elites are the equivalent of a [[Loyalist]] [[Minor Domo]] and the gold is the equivalent of a [[Loyalist]] [[Major Domo]]. The red armor is only worn by the [[Sesa 'Refumee | Heretic leader]].


==Quotes==
{{Organizations}}
*"Any word on our missing brothers?"
**"Still nothing. Given what we have learned, I fear they are lost."
**"Surely the [[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|Oracle]] will protect us..."
**"Perhaps. But his [[Sentinels]] are too few. Better we protect ourselves!" -Two [[Heretic Elites]] in conversation on level [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]].
*"Our lives for the truth, the truth and the [[Covenant]]!" -Heretic Elite, level [[The Oracle (Level)|The Oracle]].
*"The [[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|Oracle]] must be saved!" - Heretic Elite, level [[The Oracle (Level)|The Oracle]].
*"Open your eyes!" - Heretic Elite When fighting the [[Covenant]].
*"You, Arbiter!" - Heretic Elite taunting [[Arbiter (Character)|Thel 'Vadam]].
*"Curse you, Arbiter!" - Heretic Elite.
*"Wretched Arbiter, you are a traitor of your race!" - Heretic Elite.
*"They sent the Arbiter!" - Heretic Elite.
*"Where are your [[Prophets]] now?" - Heretic Elite taunting the Covenant.
*"The Arbiter is here!" - Heretic Elite.
*"Always hated you, Elites!" - [[Heretic Grunt]]
*"Come here, Arbiter!" - Heretic [[Grunt]].
*"Scared, Arbiter?" - Heretic Grunt.
*"The Will of the [[Prophets]]!" - Heretic Grunt, when he sees Thel 'Vadam.
*"Me hear that!" - [[Heretic Grunt]], In response to a Grunt loyal to the Covenant taunting.
*Sobbing - [[Heretic Grunt]], In response to a Heretic Elite dying.
*"Is that a threat?!" - Heretic Grunts response to a Covenant Elite.
*"Look, The Arbiter lapdog of the Prophets!" Heretic taunting the Arbiter.
*"What? All right! Cower, Coward!" - Heretic Grunt, usually heard when the Arbiter runs from him and hides behind something.
*"An Arbiter? I'm flattered." - Heretic Leader talking to the Arbiter.


==Trivia==
[[Category:The Covenant]]
*There are only two species within the Heretics. Originally the Heretics were going to be made up of only [[Hunter]]s. <ref>The Art of Halo</ref>
*The later Breakaway [[Covenant]] faction, the [[Separatists]], are also referred to as Heretics.
*Oddly enough, [[Heretic Elite]]s will sometimes say "By the Rings...". This is unusual because they, technically, have lost all faith in the [[Halos]] as something good, yet they use the saying when surprised or scared, likely out of habit. Another (and a bit more likely explanation) is that the game's developers forget to make sure that the Heretic Elites wouldn't say something that glorifies the Halos.
*The Heretics only appear in ''[[Halo 2]]'' in only 2 levels, [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]] and [[The Oracle (Level)|The Oracle]].
*The Heretic [[Grunt]]s do not run from a fight even though their superiors are dead. There is possibly a connection between this and the later remark made by a [[Marine]] in ''[[Halo 3]]'', "These Grunts ain't no slouches either." Perhaps a similar gas or drug was used on these Grunts, or perhaps they weren't oppressed and used as simple cannon fodder like they were under the Covenant, giving them better motivation to fight, supported by how better equipped they are than standard Grunts due to the fact they use Needlers. It's quite possible they received better combat training because they choose not to burst fire Needlers, it shows they have greater understanding of the weapon.
*If any of the Heretics survived through the [[Battle of the Gas Mine]], it is possible and likely that they joined the [[Covenant Separatists]] during the [[Covenant Civil War]].
*Heretic Grunts will often say, "Always hated you Elites!". This is slightly odd, because they are still led by Elites. [[Covenant]] [[SpecOps Grunts]] will also say this.
*In [[Halo 2 Vista]], the voices of Heretic Elites will sound muffled, most likely because of the breathing apparatus they use.
 
==Sources==
<references/>
[[Category:Factions]]

Latest revision as of 12:30, December 9, 2023

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Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction
Final render of Sesa 'Refumee and his men in Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals.
Government overview

Type:

Reformation movement

Founder(s):

Sesa 'Refumee

Head of state:

Sesa 'Refumee

Societal overview

Capital:

Threshold gas mine

Official language(s):

Sangheili language

Historical overview

Formation:

September 2552 (Ninth Age of Reclamation)

Dissolution:

October 20, 2552: Raid on the Threshold gas mine

Affiliation:

343 Guilty Spark

 

"Our Prophets are false! Open your eyes, my brothers! They would use the faith of our forefathers to bring ruin to us all!"
Sesa 'Refumee

A heretic faction led by Sesa 'Refumee broke away from the Covenant shortly after the Battle of Installation 04. Denouncing the Prophets' religion, they came to be regarded as heretics and were considered a substantial threat to the Covenant. The Hierarchs sent Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee to eliminate the secessionists before their message could spread and undermine the public faith in the Great Journey.[1]

History[edit]

Origins[edit]

The faction was originally an artifact retrieval team attached to the Fleet of Particular Justice. Led by Sesa 'Refumee and Loka 'Bandolee, they were dispatched by the Prophet of Stewardship to investigate a gas mine above the planet Threshold when the UNSC Pillar of Autumn crashed on Halo Installation 04. The team survived the Halo's destruction at the hands of Spartan John-117, unlike the majority of the Covenant forces who had failed to evacuate the system.[2]

Sesa 'Refumee meets 343 Guilty Spark.

Shortly afterwards, the retrieval team came into contact with the monitor of Installation 04, 343 Guilty Spark, who had traveled to the gas mining facility. After a brief confrontation with several Unggoy and Kig-Yar, their Sangheili leader recognized the monitor as an "Oracle" and took him to the group's leader per the monitor's request. Guilty Spark cheerfully informed 'Refumee of the true purpose of the Halo Array, utterly destroying his and his team's faith in the promised "Great Journey". 'Refumee then ordered all communications with the fleet to be severed until the Oracle could fully explain the matter.[3]

Disillusioned with the lies of the Hierarchs and their Great Journey, 'Refumee initiated an open rebellion against the Covenant's San'Shyuum leadership. He secretly dispatched holographic recordings to other Sangheili about the true purpose of the Halos. In the meantime he strengthened the defenses of the gas mine, fortifying it with plasma cannons and a large complement of Banshee attack craft in anticipation of the Covenant's retribution for his heresy. He also had at least one Seraph starfighter in the mine's docking bay. In addition, the group was supported by the Sentinels based in the gas mine, under the command of 343 Guilty Spark.[1]

Raid on the Threshold gas mine[edit]

Main article: Raid on the Threshold gas mine

It is unclear how many more Covenant members 'Refumee was able to sway to his cause. Eventually, 'Refumee's activities were discovered by the Hierarchs, who decided to quell the heresy using two former commanders of the Fleet of Particular Justice: the disgraced Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee, now the Arbiter, and Special Operations Commander Rtas 'Vadumee.[1]

Whilst inhabiting the mine, the faction discovered that the facility had a secondary purpose: a Flood research facility was built into the mine as part of the Forerunners' attempt to find a way to destroy the Flood. The Arbiter and 'Vadumee arrived at the facility with orders to annihilate all heretics. Accompanying them were three Phantoms full of Special Operations Sangheili and Unggoy, fighting through a large contingent of heretic soldiers whilst chasing 'Refumee throughout the facility.[1][4]

Whether by accident or design, the heretics released the Flood upon themselves shortly before or during the Arbiter's arrival, creating a deadly triangle of conflict as all sides attempted to destroy the others. Despite heavy resistance from heretic forces and the Flood, the Arbiter was able to assassinate 'Refumee and destroy the gas mine completely by severing the support cables maintaining the facility's position.[4]

This was a crippling blow to the faction. It is possible, though unlikely, that some survived, as they operated a makeshift compound on Threshold's moon, Basis.[5]

Members[edit]

A Sangheili heretic with a Mosa-pattern carbine.
  • Sesa 'Refumee - The faction's leader
  • Dozens of Sangheili - The commanders of 'Refumee's forces
  • Numerous Unggoy - Comprised the majority of 'Refumee's forces
  • Unknown number of Kig-Yar - May have been killed prior to secession due to attacking 343 Guilty Spark[3]

Equipment[edit]

Sesa 'Refumee's group was equipped with non-standard armor, colored golden-beige and differing in design from normal Covenant armor. After they split from the Covenant, they donned the colors of Sangheilios. The Sangheili did not wear helmets, but were instead equipped with respirators and goggles to help them survive in the hydrogen-helium atmosphere of Threshold. Their armor was more ornate than the typical glossy armor worn by most Covenant forces, and their harnesses had four distinctive fins on the back. The methane tanks used by the Unggoy consisted of two translucent tubes. The Kig-Yar assigned to 'Refumee's artifact retrieval team wore similar harnesses.[3]

Sesa's group used several Drailaac-pattern Banshee's often associated with select artifact-hunting fleets, though they removed the Covenant manufactured cowlings from their Banshees revealing the Forerunner mechanisms beneath, and redesigned them so they sport the colors of Sanghelios.[7]

Unlike most Sangheili warriors in the Covenant, very few Sangheili in the heretic faction (aside from Sesa 'Refumee himself and Banshee operators) wielded Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifles. The majority instead opted to use Vostu-pattern carbines or Mosa-pattern carbines as their standard weapon of choice. Others made use of Type-33 needlers and even Sentinel beams. The faction's Sangheili did, however, continue to use Type-1 energy swords as normal. Heretic Unggoy were similarly nonstandard, nearly all equipping themselves with Type-33 needlers while a few used Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod guns. This style of armament was a radically different to Unggoy within the Covenant who typically used Type-25 plasma pistols.

Weapons[edit]

Vehicles[edit]

Trivia[edit]

  • Early concepts for the faction consisted solely of Mgalekgolo.[8]
  • Sesa 'Refumee's heretic Sangheili are among the only NPCs in any Halo game (besides the Flood and Sentinels themselves) seen using the Sentinel beam as a standard weapon (though Sentinel beams can be traded to Sangheili allies in Halo 2 & 3).

Gallery[edit]

Infantry[edit]

Vehicles[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Halo 2, campaign level The Arbiter
  2. ^ Halo: The Flood (2010), Adjunct
  3. ^ a b c Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Terminal 11
  4. ^ a b Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  5. ^ Halo 2, multiplayer map Burial Mounds description
  6. ^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Annual Achievements
  7. ^ Joyride Heretic Banshee description
  8. ^ The Art of Halo