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Thel 'Vadam: Difference between revisions
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{{disambig header|the Arbiter during the end of the Human-Covenant War|other articles relating to "Arbiter"|Arbiter (disambiguation)}} | {{disambig header|the Arbiter during the end of the Human-Covenant War|other articles relating to "Arbiter"|Arbiter (disambiguation)}} | ||
{{Character Infobox|variant=Cov | {{Character Infobox|variant=Cov | ||
|image=[[File: | |image=[[File:H2A - Arbiter.png|300px]]<!-- Do NOT replace the introductory image.--> | ||
|homeworld=[[Vadam]], [[Sanghelios]]<ref name="VIS">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 11''</ref> | |homeworld=[[Vadam]], [[Sanghelios]]<ref name="VIS">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 11''</ref> | ||
|birth=[[2485|December 10th, 2485]]<ref name="VIS"/> | |birth=[[2485|December 10th, 2485]]<ref name="VIS"/> | ||
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|eyes=Orange | |eyes=Orange | ||
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]] <small>(former)</small> | |affiliation=*[[Covenant]] <small>(former)</small> | ||
*[[Covenant | *[[Thel 'Vadam's Covenant faction]] | ||
|rank=[[Arbiter]], [[Kaidon]], formerly [[Supreme Commander]], [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] | |||
|notable=*[[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] <small>(former)</small> | |notable=*[[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]] <small>(former)</small> | ||
*Killed the [[Prophet of Truth]], fragmenting the Covenant | *Killed the [[Prophet of Truth]], fragmenting the Covenant | ||
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'''Thel 'Vadam''' (formerly ''''Vadamee''')<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''The long road home''</ref> is the [[Sangheili]] [[Kaidon]] of the [[Vadam family]]. He was the last [[Arbiter]] to serve the [[Covenant]], and continued to be widely known by his title in the closing months of the [[Human-Covenant War]] and in the post-war period. Thel commanded numerous fleets during his service in the [[Covenant]], most notably as the [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]], which mounted a successful [[Fall of Reach|invasion]] and occupation of the [[human]] colony [[Reach]] and later during [[Battle of Installation 04|operations]] on [[Installation 04]]. | '''Thel 'Vadam''' (formerly ''''Vadamee''')<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''The long road home''</ref> is the [[Sangheili]] [[Kaidon]] of the [[Vadam family]]. He was the last [[Arbiter]] to serve the [[Covenant]], and continued to be widely known by his title in the closing months of the [[Human-Covenant War]] and in the post-war period. Thel commanded numerous fleets during his service in the [[Covenant]], most notably as the [[Supreme Commander]] of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]], which mounted a successful [[Fall of Reach|invasion]] and occupation of the [[human]] colony [[Reach]] and later during [[Battle of Installation 04|operations]] on [[Installation 04]]. | ||
During the [[Great Schism]], Thel became a leading member of the [[Covenant separatists]], and aided the UNSC in their effort to stop the Prophet of Truth and his forces from activating the [[Halo Array]]. He fought many battles alongside the [[Spartan|"demon"]] [[John-117]] on [[Installation 05]], [[Earth]], and [[Installation 00]] in the final days of the war. | During the [[Great Schism]], Thel became a leading member of the [[Thel 'Vadam's Covenant faction|Covenant separatists]], and aided the UNSC in their effort to stop the Prophet of Truth and his forces from activating the [[Halo Array]]. He fought many battles alongside the [[Spartan|"demon"]] [[John-117]] on [[Installation 05]], [[Earth]], and [[Installation 00]] in the final days of the war. | ||
Returning to [[Sanghelios]] after the conclusion of the war, the Arbiter went on to become a symbol of Sangheili honor and resilience in the face of betrayal. He attempted to unite the feudal states across his homeworld in forming the first coalition government since the [[Sangheili-San 'Shyuum War| | Returning to [[Sanghelios]] after the conclusion of the war, the Arbiter went on to become a symbol of Sangheili honor and resilience in the face of betrayal. He attempted to unite the feudal states across his homeworld in forming the first coalition government since the [[Sangheili-San 'Shyuum War|First Age of Conflict]]. Despite his efforts, he met resistance from many of his people, who felt that his ideals and beliefs went against the traditional values of the Sangheili. | ||
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
===Early life=== | ===Early life=== | ||
Thel was born to the [[Vadam family]], rulers of the powerful state of Vadam on Sanghelios. | Thel was born to the [[Vadam family]], rulers of the powerful state of Vadam on Sanghelios. In his youth Thel was trained in the ways of fighting by his relative [[Lak 'Vadamee]].<ref name="tcp349">'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 349''</ref> He later joined the Covenant military, adding the "-ee" suffix to his surname according to custom. Thel participated in the Covenant attack on the human colony [[Madrigal]] in [[2528]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 146 and 156''</ref> | ||
Within a short time, Thel achieved the title of Shipmaster, and became Kaidon of his state through the votes of Vadam's elders.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 89''</ref> Shortly after being promoted to Shipmaster, Thel sustained an injury in the training ring due to a mistake. His family hushed up the incident, as well as the resultant visit by a physician, due to the Sangheili's cultural stigma toward doctors and medical operations. During his convalescence, Thel handmade an old-fashioned [[doarmir]]-fur Shipmaster's cloak, and would later wear it as part of his Shipmaster's attire to remind him that he could make grave mistakes if he let his guard down.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 159''</ref> | Within a short time, Thel achieved both the rank of [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] and the title of [[Shipmaster]], and became Kaidon of his state through the votes of Vadam's elders.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 89''</ref> Shortly after being promoted to Shipmaster, Thel sustained an injury in the training ring due to a mistake. His family hushed up the incident, as well as the resultant visit by a physician, due to the Sangheili's cultural stigma toward doctors and medical operations. During his convalescence, Thel handmade an old-fashioned [[doarmir]]-fur Shipmaster's cloak, and would later wear it as part of his Shipmaster's attire to remind him that he could make grave mistakes if he let his guard down.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 159''</ref> | ||
===Life as Kaidon=== | ===Life as Kaidon=== | ||
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Thel's role as Kaidon was important for the Vadam family, as he was tasked with continuing the reign of the powerful state of Vadam. Early in his rule, he was attacked by three Sangheili assassins wielding Energy Swords. He managed to kill all three without injury, and proceeded to appear before Vadam's elders to determine which had ordered the attack. Thel discovered that the assassination orders had come from the elder [[Koida 'Vadam]], and after killing him, he ordered all of Koida's line to leave Vadam keep by sunrise.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 83-94''</ref> | Thel's role as Kaidon was important for the Vadam family, as he was tasked with continuing the reign of the powerful state of Vadam. Early in his rule, he was attacked by three Sangheili assassins wielding Energy Swords. He managed to kill all three without injury, and proceeded to appear before Vadam's elders to determine which had ordered the attack. Thel discovered that the assassination orders had come from the elder [[Koida 'Vadam]], and after killing him, he ordered all of Koida's line to leave Vadam keep by sunrise.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 83-94''</ref> | ||
Thel was sent to [[Charybdis IX]] with command over the vessel ''Retribution's Thunder'' to participate in the [[Battle of Charybdis IX]], while being overseen by the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]]. He and several other Sangheili boarded the {{UNSCShip|Do You Feel Lucky?}} and attempted to access the vessel's navigation database, but it had already been purged. He left and witnessed the destruction of the ship before being called to the ''[[Infinite Sacrifice]]'', where he met the Prophet of Regret in person. Regret informed him of humans reportedly wielding modified Covenant weapons, a transgression he believed to be the doing of the [[Kig- | Thel was sent to [[Charybdis IX]] with command over the vessel ''Retribution's Thunder'' to participate in the [[Battle of Charybdis IX]], while being overseen by the [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]]. He and several other Sangheili boarded the {{UNSCShip|Do You Feel Lucky?}} and attempted to access the vessel's navigation database, but it had already been purged. He left and witnessed the destruction of the ship before being called to the ''[[Infinite Sacrifice]]'', where he met the Prophet of Regret in person. Regret informed him of humans reportedly wielding modified Covenant weapons, a transgression he believed to be the doing of the [[Kig-Yar]]. He was then sent to the [[23 Librae]] system to track down the source of the illegal weapons traders. For the mission, his ship was accompanied by the Kig-Yar vessel ''[[A Psalm Every Day]]'', commanded by Shipmistress Chur-R 'Mut and the Jiralhanae Chieftain Pellius.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 138-148''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 153''</ref> | ||
Upon arriving at 23 Librae, Thel and his crew discovered the [[Rubble]], a collection of asteroid habitats built by Kig-Yar and Insurrectionist humans working together. Almost immediately afterward, the ''Thunder'' was attacked by ''A Psalm Every Day''; Pellius had decided to betray Thel so that he could claim sole credit for the discovery. Thel and his crew were taken by surprise, allowing the traitorous vessel's second salvo to disable the ''Thunder's'' weapons, communications and engines. ''A Psalm Every Day'' escaped while Kig-yar boarding craft and Spirits strafed the hull. Thel, increasingly frustrated, gave permission for his crew to abandon ship; this was a test to weed out the weaker Sangheili among his crew. Enemy Spirits destroyed the retreating craft in short order. Thel then ordered the destruction of the ''Retribution's Thunder'', which killed the boarding Kig-yar.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 155-163''</ref> Thel, however, survived and was captured, imprisoned on the Rubble along with most of the bridge crew. They ultimately managed to escape and hijack a [[Kig-yar shuttle]],<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 169-172''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 187-190''</ref> taking them to [[Unnamed Kig-yar transport|another Kig-yar vessel]]. On the surface of [[Metisette]], Thel captured the leader of the warband, [[Reth]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 194-203''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 214-217''</ref> | Upon arriving at 23 Librae, Thel and his crew discovered the [[Rubble]], a collection of asteroid habitats built by Kig-Yar and Insurrectionist humans working together. Almost immediately afterward, the ''Thunder'' was attacked by ''A Psalm Every Day''; Pellius had decided to betray Thel so that he could claim sole credit for the discovery. Thel and his crew were taken by surprise, allowing the traitorous vessel's second salvo to disable the ''Thunder's'' weapons, communications and engines. ''A Psalm Every Day'' escaped while Kig-yar boarding craft and Spirits strafed the hull. Thel, increasingly frustrated, gave permission for his crew to abandon ship; this was a test to weed out the weaker Sangheili among his crew. Enemy Spirits destroyed the retreating craft in short order. Thel then ordered the destruction of the ''Retribution's Thunder'', which killed the boarding Kig-yar.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 155-163''</ref> Thel, however, survived and was captured, imprisoned on the Rubble along with most of the bridge crew. They ultimately managed to escape and hijack a [[Kig-yar shuttle]],<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 169-172''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 187-190''</ref> taking them to [[Unnamed Kig-yar transport|another Kig-yar vessel]]. On the surface of [[Metisette]], Thel captured the leader of the warband, [[Reth]].<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 194-203''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 214-217''</ref> | ||
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[[File:Arbiter kneel.png|thumb|left|225px|'Vadamee after the Prophets, stripped of his armor and branded with the [[Mark of Shame]].]] | [[File:Arbiter kneel.png|thumb|left|225px|'Vadamee after the Prophets, stripped of his armor and branded with the [[Mark of Shame]].]] | ||
At some point between 2535 and 2552, Thel's exceptional leadership and combat prowess earned him the rank of [[Supreme Commander]] of the Fleet of Particular Justice. Near the end of his time serving as Supreme Commander, he led the Covenant forces under his command to victory over the UNSC's greatest military stronghold. The [[Fall of Reach]] proved to be the highlight of Thel's service in the Covenant. As the battle ended, Thel ordered a flotilla of warships to follow the fleeing ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn]]''. The ''Autumn'''s course led them to holy Forerunner artifact | At some point between 2535 and 2552, Thel's exceptional leadership and combat prowess earned him the rank of [[Supreme Commander]] of the Fleet of Particular Justice. Near the end of his time serving as Supreme Commander, he led the Covenant forces under his command to victory over the UNSC's greatest military stronghold. The [[Fall of Reach]] proved to be the highlight of Thel's service in the Covenant. As the battle ended, Thel ordered a flotilla of warships to follow the fleeing ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn]]''. The ''Autumn'''s course led them to holy Forerunner artifact [[Installation 04]]. After confirming that the ring a creation of the "gods", the [[Prophet of Stewardship]], the highest ranking political figure with the Fleet, immediately claimed authority over the operation, claiming the mission was now a religious matter. As Thel was unwilling to relinquish command, and unable to contact ''[[High Charity]]'' to determine who held jurisdiction, a power struggle emerged between Thel and Stewardship for ultimate authority. As the [[Battle of Installation 04]] wore on, the Prophet began subverting Thel, misappropriating military forces to secure facilities on the ring. Thel sent a single infantry unit to the ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'' to relieve the Prophet, but it was destroyed on approach. Stewardship threatened further punishment for any future affronts to his leadership. As Thel assembled a strike force to physically relieve the Prophet, the emergency beacon on the ''[[Infinite Succor]]'' was activated. Thel dispatched a [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] force to assess the threat and procure the [[Minister of Etiology]]. As Thel was about to leave with his strike force for ''Ascendant Justice'', [[Special Operations Commander|Spec OpsCommander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum|Rtas 'Vadumee]] returned to the ship and revealed the results of his mission: the [[Flood]] had been unleashed on Halo.<ref>'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''</ref> | ||
[[File:H2_thelvandam_kneel.jpg|thumb|250px|right|'Vadamee about to receive the Arbiter's armor, with the Prophets nearby.]] | [[File:H2_thelvandam_kneel.jpg|thumb|250px|right|'Vadamee about to receive the Arbiter's armor, with the Prophets nearby.]] | ||
With the situation deteriorating, Thel ordered the evacuation of all ships from the ring, as well as shooting down any vessel which failed to return clean bioscans. When Thel's force arrived on ''Ascendant Justice'', he discovered that the Prophet of Stewardship had left for the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''. The crew of the ''Ascendant Justice'' acknowledged Thel's authority as Supreme Commander without hesitation.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''2010 Adjunct''</ref> Unsurprisingly, Thel refused to come to the Steward's aid after its capture by the UNSC. These distractions were to cost Thel the battle, as SPARTAN-117 and Cortana successfully detonated, ''Pillar of Autumn'' under the nose of the Covenant's occupation. With little else to be done, Thel ordered his surviving ships to fall back. This retreat was to save his life, but not his honor. In an act that further humilated Thel, the ''Ascendant Justice'' was captured by [[John-117]] and a small human boarding party. Shortly after his ships failed to pursue the ''Ascendant Justice'', Thel was called before the Covenant High Council to answer for his failures.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 340''</ref> | With the situation deteriorating, Thel ordered the evacuation of all ships from the ring, as well as shooting down any vessel which failed to return clean bioscans. When Thel's force arrived on ''Ascendant Justice'', he discovered that the Prophet of Stewardship had left for the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''. The crew of the ''Ascendant Justice'' acknowledged Thel's authority as Supreme Commander without hesitation.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''2010 Adjunct''</ref> Unsurprisingly, Thel refused to come to the Steward's aid after its capture by the UNSC. These distractions were to cost Thel the battle, as SPARTAN-117 and Cortana successfully detonated, ''Pillar of Autumn'' under the nose of the Covenant's occupation. With little else to be done, Thel ordered his surviving ships to fall back. This retreat was to save his life, but not his honor. In an act that further humilated Thel, the ''Ascendant Justice'' was captured by [[John-117]] and a small human boarding party. Shortly after his ships failed to pursue the ''Ascendant Justice'', Thel was called before the Covenant High Council to answer for his failures.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 340''</ref> | ||
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'Vadamee's first assignment as the Arbiter was to stop the [[Heretic]] uprising based on a [[Threshold gas mine|Forerunner gas mine]] in the atmosphere of [[Threshold]]. He was assisted by [[Rtas 'Vadumee]], [[Special Operations Elite]]s, and [[Special Operations Grunt]]s. The operation was complicated by the unexpected escape of the Flood from the facility. During the chaos that followed, the Heretic leader [[Sesa 'Refumee]] sealed himself in a protected zone of the station. The Arbiter drove the Heretics out by cutting the cables from which the facility hung, causing the gas mine to fall. After crashing his Banshee, the Arbiter fought his way through the Flood and surviving Heretics toward the station's hangar. Before Sesa 'Refumee could escape in a [[Seraph]], the Arbiter assassinated him, but not before the Heretic Leader revealed the source of his heresy. The Arbiter was surprised to discover that the Heretics had been aided by a Holy Oracle, the [[Monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark]]. | 'Vadamee's first assignment as the Arbiter was to stop the [[Heretic]] uprising based on a [[Threshold gas mine|Forerunner gas mine]] in the atmosphere of [[Threshold]]. He was assisted by [[Rtas 'Vadumee]], [[Special Operations Elite]]s, and [[Special Operations Grunt]]s. The operation was complicated by the unexpected escape of the Flood from the facility. During the chaos that followed, the Heretic leader [[Sesa 'Refumee]] sealed himself in a protected zone of the station. The Arbiter drove the Heretics out by cutting the cables from which the facility hung, causing the gas mine to fall. After crashing his Banshee, the Arbiter fought his way through the Flood and surviving Heretics toward the station's hangar. Before Sesa 'Refumee could escape in a [[Seraph]], the Arbiter assassinated him, but not before the Heretic Leader revealed the source of his heresy. The Arbiter was surprised to discover that the Heretics had been aided by a Holy Oracle, the [[Monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark]]. | ||
With the uprising suppressed, the Brute [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Chieftain]] [[Tartarus]] extracted the Arbiter and used the [[Fist of Rukt]] to capture the Oracle. His actions, which involved throwing the Oracle into the [[Phantom]] recklessly, angered the Arbiter's religious sensibilities. With Tartarus, he left the gas mine via Phantom, as [[High Charity]] and the fleet departed the Threshold system. | With the uprising suppressed, the Brute [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Chieftain]] [[Tartarus]] extracted the Arbiter and used the [[Fist of Rukt]] to capture the Oracle. His actions, which involved throwing the Oracle into the [[Phantom]] recklessly, angered the Arbiter's religious sensibilities. With Tartarus, he left the gas mine via Phantom, as ''[[High Charity]]'' and the fleet departed the Threshold system. | ||
===Battle of the Quarantine Zone=== | ===Battle of the Quarantine Zone=== | ||
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{{Main|Installation 05}} | {{Main|Installation 05}} | ||
{{Quote|This one is but flesh and faith, and is the more deluded.|The Gravemind describing Thel 'Vadam}} | {{Quote|This one is but flesh and faith, and is the more deluded.|The Gravemind describing Thel 'Vadam}} | ||
The Arbiter was rescued from his fall by the [[Gravemind]], the central intelligence of the Flood, and brought to its lair. It was here that the Arbiter met [[John-117]] for the first time. The Gravemind attempted to convince 'Vadamee that the Halos were weapons of destruction, not a path to transcendence, a position which John supported. In order to "show the truth" to the resistant Arbiter, the Gravemind [[teleportation grid|teleported]] him to the Control Room, while the Master Chief was sent to High Charity to stop the Index from activating Halo. | The Arbiter was rescued from his fall by the [[Gravemind]], the central intelligence of the Flood, and brought to its lair. It was here that the Arbiter met [[John-117]] for the first time. The Gravemind attempted to convince 'Vadamee that the Halos were weapons of destruction, not a path to transcendence, a position which John supported. In order to "show the truth" to the resistant Arbiter, the Gravemind [[teleportation grid|teleported]] him to the Control Room, while the Master Chief was sent to ''High Charity'' to stop the Index from activating Halo. | ||
Observing first hand the results of the Prophets' betrayal, the Arbiter joined forces with a band of Special Operations Commandos. This small unit wasted little time in massacring the Brutes responsible for executing the Sangheili's Councilors. Eventually, Thel met Rtas 'Vadumee, joining forces to reach | Observing first hand the results of the Prophets' betrayal, the Arbiter joined forces with a band of Special Operations Commandos. This small unit wasted little time in massacring the Brutes responsible for executing the Sangheili's Councilors. Eventually, Thel met Rtas 'Vadumee, joining forces to reach a [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]]. Near the Scarab, the Arbiter managed to rescue several separatist prisoners, as well as a group of UNSC Marines including Sergeant Avery Johnson. | ||
Johnson negotiated a tenuous alliance with the Arbiter in order to prevent Tartarus from activating Installation 05. Given the extreme danger posed by the ring, they both agreed that Tartarus had to be stopped at all costs. Johnson led the offensive, using a captured Scarab to eliminate ground units while Thel provided air support with a Banshee. Together, they punched a hole through loyalist lines and reached the Control Room of Installation 05. | Johnson negotiated a tenuous alliance with the Arbiter in order to prevent Tartarus from activating Installation 05. Given the extreme danger posed by the ring, they both agreed that Tartarus had to be stopped at all costs. Johnson led the offensive, using a captured Scarab to eliminate ground units while Thel provided air support with a Banshee. Together, they punched a hole through loyalist lines and reached the Control Room of Installation 05. | ||
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After Tartarus' defeat on Delta Halo, 'Vadamee officially changed his surname to "'Vadam", symbolizing his resignation from the Covenant; the rest of the Elites followed suit. | After Tartarus' defeat on Delta Halo, 'Vadamee officially changed his surname to "'Vadam", symbolizing his resignation from the Covenant; the rest of the Elites followed suit. | ||
Upon arriving on [[Earth]] with Johnson, 'Vadam and several of his allies discovered the Master Chief's point of impact after his escape from Truth's Dreadnought. When John regained consciousness, he attempted to kill 'Vadam with Johnson's [[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System|sidearm]]. Johnson quickly informed the Spartan that the surviving Elites had allied with humanity after the Chief's last encounter with them. The Chief took Johnson | Upon arriving on [[Earth]] with Johnson, 'Vadam and several of his allies discovered the Master Chief's point of impact after his escape from Truth's Dreadnought. When John regained consciousness, he attempted to kill 'Vadam with Johnson's [[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System|sidearm]]. Johnson quickly informed the Spartan that the surviving Elites had allied with humanity after the Chief's last encounter with them. The Chief took Johnson's word, and 'Vadam assisted the Master Chief through the jungles near [[Mount Kilimanjaro]], guiding him through the dense forest to the [[A2 Hydroelectric Facility|dam site]]. He then aided the Chief and the other UNSC forces during the defense of [[Crow's Nest]] from Truth's forces. | ||
===Battle of Voi=== | ===Battle of Voi=== | ||
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With the destruction of the Covenant loyalist fleet, Rtas 'Vadum's carrier positioned itself near the Ark's [[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]] - where Truth planned to remotely activate the rings. Commander Keyes led a three-pronged assault on the shield generators protecting Truth's citadel. After Sergeant Major Johnson failed to deactivate the third generator due to heavy resistance, the Arbiter landed his forces at the third tower to deactivate the final generator and shut down the barrier. | With the destruction of the Covenant loyalist fleet, Rtas 'Vadum's carrier positioned itself near the Ark's [[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]] - where Truth planned to remotely activate the rings. Commander Keyes led a three-pronged assault on the shield generators protecting Truth's citadel. After Sergeant Major Johnson failed to deactivate the third generator due to heavy resistance, the Arbiter landed his forces at the third tower to deactivate the final generator and shut down the barrier. | ||
As 'Vadum prepared to bomb Truth's position, ''High Charity'' exited Slipspace, crashing into the Ark. In its plummet to the surface, High Charity scattered a barrage of infection capsules which crippled the carrier. The Arbiter led his forces in conjunction with the Marines to clear the third tower of Flood, with the Chief's assistance. As a security measure, the Arbiter escorted a distressed 343 Guilty Spark to reconnoiter the damage inflicted to the Ark by the Flood, leaving his Sangheili with the Chief to push on to the Citadel. | As 'Vadum prepared to bomb Truth's position, ''High Charity'' exited Slipspace, crashing into the Ark. In its plummet to the surface, ''High Charity'' scattered a barrage of infection capsules which crippled the carrier. The Arbiter led his forces in conjunction with the Marines to clear the third tower of Flood, with the Chief's assistance. As a security measure, the Arbiter escorted a distressed 343 Guilty Spark to reconnoiter the damage inflicted to the Ark by the Flood, leaving his Sangheili with the Chief to push on to the Citadel. | ||
===Death of Truth=== | ===Death of Truth=== | ||
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{{Quote|This is our fight. And I will see it finished.|Thel 'Vadam to his fellow Sangheili}} | {{Quote|This is our fight. And I will see it finished.|Thel 'Vadam to his fellow Sangheili}} | ||
After a desperate escape from the Flood, the two soldiers witnessed the construction of a new Installation 04. As the newly created Halo was not linked to the rest of the network, it could be fired safely, destroying every remaining Flood infection form in its radius without harming humanity or the Covenant client races. The Arbiter, Johnson and Rtas 'Vadum evacuated all UNSC and Covenant separatist forces from the Ark while John went to rescue Cortana and retrieve the original Index from High Charity. Thel later arrived on High Charity shortly after John set it to self destruct, using a [[M7057 Defoliant Projector|flamethrower]] to cover their escape. | After a desperate escape from the Flood, the two soldiers witnessed the construction of a new Installation 04. As the newly created Halo was not linked to the rest of the network, it could be fired safely, destroying every remaining Flood infection form in its radius without harming humanity or the Covenant client races. The Arbiter, Johnson and Rtas 'Vadum evacuated all UNSC and Covenant separatist forces from the Ark while John went to rescue Cortana and retrieve the original Index from ''High Charity''. Thel later arrived on ''High Charity'' shortly after John set it to self destruct, using a [[M7057 Defoliant Projector|flamethrower]] to cover their escape. | ||
The two then escaped on a [[D77H-TCI Pelican|Pelican dropship]], crashing it into Installation 04B; after fighting through numerous Flood forms, they rendezvoused with Sergeant Major Johnson and 343 Guilty Spark at the [[Control Room]]. The Monitor betrayed them after realizing that an immediate activation of the incomplete ring would destroy it and damage the Ark. In the battle that followed, the [[rampancy|rampant]] 343 killed Johnson and knocked the Arbiter out of the room. After the destruction of 343, Both Cortana and Thel expressed sorrow over Johnson's death, noting his sacrifice would not be forgotten. John activated Halo, with Thel and Cortana joining him as they escaped the crumbling Halo in a [[Warthog]]. They succeeded in reaching the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' and escaped the Ark and Halo just before it fired. Before departing to the bridge, Thel and John nodded to each other, a moment of mutual respect between warriors. This would be the last time 'Vadam would see the Chief for several years, as he then exited the hangar, and made his way to the bridge, while Chief and Cortana stayed behind and guided the frigate to its jump point, but the slipspace portal collapsed as ''Forward Unto Dawn'' transitioned. The aft end of the ship, with John-117 and Cortana aboard, was sheared off and left adrift in unknown space. The bow section, containing 'Vadam, completed the jump and landed on Earth, where he was rescued. The Covenant Empire had ceased to exist, and Thel began the first steps to his people into a new future. | The two then escaped on a [[D77H-TCI Pelican|Pelican dropship]], crashing it into Installation 04B; after fighting through numerous Flood forms, they rendezvoused with Sergeant Major Johnson and 343 Guilty Spark at the [[Control Room]]. The Monitor betrayed them after realizing that an immediate activation of the incomplete ring would destroy it and damage the Ark. In the battle that followed, the [[rampancy|rampant]] 343 killed Johnson and knocked the Arbiter out of the room. After the destruction of 343, Both Cortana and Thel expressed sorrow over Johnson's death, noting his sacrifice would not be forgotten. John activated Halo, with Thel and Cortana joining him as they escaped the crumbling Halo in a [[Warthog]]. They succeeded in reaching the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' and escaped the Ark and Halo just before it fired. Before departing to the bridge, Thel and John nodded to each other, a moment of mutual respect between warriors. This would be the last time 'Vadam would see the Chief for several years, as he then exited the hangar, and made his way to the bridge, while Chief and Cortana stayed behind and guided the frigate to its jump point, but the slipspace portal collapsed as ''Forward Unto Dawn'' transitioned. The aft end of the ship, with John-117 and Cortana aboard, was sheared off and left adrift in unknown space. The bow section, containing 'Vadam, completed the jump and crash-landed on Earth, where he was rescued. The Covenant Empire had ceased to exist, and Thel began the first steps to his people into a new future. | ||
===Leader of the Sangheili=== | ===Leader of the Sangheili=== | ||
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===Peace talks=== | ===Peace talks=== | ||
{{Main|Battle of Ealen IV}} | {{Main|Battle of Ealen IV}} | ||
[[File:Thel Ealen IV.png|thumb|225px|Thel 'Vadam slays a [[Kig-Yar]] [[Kig-Yar Sniper|sniper | [[File:Thel Ealen IV.png|thumb|225px|Thel 'Vadam slays a [[Kig-Yar]] [[Kig-Yar Sniper|sniper]] during the battle on [[Ealen IV]].]] | ||
{{Quote|The Arbiter. Maybe more than any other figure, a symbol of what the galaxy could one day become.|[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]], before the meeting on Ealen IV.}} | {{Quote|The Arbiter. Maybe more than any other figure, a symbol of what the galaxy could one day become.|[[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]], before the meeting on Ealen IV.}} | ||
In [[2558]], Thel 'Vadam decided to enter into negotiations with the Jiralhanae, with the UNSC ''Infinity'' being assigned to escort him. On March 5, 'Vadam met with Lord Hood and the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Lydus]] on [[Ealen IV]]. During the negotiations, | In [[2558]], Thel 'Vadam decided to enter into negotiations with the Jiralhanae, with the UNSC ''Infinity'' being assigned to escort him. On March 5, 'Vadam met with Lord Hood and the [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]] [[Lydus]] on [[Ealen IV]]. During the negotiations, [[Vata 'Gajat's mercenary group|Covenant mercenaries]] led by [[Vata 'Gajat|Shipmaster 'Gajat]] attacked the delegates. [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Thomas Lasky]], [[Sarah Palmer|Commander Sarah Palmer]], and the [[SPARTAN-IV Program|Spartan-IVs]] defended the delegation and evacuated them from the chamber. Lydus accused 'Vadam of betraying him, but Thel reassured him that he had no part in the attack as he killed a Kig-Yar sniper attempting to assassinate Lydus. When their evacuation ship was destroyed, the security detail proceeded to escort the delegates to a nearby parts depot.<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''Issue #1''</ref> | ||
Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge in. Captain Lasky ordered Palmer and the protection detail to escort the delegation to the redoubt. As the party escaped the depot, they were intercepted by a Covenant [[Type-56 Lich|Lich]]. Palmer quickly acted and threw her helmet filled with grenades and destroyed the Lich. The delegation stayed back as [[Fireteam Jackknife]] and their bodyguards went ahead to ensure the redoubt was safe for them to use as shelter.<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation | Inside the repair depot, 'Vadam notified Hood and the rest of an old fortified redoubt in which they could take refuge in. Captain Lasky ordered Palmer and the protection detail to escort the delegation to the redoubt. As the party escaped the depot, they were intercepted by a Covenant [[Type-56 Lich|Lich]]. Palmer quickly acted and threw her helmet filled with grenades and destroyed the Lich. The delegation stayed back as [[Fireteam Jackknife]] and their bodyguards went ahead to ensure the redoubt was safe for them to use as shelter.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #2''</ref> However, as the delegates entered the redoubt, [[Vladimir Scruggs|Spartan Scruggs]] of [[Fireteam Jackknife]]—who had betrayed his team—ambushed the group and held Hood hostage. 'Vadam queried Scruggs on what his demands were; Scruggs stated that they would discuss them once his associates arrived. With the Covenant bearing on the site in force, the ambassadors' security detail discovered [[Covenant cargo tug|a craft]] they could use to evacuate. Thanks to the sacrifices of Fireteam Bailey, the delegation, Lasky and the surviving Spartans made it aboard ''Infinity'', which rallied the feuding Sangheili and Jiralhanae fleets and forced 'Gajat's forces into retreat.<ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''Issue #3''</ref> | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Search for John-117=== | |||
{{Quote|To find him you have to forget the stories, forget the legends.|Thel "Vadam to Agent [[Jameson Locke]].}} | |||
Thel 'Vadam later met with ONI's [[Jameson Locke|Agent Jameson Locke]] and told him about John-117's past actions and the events yet to come. The Arbiter agreed to aid Locke because both human and Sangheili lives depended on Locke finding the Master Chief.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection announcement trailer]]'''</ref> | |||
==Personality== | ==Personality== | ||
[[File:Chiefarbiter.jpg|thumb|250px|John-117 and Thel 'Vadam fighting alongside each other.]] | [[File:Chiefarbiter.jpg|thumb|250px|John-117 and Thel 'Vadam fighting alongside each other.]] | ||
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Despite his hatred of the Prophets, Thel was gracious enough to attempt to reason with the Brute Chieftain [[Tartarus]] in Installation 05's Control Room. He is shown to be true to his title "Arbiter", and sometimes tries to negotiate with his enemies, such as Drones during the battle of Earth. He holds deep respect for his fellow Sangheili warriors. | Despite his hatred of the Prophets, Thel was gracious enough to attempt to reason with the Brute Chieftain [[Tartarus]] in Installation 05's Control Room. He is shown to be true to his title "Arbiter", and sometimes tries to negotiate with his enemies, such as Drones during the battle of Earth. He holds deep respect for his fellow Sangheili warriors. | ||
Despite his former hatred for humans, Thel has displayed great respect for some, even former battlefield foes. Presumably due to the role Johnson played in his killing of Tartarus, Thel respected him greatly and grieved his death, expressing sorrow to the Master Chief, but promising that his sacrifice wouldn't be in vain. Despite initially hating the Master Chief greatly for destroying Installation 04 and being the "Demon" of the Covenant who killed so many soldiers, the Arbiter came to greatly respect and trust the Chief. The Chief helped convince him of the truth of the Great Journey and they fought together against the Covenant and Truth. Together they defeated Truth and deactivated the Halo Array. When the Master Chief went to rescue Cortana and activate [[Installation 04B]], Thel remained behind to help him and shared a nod of respect with him when it was over. Even though the Master Chief was believed to be dead, Thel showed disbelief in this presumption, confident that the Spartan had survived thanks to his extraordinary ability to overcome impossible odds. | Despite his former hatred for humans, Thel has displayed great respect for some, even former battlefield foes. Presumably due to the role Johnson played in his killing of Tartarus, Thel respected him greatly and grieved his death, expressing sorrow to the Master Chief, but promising that his sacrifice wouldn't be in vain. Despite initially hating the Master Chief greatly for destroying Installation 04 and being the "Demon" of the Covenant who killed so many soldiers, the Arbiter came to greatly respect and trust the Chief. The Chief helped convince him of the truth of the Great Journey and they fought together against the Covenant and Truth. Together they defeated Truth and deactivated the Halo Array. When the Master Chief went to rescue Cortana and activate [[Installation 04B]], Thel remained behind to help him and shared a nod of respect with him when it was over. Even though the Master Chief was believed to be dead, Thel showed disbelief in this presumption, confident that the Spartan had survived thanks to his extraordinary ability to overcome impossible odds. After the events of Ealen IV and discovering the Chief was still alive, Thel believed John was the key to the galaxy's future. | ||
==Production notes== | ==Production notes== | ||
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His name, Thel 'Vadam, was first established in the novel ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''. While the narrative does not explicitly connect the character with that of the Arbiter from the games, in the very end of the story a reference is made to him being assigned in command of the Fleet of Particular Justice. It was not until later videos on ''Halo Waypoint'' that the Arbiter was explicitly identified as Thel 'Vadam. | His name, Thel 'Vadam, was first established in the novel ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''. While the narrative does not explicitly connect the character with that of the Arbiter from the games, in the very end of the story a reference is made to him being assigned in command of the Fleet of Particular Justice. It was not until later videos on ''Halo Waypoint'' that the Arbiter was explicitly identified as Thel 'Vadam. | ||
In ''Halo 2'', the Arbiter has no mandible guards, but he does in ''Halo 3''. Notably, the armor of the last known Arbiter, [[Ripa 'Moramee]], did possess mandible guards. In ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'', 'Vadam wears a more ornamental, gold-colored suit and overall more closely resembles the Sangheili seen in ''Halo 4''. Unlike in previous media, his now-ashen gray skin has sparse scales instead of being smooth and leathery. He is also depicted with the ''Halo 4''-style mouth structure, such that the bases of his upper mandibles are nearly parallel to his eyes. While his new armor is | In ''Halo 2'', the Arbiter has no mandible guards, but he does in ''Halo 3''. Notably, the armor of the last known Arbiter, [[Ripa 'Moramee]], did possess mandible guards. In ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'', 'Vadam wears a more ornamental, gold-colored suit and overall more closely resembles the Sangheili seen in ''Halo 4''. Unlike in previous media, his now-ashen gray skin has sparse scales instead of being smooth and leathery. He is also depicted with the ''Halo 4''-style mouth structure, such that the bases of his upper mandibles are nearly parallel to his eyes. While his new armor is simply a different suit in-universe, it is unclear whether the changes to his physiology represent a retcon or are simply a case of artistic license. This is particularly notable since ''Halo 3''-style Elites are depicted in Issues 1 and 6. | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
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<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:ChiefArbiterConcept.jpg|Concept art of Thel 'Vadam and [[John-117]] inside a [[Forerunner]] facility. | File:ChiefArbiterConcept.jpg|Concept art of Thel 'Vadam and [[John-117]] inside a [[Forerunner]] facility. | ||
File: | File:Supremecommander.jpg|Thel 'Vadamee in his Supreme Commander cloak in ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''. | ||
File:CouncilsScorn01.jpg|Thel 'Vadam before becoming the Arbiter in ''Halo 2''. | |||
File: | File:H2A Arby.jpg|Thel 'Vadam as he appears in ''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''. | ||
File:H2A - Arbiter and 'Vadum.png|[[Rtas 'Vadum]] and Thel 'Vadam converse. | |||
File: | File:1223857594 Arby3.jpg|'Vadam taunting his enemies to attack in ''Halo 3''. | ||
File: | File:Thel 2558.png|Thel 'Vadam in [[2558]]. | ||
File: | File:Master Chief Collection - Arbiter reflection.png|Thel 'Vadam's reflection in Agent Locke's visor in the [[Halo: The Master Chief Collection announcement trailer]]. | ||
File: | |||
File: | |||
File:Thel 'Vadam - Origins.png|Thel 'Vadam as seen in ''[[Halo Legends]]:'' ''[[Origins]]''. Note the longer, hanging mandibles similar to [[Ripa 'Moramee]]. | File:Thel 'Vadam - Origins.png|Thel 'Vadam as seen in ''[[Halo Legends]]:'' ''[[Origins]]''. Note the longer, hanging mandibles similar to [[Ripa 'Moramee]]. | ||
File:Arbiterlegendarycollection.jpg|The [[McFarlane Toys/Legendary Collection Series#Arbiter|Arbiter Legendary Collection Figure]] made by [[McFarlane Toys]]. | File:Arbiterlegendarycollection.jpg|The [[McFarlane Toys/Legendary Collection Series#Arbiter|Arbiter Legendary Collection Figure]] made by [[McFarlane Toys]]. | ||
File:Thel `Vadam Tranparent.png|Another view of Thel 'Vadamee. | |||
File:Thel | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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**''[[Origins]]'' | **''[[Origins]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]'' | *''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]'' | ||
**''[[The Return]]'' {{ | **''[[The Return]]'' {{C|Motion comic only}} | ||
**''[[Wages of Sin]]'' {{Mo}} | **''[[Wages of Sin]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
**''[[From the Office of Dr. William Arthur Iqbal]]'' {{Mo}} | **''[[From the Office of Dr. William Arthur Iqbal]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
| Line 231: | Line 226: | ||
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' | *''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' | ||
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' | |||
*''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]'' | |||
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminals]]'' | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||