3,941
edits
Thel 'Vadam: Difference between revisions
19?
mNo edit summary |
AlertFiend (talk | contribs) (19?) |
||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
'''Thel 'Vadam''' (formerly ''''Vadamee''')<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''The long road home''</ref> is the [[Sangheili]] [[kaidon]] of the [[House of Vadam]]. 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. Presently, he leads the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and is considered by many to be the formal leader of the Sangheili on the whole.<ref name="wp thel">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/arbiter-thel-vadam '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam'']</ref> | '''Thel 'Vadam''' (formerly ''''Vadamee''')<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''The long road home''</ref> is the [[Sangheili]] [[kaidon]] of the [[House of Vadam]]. 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. Presently, he leads the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and is considered by many to be the formal leader of the Sangheili on the whole.<ref name="wp thel">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/arbiter-thel-vadam '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Arbiter Thel 'Vadam'']</ref> | ||
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]]. 'Vadam was responsible for over one billion [[human]] casualties during the war, and the [[glassing]] of at least seven colonies.<ref name="terminal 3">'''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminal 3]]''</ref> During the [[Great Schism]], Thel became a leading member of the Sangheili who seceded from the Covenant, 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. | 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]]. 'Vadam was responsible for over one billion [[human]] casualties during the war, and the [[glassing]] of at least seven colonies.<ref name="terminal 3">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 3]]''</ref> During the [[Great Schism]], Thel became a leading member of the Sangheili who seceded from the Covenant, 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|First Age of Conflict]]. Despite his efforts, he met resistance from [[Covenant remnants|many of his people]], who felt that his ideals and beliefs went against the traditional values of the Sangheili. | 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 [[Covenant remnants|many of his people]], who felt that his ideals and beliefs went against the traditional values of the Sangheili. | ||
| Line 52: | Line 52: | ||
{{Quote|Soon the [[Great Journey]] will begin, but when it does, the weight of your heresy will stay your feet, and you shall be left behind.|The Prophet of Truth to 'Thel Vadamee at his hearing.}} | {{Quote|Soon the [[Great Journey]] will begin, but when it does, the weight of your heresy will stay your feet, and you shall be left behind.|The Prophet of Truth to 'Thel Vadamee at his hearing.}} | ||
[[File:H2A Terminals - Thel and Prophet.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Thel 'Vadamee discovering Installation 04.]] | [[File:H2A Terminals - Thel and Prophet.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Thel 'Vadamee discovering Installation 04.]] | ||
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]]. Sometime after this promotion he led the Covenant forces in the [[Battle of Camber]]. 'Vadamee and his fleet caught the UNSC forces completely unaware. He began his ground and orbital assault before most of the planet was aware of the attack. While 17 of his ships bombarded key defensive positions, 'Vadamee personally led an attack on the UNSC system headquarters. He first engaged the [[3rd Battalion Reserves]], who were caught completely unprepared. 'Vadamee ordered his men to wait for the humans to prepare to defend themselves before wiping out the entire unit.<ref name="h2at2">'''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminal 2]]''</ref> Throughout his time as Supreme Commander he was also responsible for the glassing of [[Bounty]], [[Alluvion]], [[Mesa]], [[Greydowns]], [[Kroedis II]], and [[Estuary]]. He and his forces were responsible for over 1 billion human casualties—23,000 of them military personnel—and the destruction of 123 UNSC ships.<ref name="terminal 3"/> ONI [[ONI#Section Three|Section 3]] attempted to kill him at different times, but failed each time resulting in the deaths of several operatives.<ref name="a2at1">'''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminal 1]]''</ref> | 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]]. Sometime after this promotion he led the Covenant forces in the [[Battle of Camber]]. 'Vadamee and his fleet caught the UNSC forces completely unaware. He began his ground and orbital assault before most of the planet was aware of the attack. While 17 of his ships bombarded key defensive positions, 'Vadamee personally led an attack on the UNSC system headquarters. He first engaged the [[3rd Battalion Reserves]], who were caught completely unprepared. 'Vadamee ordered his men to wait for the humans to prepare to defend themselves before wiping out the entire unit.<ref name="h2at2">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 2]]''</ref> Throughout his time as Supreme Commander he was also responsible for the glassing of [[Bounty]], [[Alluvion]], [[Mesa]], [[Greydowns]], [[Kroedis II]], and [[Estuary]]. He and his forces were responsible for over 1 billion human casualties—23,000 of them military personnel—and the destruction of 123 UNSC ships.<ref name="terminal 3"/> ONI [[ONI#Section Three|Section 3]] attempted to kill him at different times, but failed each time resulting in the deaths of several operatives.<ref name="a2at1">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 1]]''</ref> | ||
[[File:H2A - Tartarus branding.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'Vadamee, stripped of his armor and branded with the [[Mark of Shame]] by [[Tartarus]]]] | [[File:H2A - Tartarus branding.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'Vadamee, stripped of his armor and branded with the [[Mark of Shame]] by [[Tartarus]]]] | ||
| Line 195: | Line 195: | ||
Thel, like most Sangheili, held an obsession with honor and tradition for most of his adult life. However, he was more flexible than his peers when it came to the tactics that he used, and in particular showed a keen interest in human weapons even before the Great Schism. His worldview changed greatly during the Great Schism. While once zealous and unquestioningly obedient to the Prophets' will, after learning of the true nature of the Halo rings, he became more open-minded and accepting of the humans, his former enemies. His experiences as Arbiter also made him more pragmatic than most Sangheili, being willing to accept help from the UNSC in fending off an assault on [[Vadam keep|his keep]]. He has shown to be true to his title "Arbiter", and sometimes tries to negotiate with his enemies, such as [[Yanme'e]] during the Battle of Earth. | Thel, like most Sangheili, held an obsession with honor and tradition for most of his adult life. However, he was more flexible than his peers when it came to the tactics that he used, and in particular showed a keen interest in human weapons even before the Great Schism. His worldview changed greatly during the Great Schism. While once zealous and unquestioningly obedient to the Prophets' will, after learning of the true nature of the Halo rings, he became more open-minded and accepting of the humans, his former enemies. His experiences as Arbiter also made him more pragmatic than most Sangheili, being willing to accept help from the UNSC in fending off an assault on [[Vadam keep|his keep]]. He has shown to be true to his title "Arbiter", and sometimes tries to negotiate with his enemies, such as [[Yanme'e]] during the Battle of Earth. | ||
As noted by [[Jameson Locke]], Thel was an incredibly brilliant commander, known for utilizing advanced tactics that made his fleet unstoppable. Among the Covenant, he was noted for being one of the youngest Sangheili to attain the ranks of both Shipmaster and Supreme Commander.<ref name="a2at12">'''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminal 12]]''</ref> During the war, 'Vadamee was known for his tendency to lead campaigns from the front lines. His unorthodox tactics in comparison to the Covenant at large quickly caught the eye of ONI; Lieutenant Commander Locke considered him the most dangerous asset the Covenant had due to his unpredictability and tactical flexibility.<ref name="a2at1"/> After the [[Fall of Reach]], 'Vadamee's influence within the Covenant fleet had grown so great [[Sesa 'Refumee]] suspected the Prophets may perceive him as a threat to their power even before learning of his appointment as Arbiter.<ref name="a2at13">'''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2 Anniversary|Terminal 13]]''</ref> | As noted by [[Jameson Locke]], Thel was an incredibly brilliant commander, known for utilizing advanced tactics that made his fleet unstoppable. Among the Covenant, he was noted for being one of the youngest Sangheili to attain the ranks of both Shipmaster and Supreme Commander.<ref name="a2at12">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 12]]''</ref> During the war, 'Vadamee was known for his tendency to lead campaigns from the front lines. His unorthodox tactics in comparison to the Covenant at large quickly caught the eye of ONI; Lieutenant Commander Locke considered him the most dangerous asset the Covenant had due to his unpredictability and tactical flexibility.<ref name="a2at1"/> After the [[Fall of Reach]], 'Vadamee's influence within the Covenant fleet had grown so great [[Sesa 'Refumee]] suspected the Prophets may perceive him as a threat to their power even before learning of his appointment as Arbiter.<ref name="a2at13">'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 13]]''</ref> | ||
[[File:H2A-Arbiter&Rtas-01.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Rtas 'Vadum and Thel 'Vadam during the raid on the Threshold gas mine]] | [[File:H2A-Arbiter&Rtas-01.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Rtas 'Vadum and Thel 'Vadam during the raid on the Threshold gas mine]] | ||
Thel also managed to inspire great loyalty in his subordinates. While [[Rtas 'Vadum]] initially lost his respect for Thel for the loss of Installation 04, Thel's subsequent actions at the gas mine and Installation 05 restored his respect for Thel 'Vadam, to the point Rtas spared Earth from a full [[glassing]] at Thel's urging. [[Jora 'Konaree]] thought of him like a cousin, and Sesa 'Refumee considered him to be the only individual that he would trust with [[343 Guilty Spark]]'s revelations, though Thel's appointment as Arbiter prevented any detailed conversations. Even so, however, he was able to comprehend the same message when it was told to him by the [[Gravemind]], [[John-117]], and [[343 Guilty Spark]]. | Thel also managed to inspire great loyalty in his subordinates. While [[Rtas 'Vadum]] initially lost his respect for Thel for the loss of Installation 04, Thel's subsequent actions at the gas mine and Installation 05 restored his respect for Thel 'Vadam, to the point Rtas spared Earth from a full [[glassing]] at Thel's urging. [[Jora 'Konaree]] thought of him like a cousin, and Sesa 'Refumee considered him to be the only individual that he would trust with [[343 Guilty Spark]]'s revelations, though Thel's appointment as Arbiter prevented any detailed conversations. Even so, however, he was able to comprehend the same message when it was told to him by the [[Gravemind]], [[John-117]], and [[343 Guilty Spark]]. | ||
| Line 216: | Line 216: | ||
The name Thel 'Vadam was established in the novel ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''. While the narrative does not explicitly connect the character with the Arbiter introduced in ''Halo 2'', his assignment to the Fleet of Particular Justice is referenced near the end of the novel. Much later, Halo Waypoint confirmed that Thel 'Vadamee was indeed the future Arbiter.{{Citation needed}} | The name Thel 'Vadam was established in the novel ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''. While the narrative does not explicitly connect the character with the Arbiter introduced in ''Halo 2'', his assignment to the Fleet of Particular Justice is referenced near the end of the novel. Much later, Halo Waypoint confirmed that Thel 'Vadamee was indeed the future Arbiter.{{Citation needed}} | ||
The Arbiter wears mandible guards in ''Halo 3'' despite lacking them in ''Halo 2'' and ''[[Halo 2 Anniversary]]''. ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' depicts 'Vadam in the likeness of ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Elites, most notably through the light tone and sparse texture of his skin. ''Halo 2 Anniversary'' ignores this overhaul, though he does wear his armor from the comic series in the "bookend" cutscenes—albeit with an open helmet with fixed mandible guards. ''Halo 5: Guardians''<nowiki>'</nowiki> depicts 'Vadam in the likeness of ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Elites like in ''Halo: Escalation'', though he continues to wear his armor from the ''Halo 2 Anniversary'' "bookend" cutscenes. This is due to resource management rather than a retcon.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/why-the-heck-are-thel-s-covenant-wearing-h4-armor/662e9ed3-828e-448b-bd79-d6cf2c9bab06/posts?page=1#post20 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''GrimBrother ONE on resources'']</ref> | The Arbiter wears mandible guards in ''Halo 3'' despite lacking them in ''Halo 2'' and ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' depicts 'Vadam in the likeness of ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Elites, most notably through the light tone and sparse texture of his skin. ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' ignores this overhaul, though he does wear his armor from the comic series in the "bookend" cutscenes—albeit with an open helmet with fixed mandible guards. ''Halo 5: Guardians''<nowiki>'</nowiki> depicts 'Vadam in the likeness of ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Elites like in ''Halo: Escalation'', though he continues to wear his armor from the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' "bookend" cutscenes. This is due to resource management rather than a retcon.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/why-the-heck-are-thel-s-covenant-wearing-h4-armor/662e9ed3-828e-448b-bd79-d6cf2c9bab06/posts?page=1#post20 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''GrimBrother ONE on resources'']</ref> | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
| Line 234: | Line 234: | ||
File:Thel 2558.png|Thel 'Vadam in [[2558]]. | File:Thel 2558.png|Thel 'Vadam in [[2558]]. | ||
File:ThelcalmsLydus.png|Lydus threatening to kill Vladimir Scruggs while Thel 'Vadam attempts to learn why Scruggs is holding Lord Hood hostage. | File:ThelcalmsLydus.png|Lydus threatening to kill Vladimir Scruggs while Thel 'Vadam attempts to learn why Scruggs is holding Lord Hood hostage. | ||
File:H2A Arby.jpg|An early image of Thel 'Vadam in ''Halo 2 Anniversary''. | File:H2A Arby.jpg|An early image of Thel 'Vadam in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''. | ||
File:Supreme Commander Thel 3D model.jpg|An early model of Thel in Supreme Commander armor in ''Halo 2 Anniversary''. | File:Supreme Commander Thel 3D model.jpg|An early model of Thel in Supreme Commander armor in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''. | ||
File:H2A-ArbiterThelVadam-Render.jpg|An early model of Thel in Arbiter armor in ''Halo 2 Anniversary''. | File:H2A-ArbiterThelVadam-Render.jpg|An early model of Thel in Arbiter armor in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''. | ||
File:H2A-ThelModel-Front.jpg|Model of Thel, used as the basis for all Sangheili models in ''Halo 2 Anniversary''. | File:H2A-ThelModel-Front.jpg|Model of Thel, used as the basis for all Sangheili models in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''. | ||
File:H2A-ThelModel-Face.jpg|Close up on the face of the ''Halo 2 Anniversary'' Thel model. | File:H2A-ThelModel-Face.jpg|Close up on the face of the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' Thel model. | ||
File:H2A-ThelModel-FullBody.jpg|Untextured full body model of Thel in ''Halo 2 Anniversary''. | File:H2A-ThelModel-FullBody.jpg|Untextured full body model of Thel in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''. | ||
File:H2A-Thel SC.jpg|Thel 'Vadam as a Supreme Commander. | File:H2A-Thel SC.jpg|Thel 'Vadam as a Supreme Commander. | ||
File:H2A - Thel before armor.jpg|'Vadamee about to receive the Arbiter's armor, with the Prophets nearby. | File:H2A - Thel before armor.jpg|'Vadamee about to receive the Arbiter's armor, with the Prophets nearby. | ||