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Halo Wars Game Guide: Arbiter

Background details

Age
Unknown
Height
8′1″
Weight
Unknown
Hair color
None
Eye color
Orange

The Arbiter is a force to be reckoned with. After serving time in a maximum-security Covenant prison for crimes against the Covenant, he became the Prophet’s choice to lead the battle against the human race and was anointed “Arbiter”. He has killed people who serve under him for failing their tasks or bringing ill news, and he has no compunction about sending troops to their deaths if he thinks it will lead to a gain. Though extremely effective, this military savageness is what led him to jail.

The Arbiter’s temper is also something of legend, and in mad fits of rage, he can summon strength and speed like no other. However, this rage is directed at enemy and ally alike, and there are several accountis of him being the lone survivor in skirmishes and that he murdered everyone while enraged.

The Arbiter was previously an Elite who was incarcerated in a super-max prison for undisclosed crimes against the Covenent. His anointment as Arbiter has displeased many amongst the Covenent, and his methods and strategies have come under scrutiny and criticism.

Privilege

For him, there had never been peace, not a moment without rage. His life had been hard and difficult, and his path always murky and dark. Regret stared down at him in the cell. The plasma grid holding him back was the only light in the room, but he sat, unbeaten but purposeless.

“Have you lost your war? Does the path not illuminate your life with purpose and joy? Ripa ‘Moramee, answer me. Your very life depends on these next few seconds.”

‘Moramee looked up; his thoughts were not of his own life but of how easily he could end this noisemaker that disturbed his penace. He focused on the Prophet, standing up and straining against the roof of the cell.

“I do not believe the Journey includes one such as I. I will be left here to rot like garbage.”

Regret backed away a little, not because he was fearful but because he wanted to take in the Elite as he stood. His hulking figure was large and imposing.

“The Journey calls for one such as you.”

Regret moved back in closer to ‘Moramee, their faces inches apart. In the shadows behind Regret, the Honor Guards grew nervous, and their weapons rustled.

“We have need for a leader; one both cunning and savage enough to defeat a great threat to those on the path.”

‘Moramee thought for a second. “I have served before, and this has been my reward. Nothing has changed.”

Regret laughed. “Ripa ‘Moramee, you act as if you have a choice in the matter! Your fate is already decided. Your name, it is gone, expunged from the records of this facility. Rise up. I name you ‘Arbiter’.”

The Honor Guards muttered and whispered. They had no knowledge of this plan.

Regret shouted, “Silence! I need not explain what the Journey demands! Now what say you, Arbiter?”

The Arbiter moved his stance. “I live only to serve, Holy One. What task awaits your Arbiter?”

The Day Before

Regret looked out over the world rolling before him. His plans, his dreams, and his secrets were all tied to this place. This world had been found many years earlier but lay dormant and still, its treasures locked in place and unreachable with Covenant technology. But now the need for a fleet to battle the humans and find a way to unlock the world had taken precedence over all other tasks, even the search for the rings …

“This world, is it secure from the infection?”

“Yes, Hierarch, the interior is sealed. The surface outside, though, is another matter, and the Flood are nothing if not persistent.” The Arbiter bowed his head slightly toward the Prophet as he talked, but he watched him carefully, like prey. His armor had been fitted properly, but it still did not feel comfortable. The prison he had been sentenced to before being anointed to Arbiter had not been kind to his body, and the armor was sharp and unforgiving.

“The treasures here and the bounty they will bring are part of a larger plan. We must not waiver.”

The Prophet watched for a moment, his hand clawing at the control panel in front of him, the controls snarled reddish and faded as his hand swept over them. He quickly moved away, not wanting the Arbiter to question the limit of his knowledge. “And what of your search for the key?”

“Hierarch, we scour tirelessly. Just today I have heard word that the human planet we set ablaze has a temple hidden under the ice. I have dis –”

“You have not deemed such a find important enough for your own eyes to see? Do you fear the humans? Do you tremble at the very thought of battle with them?

“No, Hierarch, it did not seem necess –”

“Not necessary? NOT NECESSARY?! You bask in the glow of the ancients and yet you do not understand where and what you are! You are the Arbiter. Go to the temple; bring me my key. Do our bidding!”

The Arbiter clenched his fists and reached down for his weapon but pulled back. “I will leave at once.”

Notes

The Sangheili in the Halo Wars game appear different in physique from the ones in the previous games: they are much bulkier with ridiculously tiny waists, as though they have been abusing steroids! (See this image at Halopedia.) Maybe that’s why Ripa is so angry :-).

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