Sangheili (5e Halo Setting)

Sangheili

Physical Description

[Source]

Sangheili are bipeds and bear a superficial resemblance to humans from a distance, an illusion shattered upon closer inspection. In addition to standing between 7'4 and 9'6 in a fully upright position, their head is more reptilian than humanoid with a quadruple-hinged mandibled mouth which opens at the bottom and lacks a visible tongue, hence the "split chin" and "squid face" nicknames given to them by humans. The central jaw contains around eight to ten teeth, although it has been noted that they can have more feral-like teeth as well as fangs at the tip of each mandible. The torso of sangheili are similar to the those of a human, although the chest and abdomen are much wider, almost twice that of a well-muscled human. Sangheili also appear to have a double set of pectoral muscles and a more muscular back. Their shoulders are nearly identical in structure to human shoulders, only longer in length and thicker. Their hands have four digits, two fingers and two opposable thumbs, which allow them to use most equipment designed for humans.

The feet of sangheili are digitigrade, which allows them to jump greater distances and run much faster than the human norm. Their toe configuration resembles the cloven hooves of various terran mammals; although sangheili wear a soled boot, the overall shape of the "hooves" are still visible. While it is a common misconception that the knees of the sangheili, as well as the knees of other well known bipedal animals such as dinosaurs "bend backward" as opposed to forward, this is not an anatomically correct description. In fact, the configuration of the legs and feet of such creatures are essentially identical to that of humans, except that the toes play the role of the whole foot, and the so-called "backwards knee" actually corresponds to the heel and ankle joint in a human foot.

History

The sangheili homeland, the continent of Sanghelios, had at one point been visited by or had been in contact with the mysterious race, the Forerunners. They revered the objects these "gods" had left, and considered tampering with them a heresy beyond any other. In 938 BCE they encountered the san'shyuum, a race that also worshiped the Forerunners as gods, but had utilized Forerunner technology for their own needs, believing that the technology had been left behind by the gods as gifts for their children. This sparked a war between the two races over how to treat the relics. Even though the sangheili were much more physically imposing and numerous, they suffered extreme casualties due to the sheer power of the Forerunner dreadnought, and by 876 BCE even the most devout had to admit that their survival depended on the reconstitution of their own Forerunner technologies. This, of course, led both sides to an agreement that ended with the decommissioning of the Forerunner dreadnought and a shaky alliance that eventually expanded into the Covenant. Being one of the few races in the Covenant to achieve space-faring status without outside intervention, the sangheili interaction with the san'shyuum was initially strained due to memories of the recent war. However, the two sides later formed a prosperous relationship, eventually laying the foundation for the modern Covenant hegemony.

Society

Sangheili culture is centered on the honor of a warrior. Respect and admiration is shown for honorable fighters, whether they are allies of the sangheili or not. Most sangheili leaders are revered veterans, while medicine within traditional sangeheili culture is effectively outlawed due to being seen as a disservice to both the wounder and wounded. As few cultures share this sense of honor, they consider most other species to be inferior to them, both culturally and in fighting skill.

Sangheili government appears to be a feudal meritocracy, and is partially democratic, as elders of different clans rule different areas through a single elected Kaidon. Trial by combat is a well-respected tradition within sangheili society, even in the decision of being named Kaidon. In order to facilitate the creation of strong warriors with a lineage of honor, the sangheili have strict reproductive laws. In ancient times, there existed the seat of Arbiter, the unified ruler of all sangehili clans, though under the Covenant the role of Arbiter plays a much different role.

Within the Covenant, the sangheili were the right hand of the prophets, leading most military units, having the highest number of shipmasters, and being the only other species to have meaningful seats on the High Council. During the War of Beginnings, Arbiter Fal 'Chavamee refused the Covenant religion, transforming the role into both the highest mark of honor and shame. In times of great need, when a high-ranking sangheili loses their honor, it is tradition to name them Arbiter instead of executing them, sending them on suicide mission after suicide mission in order to resolve the need that created them.

Sangheili Names

The sangheili place great value in their names, and it is considered both a privilege and an honor for only those proved worthy.

Male: Xakan 'Ravum, Jopo 'Zolcam, Khuza 'Tevumai, Syre 'Luromai, Thova 'Chama, Los 'Tetanai, Jyra 'Lunamee, Rore 'Sanamee, Lava 'Mulkam, Juto 'Kolcam

Female: Tula 'Chakam, Gaie 'Movamee, Foha 'Varomai, Lexe 'Tevam, Hopa 'Nrafum, Zane 'Zafamai, Hama 'Sulkam, Khaxi 'Wafum, Zoya 'Tegum, Numo 'Vurom, Yoka ‘Rofamei

Sangheili Traits

The proud warriors of Sanghelios
Ability Score Increase. Each of your ability scores increase by 1.
Age. Sangheili come of age in their mid 20's. The sangheili have an average lifespan of about 160 years and can live as long as 200 years.
Alignment. Sangheili do not tend towards good or evil, but almost uniformly tend towards lawful.
Size. Sangheili vary in height, from 7'4" feet to 9 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 45 feet.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Warrior Culture. You are proficient in all Covenant weapons and armor.
Elite Caste. The highest your ability scores can be raised to by an Ability Score Improvement is increased to 22.
Languages. You can speak, read and write Sangheili.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
7′ 10''	+2d12	350 lb.	× (1d6) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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