: Your guys' points make sense, but I always saw 'The Arbiter' as a mantle you
: wore till death. Thel would indeed have restored it to its former glory
: with the events of Halo 3 and then would have continued using it as symbol
: and rallying cry for Sangheilli honor, now free from the Prophet's
: influence.

: But even is he has left the title and role, the Arbiter armor was one of my
: favorite designs of all of Bungie's, so I'm still very sad it's being left
: behind.

: The armor's introduction had been a defining moment for Thel, it represented
: the forging of his character. Without it, he doesn't feel like the same
: Thel to me.

Fair point. Wearing the armor until you die is kind of what the Arbiter is all about- suicidal mission and all. However, I can also see shedding the armor as a symbol of breaking free of tradition and ushering in a new era for all of the Covenant races. Thel's just progressive that way.

For the record, I love the original Arbiter armor as well. Thel is my favorite Halo character and I don't feel like the post-war Halo material has done his character any justice.