Faber-of-Will-and-Might (Earth-4001)

"The Flood cover more of our galaxy with each passing day. They feast on the essence of life itself. The only way to stop their advance is to remove that life upon which they feast."

- Faber discussing the necessity of the Halo Array with the Librarian.

Faber-of-Will-and-Might (often shortened to Faber), most commonly known by his title as the Master Builder, was an immensely powerful but exceedingly corrupt Forerunner Builder. A ruthless and cunning figure, he commissioned the construction of the Halo Array and was the Ur-Didact's political arch-enemy for many millennia due to the latter's adamant opposition to the Halos. This conflict eventually culminated in Faber's takeover of the Old Council and the Didact's exile.

History
The history of the Master Builder Faber is the same as his mainstream counterpart.

Personality
Despite his high standing in Forerunner society, Faber displayed arrogance and cruelty wholly at odds with the Forerunner ideals of peace and enlightenment. He held utter contempt for less-advanced species, as well as lower-ranking Forerunners. He also was not above using torture against those who crossed him. Regardless of his cruelty, Faber was exceptionally powerful in many ways; in addition to his political power, he was noted as being an individual of "near-infinite complexity and mental resources," equally cunning to the Didact, and possessed immense knowledge of Forerunner politics and technology.

However, Faber's behavior in his final hours stood as a stark contrast to his previous callousness. With the Ur-Didact gone mad and the IsoDidact struggling to maintain authority, he successfully united the bickering Forerunner commanders at the greater Ark. Choosing to die with his Halo as atonement for his sins, Faber's "uncharacteristic display of courage and humility" in the face of death impressed even the IsoDidact. His final prayer to the Mantle before firing Omega Halo also suggests that he retained some belief in that ideal.

Faber dedicated considerable attention to his personal appearance, making use of perfumes and maintaining an attitude of superiority in all encounters.

Trivia

 * "Faber" (the root of the word "fabricate") is Latin for "artisan" or "smith", echoing his role as the Master Builder.