Covenant Honor Guard: Difference between revisions

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{{era|H2|H3|HW|FS|GOO|CH|HGN|UP|LE}}
{{era|H2|H3|HW|FS|GOO|CH|HGN|UP|LE}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Ratings}}
<center>''Were you also looking for [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman]], [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman]], [[Honor Guard Ultra]], [[Honor Guard Wraith]] or the [[Honor Guard Pike]]?''</center>
<center>''Were you also looking for [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman]], [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman]], [[Honor Guard Ultra]], [[Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage#Honor_Guard_Wraith|Honor Guard Wraith]] or the [[Energy stave|Honor Guard Pike]]?''</center>
{{Infobox Military Unit
{{Infobox Military Unit
|unit_name= Honor Guard of the Covenant
|unit_name= Honor Guard of the Covenant
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|dates=
|dates=
|country=
|country=
|allegiance= [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] and later the [[Covenant Loyalists]]
|allegiance= [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] and later the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant Loyalists]]
|branch=  
|branch=  
|type= Protection service
|type= Protection service
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|battles=*[[Battle of the Flood-controlled Shield World]]
|battles=*[[Battle of the Flood-controlled Shield World]]
*[[Battle of Installation 05]]
*[[Battle of Installation 05]]
*[[First Battle of High Charity]]
*[[Battle of High Charity|First Battle of High Charity]]
|decorations=
|decorations=
|battle_honors=
|battle_honors=
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==Background==
==Background==
===Role===
===Role===
The highly ornate armor of the Honor Guard, a red and orange combination of jutting spikes and designs indicates that the Guard is not only meant for combat, but is also a great position of pride and honor. They are the most skilled of warriors and are hand-picked for the duty of protecting the [[High Prophets]], as well as members of the [[High Council]], from any danger.
The highly ornate armor of the Honor Guard, a red and orange combination of jutting spikes and designs indicates that the Guard is not only meant for combat, but is also a great position of pride and honor. They are the most skilled of warriors and are hand-picked for the duty of protecting the [[Hierarchs|High Prophets]], as well as members of the [[High Council]], from any danger.


===Ranks===
===Ranks===
Although a great honor, it is seen by some Sangheili and [[Jiralhanae]] as a merely ceremonial duty and a way to silence those who perhaps see a little too clearly in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. It is unknown how an Honor Guard ranks in comparison to the normal chain of leadership, but it is assumed they are equivalent to an [[Sangheili Ultra]] or [[Jiralhanae Captain]], or slightly below the [[Arbiter]]/[[Chieftain]].
Although a great honor, it is seen by some Sangheili and [[Jiralhanae]] as a merely ceremonial duty and a way to silence those who perhaps see a little too clearly in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. It is unknown how an Honor Guard ranks in comparison to the normal chain of leadership, but it is assumed they are equivalent to an [[Sangheili Ultra]] or [[Jiralhanae Captain]], or slightly below the [[Arbiter]]/[[Chieftain]].


Wherever a [[High Prophet]] is located, an Honor Guardsman is always by their side. There could be as many as 300 Honor Guardsman for each Prophet, as a chamber within the [[Sanctum of the Hierarchs]] seems designed to hold 300 Honor Guards.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 339''</ref>
Wherever a [[Hierarchs|High Prophet]] is located, an Honor Guardsman is always by their side. There could be as many as 300 Honor Guardsman for each Prophet, as a chamber within the [[Sanctum of the Hierarchs]] seems designed to hold 300 Honor Guards.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 339''</ref>


It is known that both the Honor guard Sangheili and Jiralhanae are stronger than their average counterparts.
It is known that both the Honor guard Sangheili and Jiralhanae are stronger than their average counterparts.
Line 54: Line 54:
During the 30 years of the [[Human-Covenant War]], the Honor Guard didn't see much combat up until [[2552]], at the [[Battle of Installation 05]].
During the 30 years of the [[Human-Covenant War]], the Honor Guard didn't see much combat up until [[2552]], at the [[Battle of Installation 05]].


In [[2531]], the Honor Guard was present at the [[Battle of the Flood-controlled Shield World]], where they defended the [[Prophet of Regret]] in his attempt to reactivate a fleet of [[Forerunner]] ships in spite of the interference from the crew of the ''[[UNSC Spirit of Fire]]''. In the battle, the Honor Guard, alongside the [[Ripa 'Moramee|Arbiter]], fought the humans as they prepared to destroy the Shield World. They were easily defeated by the [[Spartan-II]] supersoldiers.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' ''cutscene [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlNHT57SbkA&feature=player_embedded "Monsters"]''</ref>
In [[2531]], the Honor Guard was present at the [[Battle of the Flood-controlled Shield World]], where they defended the [[Prophet of Regret]] in his attempt to reactivate a fleet of [[Forerunner]] ships in spite of the interference from the crew of the ''[[UNSC Spirit of Fire]]''. In the battle, the Honor Guard, alongside the [[Ripa 'Moramee|Arbiter]], fought the humans as they prepared to destroy the Shield World. They were easily defeated by the [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartan-II]] supersoldiers.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' ''cutscene [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlNHT57SbkA&feature=player_embedded "Monsters"]''</ref>


Between 2542 and 2552, the Honor Guard were charged with defending a [[Unidentified Prophet (The Babysitter)|Lesser Prophet]] on a [[Heian|Covenant-controlled planet]] that served as a major logistics base. Unfortunately for them, a team of [[ODST]]s infiltrated the planet and sniped the Prophet from a distance of two miles before the Honor Guard could intervene.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Babysitter]]''</ref>
Between 2542 and 2552, the Honor Guard were charged with defending a [[Unidentified Prophet (Heian)|Lesser Prophet]] on a [[Heian|Covenant-controlled planet]] that served as a major logistics base. Unfortunately for them, a team of [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODSTs]] infiltrated the planet and sniped the Prophet from a distance of two miles before the Honor Guard could intervene.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Babysitter]]''</ref>


On [[2552|October 20th, 2552]], Covenant [[Covenant Army|Ground]] and [[Covenant Navy|Naval]] forces invaded [[Earth]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Cairo Station (level)|Cairo Station]]''</ref> The [[High Prophet of Regret]] and his fleet came to Earth to find [[Installation 00|The Ark]],<ref>'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]'', ''page 95''</ref> a facility where they could fire all of the [[The Halo Array|Halo Installations]] and complete [[The Great Journey]]. Being pursued by [[United Nations Space Command]] forces, [[Regret]] and his [[Regret's Carrier|flagship]] escaped by going into [[slipspace]] in [[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Metropolis (level)|Metropolis]]''</ref>
On [[2552|October 20th, 2552]], Covenant [[Covenant Army|Ground]] and [[Covenant Navy|Naval]] forces invaded [[Earth]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Cairo Station (level)|Cairo Station]]''</ref> The [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]] and his fleet came to Earth to find [[Installation 00|The Ark]],<ref>'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]'', ''page 95''</ref> a facility where they could fire all of the [[Halo Array|Halo Installations]] and complete [[The Great Journey]]. Being pursued by [[United Nations Space Command]] forces, [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]] and his [[regret's assault carrier|flagship]] escaped by going into [[slipstream space|slipspace]] in [[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Metropolis]]''</ref>


When they arrived on [[Installation 05]], Regret and his [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] went to a temple in the middle of a lake near the [[Quarantine Zone]] of the [[Library]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Delta Halo (level)|Delta Halo]]''</ref>
When they arrived on [[Installation 05]], Regret and his [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] went to a temple in the middle of a lake near the [[Quarantine Zone]] of the [[Library]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Delta Halo (level)|Delta Halo]]''</ref>


Much to the Prophet's surprise, the [[Humans]] followed him to the ring world. There, forces led by [[Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] and [[Master Chief Petty Officer|MCPO]] [[John-117]] tried to capture or kill the [[Prophet of Regret]].
Much to the Prophet's surprise, the [[Human]]s followed him to the ring world. There, forces led by [[Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] and [[Master Chief Petty Officer|MCPO]] [[John-117]] tried to capture or kill the [[Prophet of Regret]].


And a few hours later, SPARTAN John-117 and a few [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] initiated an assault on the temple. The Sangheili Honor Guardsmen fought furiously to protect their Prophet from the SPARTAN, though they were overpowered this allowed for the Human to kill the Prophet of Regret.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campiagn level, ''[[Regret (level)|Regret]]''</ref> However, it is revealed later that the [[High Prophet of Truth]] refused to send Regret reinforcements, thus letting the Master Chief kill the Covenant Hierarch, and discrediting the Sangheili at the same time. By doing this, Truth killed two birds with one stone, he eliminated any struggle for power that Regret may spark within the [[Covenant]] and discredited the Sangheili simultaneously.
And a few hours later, SPARTAN John-117 and a few [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] initiated an assault on the temple. The Sangheili Honor Guardsmen fought furiously to protect their Prophet from the SPARTAN, though they were overpowered this allowed for the Human to kill the Prophet of Regret.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campiagn level, ''[[Regret (level)|Regret]]''</ref> However, it is revealed later that the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] refused to send Regret reinforcements, thus letting the Master Chief kill the Covenant Hierarch, and discrediting the Sangheili at the same time. By doing this, Truth killed two birds with one stone, he eliminated any struggle for power that Regret may spark within the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] and discredited the Sangheili simultaneously.


===Changing of the Guard===
===Changing of the Guard===
{{Main|Changing of the Guard}}
{{Main|Changing of the Guard}}
Due to their mistakes in allowing the killing of a High Prophet, the High Prophet of Truth and [[High Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]] ordered the Sangheili to step down as the protectors of the Prophets. And in their place, the Jiralhanae filled in the void left by the disgraced [[Sangheili]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Sacred Icon (level)|Sacred Icon]]''</ref>
Due to their mistakes in allowing the killing of a High Prophet, the High Prophet of Truth and [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]] ordered the Sangheili to step down as the protectors of the Prophets. And in their place, the Jiralhanae filled in the void left by the disgraced [[Sangheili]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Sacred Icon]]''</ref>


===The Great Schism===
===The Great Schism===
{{main|Great Schism}}
{{main|Great Schism}}
At the [[Battle of the Quarantine Zone]] in [[2552|November 2552]], [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Chieftain]] [[Tartarus]] retrieved the [[Index]] from the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]], and moments later sent him to his death which he survived.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]''</ref>
At the [[Battle of the Quarantine Zone]] in [[2552|November 2552]], [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae|Chieftain]] [[Tartarus]] retrieved the [[Activation Index|Index]] from the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]], and moments later sent him to his death which he survived.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Quarantine Zone (level)|Quarantine Zone]]''</ref>


This action, given to Tartarus by the High Prophets, started the short [[Covenant Civil War]],<ref name="gravemind"/> that would last until the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in [[2553|Spring 2553]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level, ''[[Halo (Halo 3 Level)|Epilogue]]''</ref>
This action, given to Tartarus by the High Prophets, started the short [[Great Schism|Covenant Civil War]],<ref name="gravemind"/> that would last until the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]] in [[2553|Spring 2553]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level, ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Epilogue]]''</ref>


During the [[First Battle of High Charity]], the [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman]] were put into more of an infantry role fighting the Covenant [[Covenant Separatists|Separatists]] still on the capital world and on ships in orbit.<ref name="gravemind"/>
During the [[Battle of High Charity|First Battle of High Charity]], the [[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman]] were put into more of an infantry role fighting the Covenant [[Covenant Separatists|Separatists]] still on the capital world and on ships in orbit.<ref name="gravemind"/>


===Death of Mercy and the Dreadnought===
===Death of Mercy and the Dreadnought===
Later during the battle on ''[[High Charity]]'', the Prophets of Truth and Mercy along with their personal [[Jiralhanae]] [[honor Guards]] fled towards a landing pad where they would leave on the [[Forerunner Dreadnought|Dreadnought]] in the middle of the city.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[High Charity (level)|High Charity]]''</ref>
Later during the battle on ''[[High Charity]]'', the Prophets of Truth and Mercy along with their personal [[Jiralhanae]] [[honor Guard]]s fled towards a landing pad where they would leave on the [[Forerunner Dreadnought|Dreadnought]] in the middle of the city.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[High Charity (level)|High Charity]]''</ref>


During this, the [[Flood]], led by the [[Gravemind]], begin their invasion of ''High Charity''. A lone [[Infection Form]] that slipped past the Jiralhanae, grasped onto Mercy's chest and began his assimilation into a [[Prophet Form]]. Truth, not wanting any potential threat to his ultimate supremacy, allowed the old Prophet to die.
During this, the [[The Flood|Flood]], led by the [[Gravemind]], begin their invasion of ''High Charity''. A lone [[Flood infection form|Infection Form]] that slipped past the Jiralhanae, grasped onto Mercy's chest and began his assimilation into a [[Proto-Gravemind|Prophet Form]]. Truth, not wanting any potential threat to his ultimate supremacy, allowed the old Prophet to die.


==Sources==
==Sources==
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*[[Jiralhanae]]
*[[Jiralhanae]]
**[[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman]]
**[[Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman]]
**[[Brute Bodyguard|Jiralhanae Bodyguard]]
**[[Jiralhanae Bodyguard]]
*[[Wraith]]
*[[Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]]
**[[Honor Guard Wraith]]
**[[Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage#Honor_Guard_Wraith|Honor Guard Wraith]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]
[[Category:Covenant Military Units]]
[[Category:Covenant Military Units]]

Revision as of 06:31, May 29, 2011

Template:Ratings

Were you also looking for Sangheili Honor Guardsman, Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman, Honor Guard Ultra, Honor Guard Wraith or the Honor Guard Pike?

Template:Infobox Military Unit

"Thou, in faith, will keep us safe,
Whilst we find the path.
"
Covenant Writ of Union

The Honor Guard is a special unit of Covenant tasked with providing security for the High Council, mainly consisting of Sangheili, though during the Great Schism, they were replaced by Jiralhanae.[1]

Background

Role

The highly ornate armor of the Honor Guard, a red and orange combination of jutting spikes and designs indicates that the Guard is not only meant for combat, but is also a great position of pride and honor. They are the most skilled of warriors and are hand-picked for the duty of protecting the High Prophets, as well as members of the High Council, from any danger.

Ranks

Although a great honor, it is seen by some Sangheili and Jiralhanae as a merely ceremonial duty and a way to silence those who perhaps see a little too clearly in the Human-Covenant War. It is unknown how an Honor Guard ranks in comparison to the normal chain of leadership, but it is assumed they are equivalent to an Sangheili Ultra or Jiralhanae Captain, or slightly below the Arbiter/Chieftain.

Wherever a High Prophet is located, an Honor Guardsman is always by their side. There could be as many as 300 Honor Guardsman for each Prophet, as a chamber within the Sanctum of the Hierarchs seems designed to hold 300 Honor Guards.[2]

It is known that both the Honor guard Sangheili and Jiralhanae are stronger than their average counterparts.

History

Before the Great War

After the Sangheili-San 'Shyuum War, the two sides formed the Covenant. The San 'Shyuum were to be the governmental leaders and scientists, with the Sangheili as their protectors and main soldiers [3] [4].

Human-Covenant War

Sangheili without ornamental armor.

During the 30 years of the Human-Covenant War, the Honor Guard didn't see much combat up until 2552, at the Battle of Installation 05.

In 2531, the Honor Guard was present at the Battle of the Flood-controlled Shield World, where they defended the Prophet of Regret in his attempt to reactivate a fleet of Forerunner ships in spite of the interference from the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire. In the battle, the Honor Guard, alongside the Arbiter, fought the humans as they prepared to destroy the Shield World. They were easily defeated by the Spartan-II supersoldiers.[5]

Between 2542 and 2552, the Honor Guard were charged with defending a Lesser Prophet on a Covenant-controlled planet that served as a major logistics base. Unfortunately for them, a team of ODSTs infiltrated the planet and sniped the Prophet from a distance of two miles before the Honor Guard could intervene.[6]

On October 20th, 2552, Covenant Ground and Naval forces invaded Earth.[7] The High Prophet of Regret and his fleet came to Earth to find The Ark,[8] a facility where they could fire all of the Halo Installations and complete The Great Journey. Being pursued by United Nations Space Command forces, Regret and his flagship escaped by going into slipspace in New Mombasa, Kenya.[9]

When they arrived on Installation 05, Regret and his Sangheili Honor Guardsmen went to a temple in the middle of a lake near the Quarantine Zone of the Library.[10]

Much to the Prophet's surprise, the Humans followed him to the ring world. There, forces led by Commander Miranda Keyes and MCPO John-117 tried to capture or kill the Prophet of Regret.

And a few hours later, SPARTAN John-117 and a few Marines initiated an assault on the temple. The Sangheili Honor Guardsmen fought furiously to protect their Prophet from the SPARTAN, though they were overpowered this allowed for the Human to kill the Prophet of Regret.[11] However, it is revealed later that the High Prophet of Truth refused to send Regret reinforcements, thus letting the Master Chief kill the Covenant Hierarch, and discrediting the Sangheili at the same time. By doing this, Truth killed two birds with one stone, he eliminated any struggle for power that Regret may spark within the Covenant and discredited the Sangheili simultaneously.

Changing of the Guard

Main article: Changing of the Guard

Due to their mistakes in allowing the killing of a High Prophet, the High Prophet of Truth and Mercy ordered the Sangheili to step down as the protectors of the Prophets. And in their place, the Jiralhanae filled in the void left by the disgraced Sangheili.[12]

The Great Schism

Main article: Great Schism

At the Battle of the Quarantine Zone in November 2552, Chieftain Tartarus retrieved the Index from the Arbiter, and moments later sent him to his death which he survived.[13]

This action, given to Tartarus by the High Prophets, started the short Covenant Civil War,[1] that would last until the end of the Human-Covenant War in Spring 2553.[14]

During the First Battle of High Charity, the Jiralhanae Honor Guardsman were put into more of an infantry role fighting the Covenant Separatists still on the capital world and on ships in orbit.[1]

Death of Mercy and the Dreadnought

Later during the battle on High Charity, the Prophets of Truth and Mercy along with their personal Jiralhanae honor Guards fled towards a landing pad where they would leave on the Dreadnought in the middle of the city.[15]

During this, the Flood, led by the Gravemind, begin their invasion of High Charity. A lone Infection Form that slipped past the Jiralhanae, grasped onto Mercy's chest and began his assimilation into a Prophet Form. Truth, not wanting any potential threat to his ultimate supremacy, allowed the old Prophet to die.

Sources

  1. ^ a b c Halo 2, campaign level, Gravemind
  2. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 339
  3. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 47
  4. ^ Halo 3, Bestiarum
  5. ^ Halo Wars cutscene "Monsters"
  6. ^ Halo Legends, The Babysitter
  7. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, Cairo Station
  8. ^ Halo Graphic Novel, Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa, page 95
  9. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, Metropolis
  10. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, Delta Halo
  11. ^ Halo 2, campiagn level, Regret
  12. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, Sacred Icon
  13. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, Quarantine Zone
  14. ^ Halo 3, campaign level, Epilogue
  15. ^ Halo 2, campaign level, High Charity

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