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{{Era|CH|TCP|TF|HW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Unit infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Deacon
|image=[[File:HW deacon.jpg|300px]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]]<ref name="ch3">''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', Chapter 3</ref>
|authority=[[Ministry of Tranquility]]{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
|branch=
|mission=Ministry representative{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
|role=*Religious services{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
*Spiritual leaders{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
|size=
|armament=
|equipment=
|notable=*[[Dadab]]{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
*[[Pipap]]<ref name="h5">''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', "[[Warzone]]"</ref>
*[[Pipit]]<ref name="tcp29">''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'', Chapter 29</ref>
*[[Yapyap]]<ref name="HoG">[[Halo Waypoint]]: [https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/haze-of-glory ''Haze of Glory'']</ref>
|othernames=
}}
{{Quote|I am here to serve, and in so doing honor the will of the Prophets.|Dadab{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}}}


'''Deacon''' is a [[Covenant]] title. As the name suggests, a Deacon is used for religious reasons rather than combat. A Deacon is sent to help reinforce the spirituality of ships in which not much is present. They are taught in the religion of the Covenant and work to increase faith in others. Deacons are also learned in the "Sacred Glyphs" that the [[Forerunners]] use in their machines. Deacons command more respect than the rank and file Grunts, but are still held in low esteem. They still do not command as much authority as even a minor Jackal and so it is unlikely that they minister to any of the other races. They look like Grunt Ultras but wear what appears to be uniform or dress<ref>Halo Wars</ref>. A Kig-Yar [[Ship Master|shipmistress]], named Chur'R-Yar, was tempted to lose a Deacon named [[Dadab]] "out of an airlock", if not for his ability to communicate with the [[Huragok]] ''[[Lighter Than Some]]''.
A '''Deacon''' was a low-level office of the [[Covenant]] [[Covenant religion|religion]] and the lowest rank within the empire's ministries, though the only office obtainable by the [[Unggoy]]. Organized under the [[Ministry of Tranquility]], Deacons typically served as the ministry's representative on expeditionary ships, ensuring all crew members followed the Covenant's writs and laws.{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}


== Known Deacons ==
[[Yayep the Archdeacon of Indolence|Yayep]], an Unggoy renowned for his strategic acumen, held the title of "Archdeacon of Indolence". [[Yapyap]] was allegedly a "sub-sub-sub Deacon" in the [[Ministry of Sanitation]].{{Ref/Reuse|HoG}}
*[[Dadab]]
*[[Pipit]]


==Trivia==
==Responsibilities==
*Deacons are mentioned in ''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' , ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' and ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''. The [[Unggoy]] [[Dadab]] and [[Pipit]] are the only known named Deacon's. However, there are presumed to be many more, due to Dadab mentioning the group that he had studied with to gain the title.
{{Quote|I do not question. I serve. That is our fate.|Pipit{{Ref/Reuse|tcp29}}}}
*It is added that a Grunt becoming a Deacon is very rare, presumably due to a Grunt's low intelligence and sometimes insincere belief in the "[[Great Journey]]". Therefore, it is odd that Deacons are included in [[Halo Wars]] as upgrades for Grunt squads. They "inspire" the other Grunts, resulting in the lance inflicting higher damage. However, because there is one per lance, it contradicts the prior rarity of Grunts becoming Deacons, meaning that it is more than likely that this is just to enhance gameplay and is regarded as non-canon.
The office of Deacon was the lowest rank within the [[Covenant]]'s ministries, but it was the only position open to [[Unggoy]] and one of the few occupations an Unggoy could obtain that did not involve hard manual labor or [[Covenant military|military]] service. Deacons were expected to understand the Covenant's [[Holy Writs]] and help explain these laws to other members of the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}} A Deacon was expected to be familiar with every sin, and to have full knowledge of the punishment for every transgression.<ref name="ch12>''Halo: Contact Harvest'', Chapter 12</ref> Deacons also familiarized themselves with the "luminations" depicted by [[Luminary|luminaries]], as well as their meanings.<ref name="ch14">''Halo: Contact Harvest'', Chapter 14</ref>
 
A Deacon was attached to most expeditionary elements of the [[Ministry of Tranquility]],{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}} often to ensure [[Kig-Yar]] crew remained in line,<ref>''Halo: The Cole Protocol'', Chapter 22</ref> and it was the responsibility of the Deacon to ensure that all Covenant members followed the applicable Writs as they carried out their orders,{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}} as well as provide sermons for the crew.<ref name="ch6">''Halo: Contact Harvest'', Chapter 6</ref> However, as the Unggoy garnered little respect within the empire, most Covenant members displayed insolence towards Deacons and ignored their authority. In fact, many Unggoy that held this office had met with "unfortunate accidents" for opposing irreverent members of the Covenant. When a Ministry of Tranquility vessel discovered an unidentified installation or ship, it was the Deacon's duty to supervise the search, or offer a blessing at the very least, for potential [[Forerunner]] artifacts.{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}} These Unggoy dressed in orange tunics, emblazoned with a yellow, circular symbol.<ref>''Halo: Contact Harvest'', Chapter 22</ref>
 
Deacons also served as spiritual leaders for Unggoy, though this was considered a lofty goal and difficult to obtain.{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}} Deacons were able to sponsor pilgrimages to High Charity.<ref name="ch18">''Halo: Contact Harvest'', Chapter 18</ref> Deacons would occasionally serve as translators and intermediaries for [[Huragok]] as well,{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}<ref name="pl floats">''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', [[Phoenix Log]] –  "Floats Low But Steady"</ref> as the role of translator was considered beneath [[Sangheili]] for the training took away time from their training and time on the battlefield.{{Ref/Reuse|pl floats}}
 
==Selection and training==
Most Unggoy were not considered qualified for Deaconship, and those that were selected for the office were only chosen due to their intelligence and ability to understand the [[Covenant]]'s [[Holy Writs]]. Those Unggoy selected for Deaconship went through an educational course and training voyages at the [[Ministry of Tranquility]]'s seminary.{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}} Deacons in training were educated by [[San'Shyuum]] priests at these seminaries.{{Ref/Reuse|ch14}} Candidates for Deaconship shared a dormitory, a crowded warren of low-lit cells deep in the base of the ministry's tower in [[High Charity]].{{Ref/Reuse|ch18}}
 
A Deacon's first posting was often the rather undesirable duty of religious representation on [[missionary ship]]s, though excellent performance sometimes guaranteed a good promotion later.{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
 
==Production notes==
[[File:HW Deacon upgrade icon.jpg|thumb|250px|Deacon upgrade image from ''Halo Wars'']]
In Christian churches, a [[Wikipedia:Deacon|deacon]] is a member of the diaconate, an office that is often associated with religious services of some kind. In some churches, a deacon is a member of the clergy, while in others the deacon is a mere layman.
 
===Gameplay===
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', Deacons are available as the final upgrade for an Unggoy. They further bolster and strengthen the abilities of the Unggoy squads. Interestingly, they wear elongated helmets reminiscent of their Sangheili counterparts. They "inspire" the other Unggoy, resulting in the lance inflicting higher damage. However, because there is one per lance, which contradicts the prior rarity of Unggoy becoming Deacons, it is more than likely that this is just to enhance gameplay and is regarded as non-canon (similar to the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]] depicted in the game possessing [[energy shielding|energy shields]], despite the fact that [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|Mark IV MJOLNIR armor]] does not have energy shields).<ref>''[[Halo Wars]]''</ref>
 
Deacon [[Pipap]] serves as a boss in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''' [[Warzone]] gamemode, appearing on the maps "[[Attack on Sanctum]]" and "[[Raid on Apex 7]]". As a "[[Unggoy jockey|jockey]]", Pipap pilots a {{Pattern|Pnap|Goblin}}.{{Ref/Reuse|h5}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HWgruntdeaconfullsquad.jpg|A Deacon in a full squad
File:HW deacon.jpg
File:HWdeaconcloseup.jpg
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' {{Mo}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
[[Category:Ranks]]
 
[[Category:The Covenant]]
{{Unggoy Ranks}}
 
[[Category:Unggoy culture]]

Latest revision as of 15:56, September 10, 2023

Deacon
HW deacon.jpg

Function:

Ministry representative[1]

Affiliation:

Covenant[1]

Ministry:

Ministry of Tranquility[1]

Other role(s):

  • Religious services[1]
  • Spiritual leaders[1]

Notable individuals:

 

"I am here to serve, and in so doing honor the will of the Prophets."
— Dadab[1]

A Deacon was a low-level office of the Covenant religion and the lowest rank within the empire's ministries, though the only office obtainable by the Unggoy. Organized under the Ministry of Tranquility, Deacons typically served as the ministry's representative on expeditionary ships, ensuring all crew members followed the Covenant's writs and laws.[1]

Yayep, an Unggoy renowned for his strategic acumen, held the title of "Archdeacon of Indolence". Yapyap was allegedly a "sub-sub-sub Deacon" in the Ministry of Sanitation.[4]

Responsibilities[edit]

"I do not question. I serve. That is our fate."
— Pipit[3]

The office of Deacon was the lowest rank within the Covenant's ministries, but it was the only position open to Unggoy and one of the few occupations an Unggoy could obtain that did not involve hard manual labor or military service. Deacons were expected to understand the Covenant's Holy Writs and help explain these laws to other members of the Covenant.[1] A Deacon was expected to be familiar with every sin, and to have full knowledge of the punishment for every transgression.[5] Deacons also familiarized themselves with the "luminations" depicted by luminaries, as well as their meanings.[6]

A Deacon was attached to most expeditionary elements of the Ministry of Tranquility,[1] often to ensure Kig-Yar crew remained in line,[7] and it was the responsibility of the Deacon to ensure that all Covenant members followed the applicable Writs as they carried out their orders,[1] as well as provide sermons for the crew.[8] However, as the Unggoy garnered little respect within the empire, most Covenant members displayed insolence towards Deacons and ignored their authority. In fact, many Unggoy that held this office had met with "unfortunate accidents" for opposing irreverent members of the Covenant. When a Ministry of Tranquility vessel discovered an unidentified installation or ship, it was the Deacon's duty to supervise the search, or offer a blessing at the very least, for potential Forerunner artifacts.[1] These Unggoy dressed in orange tunics, emblazoned with a yellow, circular symbol.[9]

Deacons also served as spiritual leaders for Unggoy, though this was considered a lofty goal and difficult to obtain.[1] Deacons were able to sponsor pilgrimages to High Charity.[10] Deacons would occasionally serve as translators and intermediaries for Huragok as well,[1][11] as the role of translator was considered beneath Sangheili for the training took away time from their training and time on the battlefield.[11]

Selection and training[edit]

Most Unggoy were not considered qualified for Deaconship, and those that were selected for the office were only chosen due to their intelligence and ability to understand the Covenant's Holy Writs. Those Unggoy selected for Deaconship went through an educational course and training voyages at the Ministry of Tranquility's seminary.[1] Deacons in training were educated by San'Shyuum priests at these seminaries.[6] Candidates for Deaconship shared a dormitory, a crowded warren of low-lit cells deep in the base of the ministry's tower in High Charity.[10]

A Deacon's first posting was often the rather undesirable duty of religious representation on missionary ships, though excellent performance sometimes guaranteed a good promotion later.[1]

Production notes[edit]

Deacon upgrade image from Halo Wars

In Christian churches, a deacon is a member of the diaconate, an office that is often associated with religious services of some kind. In some churches, a deacon is a member of the clergy, while in others the deacon is a mere layman.

Gameplay[edit]

In Halo Wars, Deacons are available as the final upgrade for an Unggoy. They further bolster and strengthen the abilities of the Unggoy squads. Interestingly, they wear elongated helmets reminiscent of their Sangheili counterparts. They "inspire" the other Unggoy, resulting in the lance inflicting higher damage. However, because there is one per lance, which contradicts the prior rarity of Unggoy becoming Deacons, it is more than likely that this is just to enhance gameplay and is regarded as non-canon (similar to the Spartan-IIs depicted in the game possessing energy shields, despite the fact that Mark IV MJOLNIR armor does not have energy shields).[12]

Deacon Pipap serves as a boss in Halo 5: Guardians' Warzone gamemode, appearing on the maps "Attack on Sanctum" and "Raid on Apex 7". As a "jockey", Pipap pilots a Pnap-pattern Goblin.[2]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Halo: Contact Harvest, Chapter 3
  2. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, "Warzone"
  3. ^ a b Halo: The Cole Protocol, Chapter 29
  4. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: Haze of Glory
  5. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, Chapter 12
  6. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, Chapter 14
  7. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, Chapter 22
  8. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, Chapter 6
  9. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, Chapter 22
  10. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, Chapter 18
  11. ^ a b Halo Wars 2, Phoenix Log – "Floats Low But Steady"
  12. ^ Halo Wars