Hierarchs
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
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The Hierarchs, also known as High Prophets, ruled the entire Covenant, serving as the highest theocratic leaders in the High Council. Hierarchs rule with near absolute power over the Covenant, and the other races obey their will without question. The last three Hierarchs came to power in the beginning of the 9th Age of Reclamation in 2525.[1] The title of Hierarch was dissolved following the death of the High Prophet of Truth along with the dissolution of the Covenant on December 11, 2552.[2]
Powers and duties[edit]
The title of Hierarch had existed before the establishment of the Covenant, as early as 860 BCE.[3] By the time of the Covenant's formation, the Hierarchs were a triumvirate composed of three San'Shyuum that served as the highest authorities among the Covenant and held the most political and religious power.[1] The true duty of the Hierarchs was to help guide the Covenant toward the Great Journey.[4] The Hierarchs led the Covenant High Council. Hierarchs had complete control over the distribution of all Forerunner relics and technology—likely more so than the Ministry of Fortitude—and could distribute them however the Hierarch thought best benefited the Covenant.[5] If an individual failed a "holy mission" assigned to them by a Hierarch, dire consequences would result and execution may occur.[6] Among their powers are composition and reorganization of fleets within the Covenant naval branch, even without the approval of the High Council,[7] and appointing an Arbiter from among the Sangheili to serve as the "Will of the Prophets".[8] The Hierarchs also had the authority to create new Ministries within the Covenant, sometimes for the personal gain and ambition of one Hierarch.[9] The Hierarchs often issued edicts ex cathedra; these edicts may have comprised general declarations, though they typically contained executive orders. As they were extensions of the Hierarchs' will, these edicts could not be refuted.[10]
The Hierarchs typically remained in the Covenant holy city of High Charity, although they would occasionally embark to lead a battle. The Hierarchs often occupied the High Council Chamber to lead High Council sessions or hold court trials, along with the High Councilors of the Covenant. The Hierarchs could also assign duties and tasks to other members of the Covenant in the Hall of Sacred Guidance.[11] The Sanctum of the Hierarchs was the private quarters of the High Prophets that was only accessible to very high-ranking members of the Covenant.[12] The Palace of the Hierarchs was the private reception chamber used by the Hierarchs.[13]
The Hierarchs followed the Book of Hierarchs—an official ruling book.[14] Despite the Hierarchs' power and influence, they did not have right or power to stop the San'Shyuum that enforced the Roll of Celibates from completing their tasks.[15] A Hierarch assigning an important mission to individuals without informing the rest of the Hierarchs was considered a violation of Council protocol. However, the protocol was often violated. The High Prophet of Excellent Redolence tasked the Prophet of Inner Conviction with recovering a Luminary and female San'Shyuum on Janjur Qom without informing the rest of the Hierarchs.[11] The High Prophets of Truth and Regret often operated while keeping each other unaware of their separate, ambitious activities. Hierarchs could appoint other San'Shyuum to be their Secondary Administrator, essentially an assistant to the Hierarch.[13] Stewards would also serve as aids to Hierarchs.[16]
Each Hierarch was dressed in a loose-sleeved robe with different coloring. Hierarchs donned golden headdresses that displayed a blue holographic Halo installation on their forehead.[14] Hierarchs sat upon a gravity throne, luxurious anti-gravity chairs with gold, collar-like plating and were equipped with energy shielding.[17] The Hierarchs were always protected by the Covenant Honor Guard, with the Hierarch's personal guards always prepared to kill anything that attempted to harm the Hierarch. The Honor Guardsmen would also kill any individual that held an unholstered weapon in the presence of a Hierarch.[18] However, the Sangheili with the title of Arbiter seemingly were an exception to the law, as seen with Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee when he activated two Type-1 energy swords in front of a Hierarch.[19] The Hierarchs' gravity thrones were outfitted with a powerful gravity cannon that a Hierarch could use to annihilate any possible threat.[14][20]
Decrees and edicts[edit]
The following is a list of the known formal decrees and formal edicts made by the Hierarchs.
- "I must tell you that High Charity now has a new Ministry,"
- — Qurlom relaying a decree from the High Prophet of Excellent Redolence
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- "It is known the Kig-Yar ship Pitiless has brought forth an Unclean Being's corpse. Hear now, all Kig-Yar vessels are to be searched. Let faithful Sangheili lead teams of Unggoy to all Kig-Yar ships and seek further evidence of the Unclean. It is done."
- — High Prophet of Restraint
- "Hear now that 500 teams are to be formed to study the language of the Unclean. Each team to consist of the most clever and most educated Unggoy and Sangheili. These teams to speak only the Unclean language among themselves. The Unclean language to be taught to all military strike teams, that the foe shall be vulnerable."
- — High Prophet of Tolerance
- "All within the Covenant, hear now and obey. Weapons and ships of war to descend upon the inhabited world of Epsilon Indi. Strike with all force. No intelligent survivors may remain, upon severest penalty."
- — High Prophet of Truth
- "Hear now the infamy in Chi Ceti system. Du