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{{Era|Covenant|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
 
{{Unit infobox
{{Covenant Rank Infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Deacon
|name=Deacon
|image=
|image=[[File:HW deacon.jpg|300px]]
|species=[[Unggoy]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]]<ref name="ch3">''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'', Chapter 3</ref>
|weapons=[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|Plasma Pistol]]
|authority=[[Ministry of Tranquility]]{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
|equipment=[[Unggoy Combat Harness]]
|branch=
|vehicles=
|mission=Ministry representative{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
|missions=
|role=*Religious services{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
|role=*Religious services to [[Unggoy]]
*Spiritual leaders{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}
*Official representatives of [[Ministry of Tranquility]]
|size=
|notable=*[[Dadab]]
|armament=
*[[Pipit]]
|equipment=
|affiliation=[[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]
|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=
}}
}}
'''Deacon''' is a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] title. As the name suggests, a Deacon is used for religious reasons rather than combat. The rank of Deacon only exists within the [[Ministry of Tranquility]], and is the lowest rank available. 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 [[Forerunner]]s use in their machines.
{{Quote|I am here to serve, and in so doing honor the will of the Prophets.|Dadab{{Ref/Reuse|ch3}}}}
 
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}}
 
[[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}}
 
==Responsibilities==
{{Quote|I do not question. I serve. That is our fate.|Pipit{{Ref/Reuse|tcp29}}}}
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>


Deacon is the only title in the Ministry of Tranquility that is open to [[Unggoy]], likely making the rank the only governmental position that Unggoy can hold. Deacon is also one of the few jobs Unggoy can get that does not involve hard manual labor or military service. It is noted that Unggoy Deacons are quite rare due to the intelligence that the job requires - whether other races can also hold the title is uncertain. Unggoy Deacons command more respect than the rank and file Grunts, but are still held in low esteem; a Kig-Yar [[Shipmaster|Shipmistress]] named [[Chur'R-Yar]] was even tempted to order a Deacon named [[Dadab]] to be pushed out of an airlock, despite the Unggoy being an official Ministry representative, and only restrained herself from doing so due to the Unggoy's ability to communicate with the [[Huragok]] ''[[Lighter Than Some]]''. Unggoy Deacons do not command as much authority as even a [[Kig-yar Minor|Kig-Yar Minor]], and so it is unlikely that they minister to any of the other races.
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>


Another duty given to Unggoy Deacons is to ensure that the [[Kig-yar|Kig-Yar]] crews of the Ministry missionary ships obey Ministry laws and regulation. Given their low rank, the piratical nature of the Kig-Yar, and the contempt in which Kig-Yar hold Unggoy, this is a largely hopeless endeavor.
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}}


Appearance-wise, Unggoy Deacons wear the white [[Unggoy Combat Harness|armor]] of Grunt Ultras but are also garbed in a ceremonial tunic<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'''</ref>.
==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}}


== Known Deacons ==
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}}
*[[Dadab]]
*[[Pipit]]


==Trivia==
==Production notes==
*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 Deacons. However, there are presumed to be many more, due to Dadab mentioning the group that he had studied with to gain the title.
[[File:HW Deacon upgrade icon.jpg|thumb|250px|Deacon upgrade image from ''Halo Wars'']]
*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 "[[Covenant religion|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, which contradicts the prior rarity of Grunts 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).
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==
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' {{C|First mentioned}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
[[Category:Covenant titles]]
 
[[Category:Unggoy]]
{{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]

  • A Deacon in a full squad

    A Deacon in a full squad

  • HW deacon.jpg
  • HWdeaconcloseup.jpg

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

v • d • e
 
Unggoy ranks and titles
Infantry
Minor • Major • Ultra
Specialists
Other

Banished — Conscript • Mob • Prowling • Bloodfuel • Assault • Mule • Suicide • Heavy • Ultra • Bouncer • Jockey • Thrall-taskmaster • Commander • High Sumpter

Yapyap's rebellion — Cannon Fodder • Heavy • Rider • Jockey
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