Sali 'Nyon's Covenant

Sali 'Nyon's Covenant faction
Government overview
Type:	Religious cult
Founder(s):	Sali 'Nyon
Societal overview
Official language(s):	Sangheili language
Official script(s):	Forerunner glyph-based system
Historical overview
Formation:	July 2558
Dissolution:	July 20, 2558

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"Once the great fraud 'Mdama's sins are exposed, his own armies will rise against him and all will join as one."

— Sali 'Nyon after seceding from Jul 'Mdama's faction^[2]

This Covenant faction is a splinter group formed from members of Jul 'Mdama's reformed Covenant faction who believe Sali 'Nyon to be the true "Hand of the Didact".^[2]

History

Main article: Battle of Aktis IV

These Covenant became disillusioned with Jul 'Mdama after his destruction of Requiem, which they considered the holiest site, and his subsequent alliance with a human, Doctor Catherine Halsey. Zealot Sali 'Nyon started preaching that he was the true "Hand of the Didact", whereas 'Mdama was a false prophet due to his actions. 'Mdama had heard of 'Nyon's views, but he chose to dismiss the dissident as "a delusional pig possessed by demons". However 'Nyon managed to attract followers who in turn began recruiting others into their cause.^[2]

After arriving on Aktis IV, 'Mdama's forces discovered the circle of traitors and a fight ensued. Some of 'Nyon's followers were killed while others escaped, but a traitor was captured and brought before 'Mdama. Rather than ask for pardon, he chose to maintain his sect's views and accused 'Mdama of heresy. The latter executed him with his energy sword. Meanwhile, 'Nyon's group seceded from the rest of the Covenant forces. When the UNSC sent a Pelican and Broadsword to the surface of Aktis IV, the rogue faction, led by Sali 'Nyon himself, shot down the ships and scavenged them to retrieve the UNSC's piece of the Janus Key. This action prompted the rest of the Covenant to abandon 'Mdama's original plan and also attack the UNSC. Meanwhile, 'Mdama swore to humiliate and eliminate the traitors.^[2] While 'Mdama and his Promethean forces began to eliminate the traitors, 'Nyon broadcasted a message across Jul's entire fleet to incite them to join him in rebellion.^[3]

'Nyon later returned to his hideout in a jungle on the planet. Some followers began to grow disillusioned with 'Nyon and started to question the feasibility of continuing the rebellion. 'Nyon responded by reassuring his followers that the Forerunners had blessed them, citing his recovery of half of the Janus Key as proof. One Sangheili Minor in particular stated that the Prometheans' allegiance to Jul 'Mdama is evidence to the contrary, but 'Nyon insists that the answers to their questions would all be revealed in time. While 'Nyon left to help aid the wounded, the Minor betrayed 'Nyon and his followers, and stole their half of the Janus Key and departed on a Type-32 Ghost. The Minor contacted a Zealot serving under 'Mdama, and promised to provide the stolen Janus Key half and the faction's hideout. The Zealot reluctantly agreed and prepared to establish a rendezvous point.^[3]

Military Structure

Sali 'Nyons Covenant faction employs mainly Sangheili, in particular those of the Zealot rank, although lower ranks such as Minors have been seen.^[3]

Classes	Sangheili
Ranks and type classes
Standard ranks	Minor
Leaders	Zealot

Military Assets

The faction's Zealots are known to use Type-1 energy swords in combat.^[3] The group also has access to a number of Type-32 Ghosts and at least one Type-26 Wraith.^[3]