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*[[High Charity]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22pg192}}
*[[High Charity]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22pg192}}
|anthem=
|anthem=
|language=[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]{{Ref/Site|Id=wp cov|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Factions|Page=Covenant|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant.html}}
|language=[[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]<ref name="wp cov">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Covenant'']</ref>
|script=Syllabary and logograms
|script=Syllabary and logograms
|religion=[[Covenant religion]]
|religion=[[Covenant religion]]
|techlevel=
|techlevel=[[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 2: Interstellar|Tier 2]]
|notable=[[History of the Covenant]]
|notable=[[History of the Covenant]]
|formed=[[852 BCE]]: [[Ages of Reconciliation|First Age of Reconciliation]]<ref name="Ency1">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 30''</ref>
|formed=[[852 BCE]]: [[Ages of Reconciliation|First Age of Reconciliation]]<ref name="Ency1">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 30''</ref>
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:::::::''The Seventh Age: Journey and Salvation.''|Maccabeus and the Jiralhanae of the ''Rapid Conversion''.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''' ''page 196-197''</ref>}}
:::::::''The Seventh Age: Journey and Salvation.''|Maccabeus and the Jiralhanae of the ''Rapid Conversion''.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''' ''page 196-197''</ref>}}


===Founding===
The Covenant created its own means of connoting time, comprised of "Ages." The Covenant's history is broken up into multiple occurrences of [[seven]] types of Age, each representing the predominant theme that occurred during those periods of time. These ages do not necessarily follow one another in order, nor are they equal in quantity. As an example, there were significantly more Ages of Conflict and Doubt than Reclamation. Each Age is further broken into what is called [[cycle]]s. A cycle is the Covenant version of a day and it represents one artificial day on [[High Charity]]. A cycle contains approximately 265 [[unit]]s, which if translated into human time is roughly one hour of time on Earth.<ref name="ency31">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 31''</ref>{{clear}}
[[File:HM WarOfBeginnings.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Desecration of Ulgethon]].]]
 
===Foundation===
{{Main|War of Beginnings}}
{{Main|War of Beginnings}}
[[File:HM-HighCharityBC.png|300px|thumb|The construction of ''High Charity''.]]
At some point before the San'Shyuum encountered the Sangheili, the [[Huragok]] were found by the San'Shyuum in various [[M-series facility|M-series facilities]].<ref name="best">'''Halo 3''', ''[[Bestiarum]]''</ref> In [[938 BCE]],{{Ref/Reuse|Ency1}} the San'Shyuum [[Reformists]], aboard the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] and the planetoid that would come to be known as High Charity, entered a Sangheili-occupied system that led to first contact between the two alien species. The San'Shyuum, who came to Sanghelios in order to claim and study the rich abundance of Forerunner artifacts left behind,<ref name="Ency114">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 114''</ref> soon found themselves sharing different ideologies of how such relics should be treated, which quickly devolved into conflict between the San'Shyuum and the Sangheili.
At some point before the San'Shyuum encountered the Sangheili, the [[Huragok]] were found by the San'Shyuum in various [[M-series facility|M-series facilities]].<ref name="best">'''Halo 3''', ''[[Bestiarum]]''</ref> In [[938 BCE]],{{Ref/Reuse|Ency1}} the San'Shyuum [[Reformists]], aboard the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] and the planetoid that would come to be known as High Charity, entered a Sangheili-occupied system that led to first contact between the two alien species. The San'Shyuum, who came to Sanghelios in order to claim and study the rich abundance of Forerunner artifacts left behind,<ref name="Ency114">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 114''</ref> soon found themselves sharing different ideologies of how such relics should be treated, which quickly devolved into conflict between the San'Shyuum and the Sangheili.


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With a proud tradition as warriors, the Sangheili held great respect for a worthy adversary, and after their surrender, the San'Shyuum sought a burgeoning Covenant of the two races. In 852 BCE a tentative truce was worked out between the two species through the Sangheili leader, [[Pelahsar the Strident]], and the San'Shyuum [[Breaking Shadow]]. The two agreed to forgive the past crimes of their species and began efforts towards an alliance.<ref>'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 39''</ref> This eventually came about with the signing of the [[Writ of Union]], a treaty that ended the conflict and brought about peace between the two factions.{{Ref/Reuse|Ency1}}
With a proud tradition as warriors, the Sangheili held great respect for a worthy adversary, and after their surrender, the San'Shyuum sought a burgeoning Covenant of the two races. In 852 BCE a tentative truce was worked out between the two species through the Sangheili leader, [[Pelahsar the Strident]], and the San'Shyuum [[Breaking Shadow]]. The two agreed to forgive the past crimes of their species and began efforts towards an alliance.<ref>'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 39''</ref> This eventually came about with the signing of the [[Writ of Union]], a treaty that ended the conflict and brought about peace between the two factions.{{Ref/Reuse|Ency1}}
[[File:HM-HighCharityBC.png|left|250px|thumb|The construction of ''High Charity''.]]
===Early history===
The conclusion of the conflict marked the [[Ages of Reconciliation|First Age of Reconciliation]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=bc15|BC|Chapter=15}} During this Age and in the year [[851 BCE]],{{Ref/Novel|Id=bc1|BC|Chapter=1}} a rebellion would break out led by [[Ussa 'Xellus]] known as the [[Rending]].{{Ref/Reuse|bc15}}{{Ref/Book|Id=enc22pg192|Enc22|Page=192}} As well, ''High Charity'' would begin construction this year.{{Ref/Reuse|bc1}} At this time, much of the Covenant's civil and military infrastructure was not formalized, though enough was in place to allow the first truly colloborative project between the founding species to complete; the multi-role {{Pattern|Useumru|voidpiercer}}.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFEklund|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-eklunds-ensemble|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Eklund's Ensemble|D=20|M=07|Y=2022}} One of the newly formed fleets of the Covenant{{Ref/Reuse|enc22pg192}} would make use of the ''Useumru'' during the attack on the [[Ussans]] at [[The Refuge]].{{Ref/Novel|BC|Book cover}} As part of the aftermath of the formation of the Covenant, a version of the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] had formed to help end the last opposition to the Writ of Union.{{Ref/Site|Id=hwp sangheili|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/swords-of-sanghelios|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Factions|Page=Swords of Sanghelios|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/swords-of-sanghelios.html}}
''High Charity'' would finish construction roughly 60 years later in [[791 BCE]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=226}} The First Age of Reconciliation would end at some point after this and be followed by the [[Ages of Discovery|First Age of Discovery]].{{Ref/Reuse|bc15}}
In [[784 BCE]], the [[Lekgolo]] were encountered by the Covenant on [[Rentus]], a [[natural satellite]] of the Lekgolo homeworld of [[Te]].<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/catalog-interaction/4c3e1c6f-6519-4ee0-83a4-4bac13bf07a3/posts?page=74#post732 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2988575)]</ref> Upon the discovery that many of the Lekgolo worm colonies had literally devoured Forerunner artifacts and installations, [[Taming of the Lekgolo|a large-scale military conflict]] began. The Lekgolo initially proved difficult to defeat because of their ability to combine into the powerful [[Mgalekgolo]], however due in part to their superior spaceship technology, the Covenant were able to ally with the useful Lekgolo and the species was indoctrinated into the hegemony.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 114''</ref>{{Ref/Novel|CH|Chapter=16}}
The early ages of the Covenant were defined by several civil wars as the polity took shape through slaughter and submission. This included the [[Ages of Conflict|Third Age of Conflict]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=265}}
{{clear}}


===Contact and conversion===
===Contact and conversion===
In the year [[1112]], the Covenant discovered the [[Yanme'e]], an insectoid race with an interplanetary civilization. First contact was violent as both sides took heavy casualties. However, it was the Covenant who fared worse in these battles. Ultimately, the San'Shyuum discovered a way to communicate with the Yanme'e, and subsequently incorporated them into the Covenant by way of a treaty.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''pages 148-149''</ref>
{{Quote|Most of those we encountered in our search were compelled to join our Union. To take part in a movement that promised freedom for allegiance, salvation for service!|The [[Prophet of Regret]]<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]]''</ref>}}
 
[[File:H2A Terminals - First Hunters.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Arbiter [[Jeht 'Lcmutee]] faces the [[Mgalekgolo]] during the [[Taming of the Lekgolo]], prior to their successful incorporation into the Covenant.]]
[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy join Covenant.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Unggoy join the Covenant.]]
The conclusion of the conflict marked the First Age of Reconciliation, followed by the First Age of Discovery, and later the First Age of Conversion. These periods were exemplified by the Covenant's expansion throughout the galaxy. In [[784 BCE]], the [[Lekgolo]] were encountered by the Covenant on [[Rentus]], a [[natural satellite]] of the Lekgolo homeworld of [[Te]].<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/catalog-interaction/4c3e1c6f-6519-4ee0-83a4-4bac13bf07a3/posts?page=74#post732 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'' (post 2988575)]</ref> Upon the discovery that many of the Lekgolo worm colonies had literally devoured Forerunner artifacts and installations, [[Taming of the Lekgolo|a large-scale military conflict]] began. The Lekgolo initially proved difficult to defeat because of their ability to combine into the powerful [[Mgalekgolo]], however due in part to their superior spaceship technology the Covenant was able to ally with the useful Lekgolo and the species was indoctrinated into the hegemony.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 114''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 269-271''</ref> In the year [[1112]], the Covenant discovered the [[Yanme'e]], an insectoid race with an interplanetary civilization. First contact was violent as both sides took heavy casualties. However, it was the Covenant who fared worse in these battles. Ultimately, the San'Shyuum discovered a way to communicate with the Yanme'e, and subsequently incorporated them into the Covenant by way of a treaty.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''pages 148-149''</ref>
In [[1342]], the Covenant arrived in the [[Y'Deio system]] and encountered the [[Kig-Yar]]. Both Kig-Yar [[piracy|pirate]]s and [[Eayn]]'s military joined forces in an attempt to fend off the Covenant military juggernaut. The war between the Covenant and Kig-Yar forces culminated in sieges of redoubts on the [[asteroid]]s surrounding their world,<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 155''</ref> however the asteroids proved to be beneficial to the Kig-Yar. It was difficult for the larger Covenant ships to maneuver through Y'Deio's abnormally dense asteroid belt, while Kig-Yar forces could use the asteroids for hiding.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 157''</ref> Eventually, peace was reached between the Kig-Yar and Covenant. The Kig-Yar joined the Covenant, essentially as mercenaries, and earned commissions from the [[Ministry of Tranquility]] to engage in the services of the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 121''</ref>  
 
The [[Unggoy]] were easily inducted into the Covenant as a labourer race in [[2142]].{{Ref/Book|Id=EncC4|Enc|Section=Chapter Four: The Covenant - The History of the Covenant|Page=115 (2009 edition); 121 (2011 edition)}}{{Ref/Game|H3|Part=Halo 3 Limited Edition|PartText=Limited Edition|Bestiarum}}{{Ref/Book|Id=EncC1|Enc|Section=Chapter One: Timeline, Galactic Rebirth and the Covenant - Human Expansion and Colonization|Page=32}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H2AT10|H2A|Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals|Detail=Covenant Record: Unggoy Rebellion}} Around 10 years later in [[2152]],{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P245|Enc22|Page=245}} the Arbiter [[Fal 'Chavamee]] would defy the Covenant and it's religion, resulting in the title of Arbiter becoming negative.{{Ref/Film|Id=Duel|HLeg|Episode=The Duel}}
 
Centuries prior to 2560, the Covenant encountered and [[Extermination of Karava|exterminated]] a sentient species on [[Karava]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=289}} In between the Ages of Conversion and Ages of Doubt, members of the Covenant grappled with internecine conflict.{{Ref/Reuse|ency31}}
 
===Later years===
In [[2462]], the [[Unggoy Rebellion]] began after the [[Ministry of Concert]] refused to punish Kig-Yar [[shipmaster]]s that were rendering Unggoy populations infertile as petty revenge for the displacement of Kig-Yar nests. The Unggoy proved to be vicious, determined and competent fighters and an Arbiter was ultimately needed to quell the rebellion. This Arbiter ordered the glassing of [[Balaho]], and in response the rebellion ended before much damage could be done, leaving the planet's surface intact for the most part. The Sangheili integrated the Unggoy into formerly Sangheili-only units and armed them with Covenant weaponry.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 150-152''</ref>  


The [[Jiralhanae]] were fighting a civil war on [[Doisac|their homeworld]] when they were discovered in [[2492]]. While some gladly joined the Covenant, others were unwilling at first. Nonetheless, they were quickly defeated and absorbed into the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 115''</ref> One of the more pro-Covenant factions was led by [[Maccabeus]], whose zeal and devotion led him to be the first Jiralhanae to captain a [[Rapid Conversion|Covenant ship]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=254}}
[[File:H2A Terminals - Unggoy join Covenant.jpg|thumb|250px|Unggoy join the Covenant.]]
In [[1342]], the Covenant arrived in the [[Y'Deio system]] and encountered the [[Kig-Yar]]. Both Kig-Yar [[piracy|pirate]]s and [[Eayn]]'s militia joined forces in an attempt to fend off the Covenant military juggernaut. The war between the Covenant and Kig-Yar forces culminated in sieges of redoubts on the [[asteroid]]s surrounding their world,<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 155''</ref> however the asteroids proved to be beneficial to the Kig-Yar. It was difficult for the larger Covenant ships to maneuver through Y'Deio's abnormally dense asteroid belt, while Kig-Yar forces could use the asteroids for hiding.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 157''</ref> Eventually, peace was reached between the Kig-Yar and Covenant. The Kig-Yar joined the Covenant, essentially as mercenaries, and earned commissions from the [[Ministry of Tranquility]] to engage in the services of the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 121''</ref> The [[Unggoy]] were easily inducted into the Covenant as a labourer race in [[2142]]. In [[2462]], the [[Unggoy Rebellion]] began after the [[Ministry of Concert]] refused to punish Kig-Yar [[shipmaster]]s that were rendering Unggoy populations infertile as petty revenge for the displacement of Kig-Yar nests. The Unggoy proved to be vicious, determined and competent fighters and an Arbiter was ultimately needed to quell the rebellion. This Arbiter ordered the glassing of [[Balaho]], and in response the rebellion ended before much damage could be done, leaving the planet's surface intact for the most part. The Sangheili integrated the Unggoy into formerly Sangheili-only units and armed them with Covenant weaponry.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 150-152''</ref> The [[Jiralhanae]] were fighting a civil war on [[Doisac|their homeworld]] when they were discovered in [[2492]]. While some gladly joined the Covenant, others were unwilling at first. Nonetheless, they were quickly defeated and absorbed into the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 115''</ref> In between the Ages of Conversion and Ages of Doubt, members of the Covenant grappled with internecine conflict.{{Ref/Reuse|ency31}}


===War of Annihilation===
===War with humanity===
{{Main|Human-Covenant War}}
{{Main|Human-Covenant War}}
{{Quote|Your destruction is the will of the Gods... and we are their instrument.|The Covenant's first transmission to humanity, after the [[glassing]] of [[Harvest]].<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 96-98''</ref>}}
{{Quote|Your destruction is the will of the Gods... and we are their instrument.|The Covenant's first transmission to humanity, after the [[glassing]] of [[Harvest]].<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 96-98''</ref>}}
[[File:HW Trailer Battle.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Covenant [[Harvest campaign|engage]] humanity at [[Harvest]].]]
[[File:HR EliteExecution Concept.png|left|thumb|250px|A battle between Sangheili and Spartans.]]
During the 23rd Age of Doubt, the Covenant [[First Battle of Harvest|encountered]] humanity for the first time on the planet [[Harvest]]. While many within the Covenant's leadership felt that this new race would make a welcome addition to the hegemony, the newly-appointed [[Hierarchs]] of the Covenant—[[Prophet of Truth|Truth]], [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]], and [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]]—had other plans. The Hierarchs were aware of humanity's status as the Forerunners' chosen inheritors, and knew that revealing this information to the Covenant would lead to the Covenant falling into chaos.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 275''</ref> Greater than the cultural significance of the invalidation of the Great Journey, the leading San'Shyuum knew the truth about the Forerunners would lead to the loss of their personal power.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 385''</ref> As a result, spurred on by a violent incident following the first human-Covenant contact, the Hierarchs declared humanity an affront to the gods and demanded that their entire species was to be exterminated. This decision would spark a war that ultimately would crumble the very foundation of the Covenant's religious and political alliances.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''' ''page 143''</ref>  
During the 23rd Age of Doubt, the Covenant [[First Battle of Harvest|encountered]] humanity for the first time on the planet [[Harvest]]. While many within the Covenant's leadership felt that this new race would make a welcome addition to the hegemony, the newly-appointed [[Hierarchs]] of the Covenant—[[Prophet of Truth|Truth]], [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]], and [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]]—had other plans. The Hierarchs were aware of humanity's status as the Forerunners' chosen inheritors, and knew that revealing this information to the Covenant would lead to the Covenant falling into chaos.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 275''</ref> Greater than the cultural significance of the invalidation of the Great Journey, the leading San'Shyuum knew the truth about the Forerunners would lead to the loss of their personal power.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 385''</ref> As a result, spurred on by a violent incident following the first human-Covenant contact, the Hierarchs declared humanity an affront to the gods and demanded that their entire species was to be exterminated. This decision would spark a war that ultimately would crumble the very foundation of the Covenant's religious and political alliances.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''' ''page 143''</ref>  


Early in the war, a growing faction of Elites who disagreed with the Prophets were formed. This group took control of a Forerunner facility near the remnants of a massive space installation and were thought to have in their possession a key to activate Forerunner technology. The Arbiter of the time, [[Ripa 'Moramee]], would put an end to the faction but did not retrieve the key.{{Ref/Generic|[[Halo Wars Timeline Events]]|Excerpt from The Punished Deeds, Vol. III}}
[[File:Origins ii Human-CovenantWar.jpg|thumb|250px|An invading Covenant fleet prepares its assault of a human colony.]]
The Covenant began a genocidal campaign against humanity, seeking out their worlds one by one and wiping them clean of all life. If the colony was especially important, they would scorch the planet's entire surface and mark it with a glyph of their religion, in a process known as [[glassing]]. The [[United Nations Space Command]] was able to slow the Covenant's progress through the [[Cole Protocol]], and by launching major offensive strikes at key military locations, as such with [[Operation: TORPEDO]], albeit with great sacrifices. With the execution of the Cole Protocol, the UNSC also managed to prevent the Covenant from locating the human homeworld, Earth, and other important [[Inner Colonies]] for over twenty years.


At some point prior to [[2531]], heretical uprisings took place on several [[Covenant worlds]] in response to ''High Charity''{{'}}s demands for new tithes. These would be put down in part by [[Avitus]].{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=254}}
After decades of struggle, some Sangheili within the Covenant began to question why humanity was not offered a chance to join the Covenant as other races had.<ref name="convo">'''Halo 2''', ''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''</ref> Despite their losses, humanity proved a determined and brave enemy. They were especially troubled by their soldiers called [[Spartan]]s, who were more than a match for them in battles and often killed thousands of Covenant by themselves.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 349''</ref> While these idle heresies did not halt the Covenant's military progress, doubt began to surface as to the wisdom of the Prophets' ultimate goals; a doubt that was carefully observed by the spies of the Hierarchs.{{Ref/Reuse|convo}} Notably, a major break-off faction known as the [[Banished]] was created by [[Jiralhanae Stalker]] [[Atriox]] as a result of his disgruntlement with the Prophets' rule, and proceeded to persistently raid Covenant supplies for years while the Human-Covenant War raged on.<ref>'''Halo Wars 2''', campaign level ''[[A New Enemy]]''</ref>


After decades of struggle, some Sangheili within the Covenant began to question why humanity was not offered a chance to join the Covenant as other races had.<ref name="convo">'''Halo 2''', ''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''</ref> Despite their losses, humanity proved a determined and brave enemy. They were especially troubled by their soldiers called [[Spartan]]s, who were more than a match for them in battles and often killed thousands of Covenant by themselves.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 349''</ref> While these idle heresies did not halt the Covenant's military progress, doubt began to surface as to the wisdom of the Prophets' ultimate goals; a doubt that was carefully observed by the spies of the Hierarchs.{{Ref/Reuse|convo}}
After the massive, one month-long battle with heavy casualties for both sides, the Covenant delivered a serious blow to the UNSC as they suffered crippling military losses in a campaign known as the [[Fall of Reach]], and also, the [[Battle of Tribute]].<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 320'' (2001 edition)</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''', ''Dutch's biography''</ref> After the UNSC stronghold [[Reach]] fell to the Covenant, they made a discovery of tremendous significance: a single UNSC vessel, the [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|''Pillar of Autumn'']], had made a supposedly blind jump away from the battle, inadvertently leading the [[Fleet of Particular Justice|pursuing Covenant fleet]] to the location of [[Installation 04|one]] of the seven Halo rings.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref> The Covenant's celebration following the discovery of this prized relic was short-lived, however, as after landing on the ring Covenant soldiers accidentally released the dormant [[Flood]]. A small group of UNSC forces—among them the fearsome, enigmatic soldier known to Covenant forces as "[[John-117|the Demon]]"—managed to destroy the ring by detonating the ''Pillar of Autumn'''s [[fusion drive|fusion engines]].<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Maw]]''</ref> [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee, the [[Supreme Commander]] of the fleet present at Halo, was branded a heretic for his failure to save the ring,<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref> although he was subsequently appointed an [[Arbiter]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter]]''</ref>
[[File:H2A - Autumn.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The UNSC ''Pillar of Autumn'' flees as Reach is orbitally bombarded.]]


Another major break-off faction known as the [[Banished]] was created by [[Jiralhanae Stalker]] [[Atriox]] as a result of his disgruntlement with the Prophets' rule, and proceeded to persistently raid Covenant supplies for years while the Human-Covenant War raged on.{{Ref/Level|HW2|[[A New Enemy]]}}
Shortly after the destruction of the first Halo ring, the High Prophet of Regret accidentally stumbled upon the human homeworld, [[Earth]], while looking for evidence of Forerunner artifacts. Ill-equipped for a full-scale invasion, Regret managed to launch a brief assault on the [[Africa]]n city of [[New Mombasa]] before [[Solemn Penance|his assault carrier]] escaped by making an in-atmosphere slipspace jump. Whether blind or intentional, this jump led the Prophet of Regret and the pursuing UNSC frigate [[UNSC In Amber Clad|''In Amber Clad'']] to a [[Installation 05|second Halo ring]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Delta Halo]]''</ref> A [[Battle of Installation 05|brief military conflict]] between UNSC and Covenant forces ensued, during which time Regret met his end at the hands of the Demon. The ring itself was nearly activated, but was stopped by UNSC forces.<ref name="h2journey">'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>
[[File:H2A Screenshot ParticularJustice Autumn.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Fleet of Particular Justice along with the ''Pillar of Autumn'' at Installation 04.]]
After the UNSC stronghold [[Reach]] fell to the Covenant in [[2552]], they made a discovery of tremendous significance: a single UNSC vessel, the [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|''Pillar of Autumn'']], had made a supposedly blind jump away from the battle, inadvertently leading the [[Fleet of Particular Justice|pursuing Covenant fleet]] to the location of [[Installation 04|one]] of the seven Halo rings.{{Ref/Level|CE|[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]}} The Covenant's celebration following the discovery of this prized relic was short-lived, however, as a small group of UNSC forces—among them the fearsome, enigmatic soldier known to Covenant forces as "[[John-117|the Demon]]"—managed to destroy the ring by detonating the ''Pillar of Autumn''{{'}}s [[fusion drive|fusion engines]].{{Ref/Level|CE|[[The Maw]]}} [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee, the [[Supreme Commander]] of the fleet present at Halo, was branded a heretic for his failure to save the ring,{{Ref/Level|H2|[[The Heretic]]}} although he was subsequently appointed an [[Arbiter]].{{Ref/Level|H2|[[The Arbiter]]}}


Shortly after the destruction of the first Halo ring, the High Prophet of Regret accidentally stumbled upon the human homeworld, [[Earth]]. Ill-equipped for a full-scale invasion, Regret managed to escape by making an in-atmosphere slipspace jump. This jump led the Prophet of Regret and the pursuing UNSC frigate [[UNSC In Amber Clad|''In Amber Clad'']] to a [[Installation 05|second Halo ring]].{{Ref/Level|H2|[[Delta Halo]]}} A [[Battle of Installation 05|brief military conflict]] between UNSC and Covenant forces ensued, during which time Regret met his end at the hands of the Demon. The ring itself was nearly activated, but was stopped by UNSC forces.{{Ref/Level|Id=h2journey|H2|[[The Great Journey]]}}
During the events on the second Halo, the two remaining Hierarchs used the Sangheili's failure to safeguard Regret as an opportunity to replace the Sangheili with Jiralhanae as their protectors and military leaders. The two Prophets had doubts about the Sangheili's loyalty to the Covenant cause, and used the opportunity to ensure that there would be no future dissidence in the Covenant. However, this move greatly angered the Sangheili, who threatened to resign from the High Council.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon]]''</ref>
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


===Schism and disintegration===
===Civil war===
[[File:Schism 2.png|thumb|250px|Covenant Sangheili and Jiralhanae battle each other upon the onset of the Great Schism.]]
[[File:Schism 2.png|thumb|250px|Covenant Sangheili and Jiralhanae battle each other upon the onset of the Great Schism.]]
{{Main|Great Schism|Battle of Kenya|Battle of Installation 00}}
{{Main|Great Schism}}
During the events on the second Halo, the two remaining Hierarchs used the Sangheili's failure to safeguard Regret as an opportunity to [[Changing of the Guard|replace the Sangheili with Jiralhanae as their protectors and military leaders]]. The two Prophets had doubts about the Sangheili's loyalty to the Covenant cause, and used the opportunity to ensure that there would be no future dissidence in the Covenant. However, this move greatly angered the Sangheili, who threatened to resign from the High Council.{{Ref/Level|H2|[[Sacred Icon]]}}
Following the death of the Prophet of Regret, the Prophet of Truth gave the Jiralhanae command over the Covenant's fleets. Once there were enough Jiralhanae in positions of power, Truth secretly ordered them to purge the Sangheili from the Covenant. The [[Sangheili Councilor]]s, who had been summoned to the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room]] of Installation 05 to witness the commencement of the Great Journey, were either assassinated or imprisoned by Tartarus and his Jiralhanae. The rest of the Sangheili revolted, enlisting the help of some of the Mgalekgolo and Unggoy.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref> While Truth had orchestrated to remove the Sangheili from power with the more easily manipulated Jiralhanae, the Prophet underestimated the speed with which his former protectors would recover from this initial attack.  


The Prophet of Truth would continue his replacement efforts and gave the Jiralhanae command over several Covenant fleets.{{Ref/Generic|[[Halo Wars Timeline Events]]|Edict of the Office of the High Prophet of Truth}} Once there were enough Jiralhanae in positions of power, Truth secretly ordered them to purge the Sangheili from the Covenant. The [[Sangheili Councilor]]s, who had been summoned to the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room]] of Installation 05 to witness the commencement of the Great Journey, were either assassinated or imprisoned by Tartarus and his Jiralhanae. The rest of the Sangheili revolted, enlisting the help of some of the Mgalekgolo and Unggoy.{{Ref/Level|H2|[[Uprising]]}}
A massive battle ensued within High Charity and the surrounding space, beginning a civil war known as the Great Schism. While High Charity was consumed by internal conflict, another crisis struck that sealed the doom of the Covenant's holy city. The Flood-controlled UNSC frigate [[UNSC In Amber Clad|''In Amber Clad'']] made an unexpected slipspace jump inside the dome and crashed into one of the towers, initiating a full-scale infestation of the city. The Prophet of Mercy was killed during the Flood attack, with Truth leaving him to die while he made his own escape. The holy city and its millions of inhabitants were completely overrun by the infestation, becoming a massive [[Flood hive]]. The loss of High Charity, the Covenant's united homeworld and capital, came at the worst possible moment in their campaign against humanity, crippling their already exhausted and now divided forces.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref>


A massive battle ensued within High Charity and the surrounding space, beginning a civil war known as the Great Schism and the [[Ages of Retribution|First Age of Retribution]]. While High Charity was consumed by internal conflict, the Flood-controlled UNSC frigate [[UNSC In Amber Clad|''In Amber Clad'']] made an unexpected slipspace jump inside the dome and crashed into one of the towers, initiating a full-scale infestation of the city. The Prophet of Mercy was killed during the Flood attack, with Truth leaving him to die while he made his own escape. The holy city and its millions of inhabitants were completely overrun by the infestation, becoming a massive [[Flood hive]].{{Ref/Level|H2|[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]}}
[[File:H3 Cortana Concept 6.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Covenant government and capital falls to the Flood.]]
Truth escaped in the Forerunner Dreadnought, then used to provide power to High Charity. However, [[John-117|SPARTAN-117]], the infamous Demon, managed to fight his way aboard the Dreadnought right before it took off. While the Covenant fleet orbiting the holy city began to do battle with each other, the Dreadnought managed to enter slipspace and retreated to Earth.{{Ref/Reuse|h2journey}} Secretly, during the launch of the Dreadnought, [[Prelate]] [[Dhas Bhasvod]] successfully undertook to launch [[San'Shyuum flotilla|a flotilla]] containing many of the surviving [[San'Shyuum]].{{Ref/Reuse|DW}} Using the launch of ''Anodyne Spirit'' as a cover, a course was to the [[shield world]] [[Cloister]], although it is unknown if they ever reached it or not.{{Ref/Novel|Id=DW|DW}}  


Truth escaped in the Forerunner Dreadnought, then used to provide power to High Charity. However, [[John-117|SPARTAN-117]], the infamous Demon, managed to fight his way aboard the Dreadnought right before it took off. While the Covenant fleet orbiting the holy city began to do battle with each other, the Dreadnought managed to enter slipspace and retreated to Earth.{{Ref/Reuse|h2journey}} Using the launch of ''Anodyne Spirit'' as a cover, [[Prelate]] [[Dhas Bhasvod]] successfully launched [[San'Shyuum flotilla|a flotilla]] containing many of the surviving [[San'Shyuum]] to the [[shield world]] [[Cloister]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=DW|DW}}
These losses, among another factors, helped to form a tentative alliance with the Sangheili and humanity. The Arbiter Thel 'Vadam had discovered the truth about the Halo rings, and with the help of several of ''In Amber Clad's'' human crew members managed to prevent the second ring from firing and defeat the Jiralhanae forces defending it.{{Ref/Reuse|h2journey}} While [[Joyous Exultation Covenant|one group]] had [[Onyx Conflict|initial conflicts]] over the Forerunner world of [[Onyx]],<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 378''</ref> the [[Fleet of Retribution|Sangheili]] under the command of Rtas 'Vadum joined with the UNSC in order to mutually defeat the Jiralhanae, Truth, and the Flood. This alliance was initially uneasy, but the two species gradually learned to cooperate as their reliance in battle increased.
 
{{clear}}
These losses, among other factors, helped to form a tentative alliance with the Sangheili and humanity. The Arbiter Thel 'Vadam had discovered the truth about the Halo rings, and with the help of several of ''In Amber Clad's'' human crew members managed to prevent the second ring from firing and defeat the Jiralhanae forces defending it.{{Ref/Reuse|h2journey}} While [[Joyous Exultation Covenant|one group]] had [[Onyx Conflict|initial conflicts]] over the Forerunner world of [[Onyx]],<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 378''</ref> the [[Fleet of Retribution|Sangheili]] under the command of Rtas 'Vadum joined with the UNSC in order to mutually defeat the Jiralhanae, Truth, and the Flood. This alliance was initially uneasy, but the two species gradually learned to cooperate as their reliance in battle increased.


Despite the loss of High Charity, the Prophet of Truth and his loyal Jiralhanae-led returned to war wracked Earth and the newly uncovered [[Portal at Voi]] to [[Installation 00|the Ark]].{{Ref/Level|H3|[[Tsavo highway (location)|Tsavo Highway]]}} Despite the UNSC's attempts to stop him, Truth successfully activated the portal and the Dreadnought retreated through, accompanied by the remaining loyalist fleet.{{Ref/Level|H3|[[The Storm]]}} The UNSC and their defected Sangheili allies followed Truth's fleet through the portal to the Ark, intent on stopping Truth from activating the Halo Array.{{Ref/Level|H3|[[Floodgate]]}}
===Final push===
{{Main|Battle of Kenya|Battle of Installation 00}}
[[File:H3 CitadelBattle.jpg|thumb|250px|Humanity, allied with the seceding Sangheili, finish off the Covenant.]]
Despite the loss of High Charity, the Prophet of Truth and his loyal Jiralhanae-led forces continued their pursuit of the Great Journey. They concentrated all of their available forces on Earth, near the former site of [[New Mombasa]], [[Kenya]], in order to claim the Forerunner artifact that the Prophet of Regret was originally looking for: the [[Portal at Voi]] to [[Installation 00|the Ark]]. Truth arrived in his Dreadnought and landed in the middle of the portal that his ships had uncovered, preparing for the moment of ascension to the next step.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Tsavo highway (location)|Tsavo Highway]]''</ref> While the UNSC managed to inflict casualties upon Truth's fleet and the Covenant forces on the ground, it was not long until the UNSC forces on Earth were almost completely exhausted. Despite the UNSC's attempts to stop him, Truth successfully activated the portal and the Dreadnought retreated through, accompanied by the remaining loyalist fleet.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Storm]]''</ref> Momentarily delayed by a small-scale Flood infestation on Earth, the UNSC and their defected Sangheili allies followed Truth's fleet through the portal to the Ark, intent on stopping Truth from activating the Halo Array.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref>


[[File:TruthDeath-large.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Arbiter executes the Prophet of Truth, bringing an end to the Covenant.]]
[[File:TruthDeath-large.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Arbiter executes the Prophet of Truth, bringing an end to the Covenant.]]
Upon arrival at the Ark, Truth barricaded himself inside the [[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]], the control center for the Halo rings, and prepared to initiate the Great Journey. However, the UNSC and Sangheili forces eventually broke through the defenses around the Citadel despite heavy resistance from the Covenant loyalist forces.{{Ref/Level|H3|[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]}} Ignoring the arrival of the Flood-infected High Charity which immediately began a widespread infestation of the Ark's surface, the UNSC-Sangheili alliance launched an immediate last-ditch assault on the Citadel. Although Truth's forces mobilized all of their available assets to prevent their enemies from reaching the Citadel, they were defeated after a [[Battle of the Citadel|swift battle]]. SPARTAN-117 and Arbiter Thel 'Vadam formed a temporary alliance with the Flood and forced their way to Truth. In his final moments, the Prophet of Truth managed to initiate the Halo rings' activation sequence, although his victory was short-lived as John-117 and the Arbiter soon made their way to his location. The Spartan canceled the activation before the rings could fire and the Arbiter killed Truth in vengeance, finally stopping the Covenant once and for all.{{Ref/Level|H3|[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]}}{{clear}}
Upon arrival at the Ark, Truth barricaded himself inside the [[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]], the control center for the Halo rings, and prepared to initiate the Great Journey. However, the UNSC and Sangheili forces eventually broke through the defenses around the Citadel despite heavy resistance from the Covenant loyalist forces.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]]''</ref> Ignoring the arrival of the Flood-infected High Charity which immediately began a widespread infestation of the Ark's surface, the UNSC-Sangheili alliance launched an immediate last-ditch assault on the Citadel. Although Truth's forces mobilized all of their available assets to prevent their enemies from reaching the Citadel, they were defeated after a [[Battle of the Citadel|swift battle]]. SPARTAN-117 and Arbiter Thel 'Vadam formed a temporary alliance with the Flood and forced their way to Truth. In his final moments, the Prophet of Truth managed to initiate the Halo rings' activation sequence, although his victory was short-lived as John-117 and the Arbiter soon made their way to his location. The Spartan canceled the activation before the rings could fire and the Arbiter killed Truth in vengeance, finally stopping the Covenant once and for all.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref>{{clear}}


===Post-dissolution===
===Post-dissolution===
Line 164: Line 150:
The Covenant's culture and religion was based solely on the worship and reverence of the Forerunners. Long ago, the San'Shyuum managed to decipher some of the data stored on terminals aboard the Forerunner Dreadnought, thanks to the Forerunners' robust translation systems. However, even then they were unable to fully comprehend the subtle meanings of many Forerunner glyphs.{{Ref/Reuse|Ency112}} The San'Shyuum incorrectly interpreted the activation of the Halo Array as a means of transcending mortality, a process they came to call the "Great Journey". They did not understand that the Array had been designed to eradicate the Flood, specifically by triggering a galactic holocaust and killing all sentient life within the galaxy. They arrived at the conclusion that the Forerunners had ascended to godhood and left other species of the galaxy to their fates.{{Ref/Reuse|Ency112}} Because of this, the Covenant devoted itself to searching for and recovering of Forerunner artifacts. At several points in the Covenant's history, this desire to reclaim Forerunner technology has resulted in the hegemony declaring war against non-compliant species, the most recent instance being their war against humanity. In Covenant society, personal vendettas are not tolerated,<ref name="flood">'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''' ''page 95''</ref> although many conflicts in the Covenant's past have been sparked by vendettas.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''' ''page 150''</ref>
The Covenant's culture and religion was based solely on the worship and reverence of the Forerunners. Long ago, the San'Shyuum managed to decipher some of the data stored on terminals aboard the Forerunner Dreadnought, thanks to the Forerunners' robust translation systems. However, even then they were unable to fully comprehend the subtle meanings of many Forerunner glyphs.{{Ref/Reuse|Ency112}} The San'Shyuum incorrectly interpreted the activation of the Halo Array as a means of transcending mortality, a process they came to call the "Great Journey". They did not understand that the Array had been designed to eradicate the Flood, specifically by triggering a galactic holocaust and killing all sentient life within the galaxy. They arrived at the conclusion that the Forerunners had ascended to godhood and left other species of the galaxy to their fates.{{Ref/Reuse|Ency112}} Because of this, the Covenant devoted itself to searching for and recovering of Forerunner artifacts. At several points in the Covenant's history, this desire to reclaim Forerunner technology has resulted in the hegemony declaring war against non-compliant species, the most recent instance being their war against humanity. In Covenant society, personal vendettas are not tolerated,<ref name="flood">'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''' ''page 95''</ref> although many conflicts in the Covenant's past have been sparked by vendettas.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''' ''page 150''</ref>


The Covenant were always eager to add new species to the faith,<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''' ''page 51''</ref> so long as they pledged allegiance to the San'Shyuum as their supreme leaders and the Great Journey as their religion.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''' ''page 50''</ref> Client races were however known to have portions of their culture suppressed, as was the case with the Sangheili and their martial practice ''[[Shrwssha'wash]]''.{{Ref/Game|Id=Skullbearer|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=[[Skullbearer Trophy]] - Shoulder Description|Quote=The Prophets suppressed many Sangheili martial practices they deemed distasteful, including Shrwssha'wash: a tradition of displaying the skulls of particularly recalcitrant foes after their defeat and ritual dismemberment.}}
[[File:Covie Lance1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Kig-Yar and Unggoy listening to the sermons of a Prophet.]]
The Covenant used commerce as a form of economy. As the Covenant's cohesion was grounded in its belief of working to obtain and sharing Forerunner technology, every member of the Covenant was given a form of employment{{Ref/Reuse|harv146}} or a service to fulfill in exchange for goods and necessities. In the Covenant's culture, service for salvation was the moral motivation for the entire population.<ref name="regret">[[Media:Humans hunted.ogg|''Halo 2'' dialogue]], [[Prophet of Regret]]</ref> Despite this, there was discrimination within the Covenant: The lesser species were treated as second-class citizens with little political or representative voice or power.


===Measurements===
The Covenant were always eager to add new species to the faith,<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''' ''page 51''</ref> so long as they pledged allegiance to the San'Shyuum as their supreme leaders and the Great Journey as their religion.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''' ''page 50''</ref> Client races were in all essence [[Slavery|enslaved]] by the Covenant, forced to live a completely different way of life, and if unlucky enough, had their entire culture and history erased. The client races were held together by a common belief; the slave races were driven by the religion which they had been forced to accept. Most races were only kept for their varying skills to be exploited, rather than to be a part of a flourishing empire. However, some races such as the Sangheili and Jiralhanae benefited significantly from the new technology that the Covenant brought, and weren't simply enslaved like the Unggoy.
The Covenant created its own means of connoting time, comprised of "Ages." The Covenant's history is broken up into multiple occurrences of [[seven]] types of Age, each representing the predominant theme that occurred during those periods of time. These ages do not necessarily follow one another in order, nor are they equal in quantity. As an example, there were significantly more Ages of Conflict and Doubt than Reclamation. Each Age is further broken into what is called [[cycle]]s. A cycle is the Covenant version of a day and it represents one artificial day on [[High Charity]]. A cycle contains approximately 265 [[unit]]s, which if translated into human time is roughly one hour of time on Earth.<ref name="ency31">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 31''</ref>{{clear}}
{{clear}}
 
==Species==
The Covenant is made up of a variety of alien species from different parts of the galaxy. Organized into a caste system by the San'Shyuum, the different species of the Covenant are united by their blind faith in the promise of the Great Journey.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 14''</ref> In addition to the core member species listed below, there are a number of peripheral client species—known collectively as the [[Covenant fringe]]—that were never fully integrated into the Covenant, though some provided various advantages to the hegemony.<ref name="wp axl">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/axl '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Axl'']</ref>
 
However, not every species encountered by the Covenant was deemed worthy of even providing them with conversion in exchange for services, though their worlds still fell under Covenant control. These species were poorly documented by the [[Sangheili]] and have not been contacted nor cataloged by the [[Unified Earth Government]], even after the Covenant's fall.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-bulkhead-banter '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Bulkhead Banter'']</ref>
 
===San'Shyuum===
{{Main|San'Shyuum}}
[[File:Regret render.png|100px|right|link=San'Shyuum]]
The highest political caste in the Covenant, the San'Shyuum, or "Prophets" as they are known by humans, led the Covenant and exerted complete control over all religious and political affairs. Though physically weak, Prophets wielded power through absolute command of the Covenant and through scavenged [[Forerunner]] technology, leaving the task of conquest to the Sangheili and the other races. Along with the Sangheili, the San'Shyuum had members on the Covenant High Council.
{{clear}}
 
===Sangheili===
{{Main|Sangheili}}
[[File:Halo 2 Anniversary Zealot.png|140px|right|link=Sangheili]]
The Sangheili, or "Elites" as they are known by humans, served as the military leaders of the Covenant before the Great Schism. Along with the San'Shyuum, the Sangheili were one of the two founding races of the Covenant, and were the only race other than the San'Shyuum to have members on the High Council. The Sangheili are the only race within the Covenant permitted to build and command starships within the Covenant, though the crews are always composed of a mix of races.<ref>'''Sybex Halo PC Guide''' ''page 48''</ref>
{{clear}}
===Jiralhanae===
{{Main|Jiralhanae}}
[[File:Reach - Chieftain.png|140px|right|link=Jiralhanae]]
The Jiralhanae, or "Brutes" as they are known by humans, were the most recent addition to the Covenant, and served as soldiers and bodyguards within the Covenant military until their promotion during the Great Schism. Although initially of low status within the hierarchy, the Jiralhanae gained greater prominence within the Covenant prior to the Great Schism, with the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae, Tartarus, answering to the Hierarchs themselves. After the Sangheili were deposed, the Jiralhanae were given command of the Covenant military.
{{clear}}
===Lekgolo/Mgalekgolo===
{{Main|Lekgolo|Mgalekgolo|Thanolekgolo|Sbaolekgolo}}
[[File:HReach - Mgalekgolo.png|140px|right|link=Mgalekgolo]]
The Lekgolo are a race of worm-like creatures that can combine to form large, intelligent assemblages called Mgalekgolo, known by humans as "Hunters". Clad in nearly impenetrable armor and armed with their trademark Assault Cannon, they served as the Covenant's heaviest ground troops. Many of these creatures joined the Sangheili during the Great Schism.
{{clear}}


==Economy==
===Unggoy===
The Covenant used commerce as a form of economy. As the Covenant's cohesion was grounded in its belief of working to obtain and sharing Forerunner technology, every member of the Covenant was given a form of employment{{Ref/Reuse|harv146}} or a service to fulfill in exchange for goods and necessities. In the Covenant's culture, service for salvation was the moral motivation for the entire population.<ref name="regret">[[Media:Humans hunted.ogg|''Halo 2'' dialogue]], [[Prophet of Regret]]</ref> Despite this, there was discrimination within the Covenant: The lesser species were treated as second-class citizens with little political or representative voice or power.
{{Main|Unggoy}}
[[File:HReach - Unggoy.png|140px|right|link=Unggoy]]
Hailing from Balaho, the Unggoy, or "Grunts" as they are known by humans, were the most common and low-ranking caste of the Covenant. They breathe methane gas, and thus must wear a large tank on their back full of methane to survive on other planets. Relations between the Unggoy and the Kig-Yar are strained in the best of times. Many of these creatures joined the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae during the Great Schism.
{{clear}}
===Kig-Yar===
{{Main|Kig-Yar|T'vaoan}}
[[File:JackalMinor.png|140px|right|link=Kig-Yar]]
The Kig-Yar, or "Jackals" or "Skirmishers" as they are known by humans,{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} were the scouts and marksmen of the Covenant military due to their superior senses. They were among the lower Covenant castes and are about 6'2" tall.
{{clear}}
===Yanme'e===
{{Main|Yanme'e}}
[[File:Yanmee H2A.png|140px|right|link=Yanme'e]]
The Yanme'e, or "Drones" as they are known by humans, are flying, insectoid species that served almost exclusively as engineers in the Covenant Empire. They were eventually replaced by the Huragok, and were used as aerial combatants against the UNSC, who are inexperienced at fighting airborne infantry.
{{clear}}
===Huragok===
{{Main|Huragok}}
[[File:Engineer renderized.png|140px|right|link=Huragok]]
The Huragok, or "Engineers" as they are known by the humans, are an artificial species created by the Forerunners. They only conversed with the San'Shyuum or individuals who learn their language.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 55''</ref> The Huragok performed the physical labor of excavating and gathering data on Forerunner artifacts. In military terms, they were generally a non-militant race. Many of the Huragok joined the Sangheili during the Great Schism.
{{clear}}


==Military==
==Military==
{{Main|Covenant military}}
{{Main|Covenant military}}
[[File:HW LECover-Wide.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ripa 'Moramee leads a Covenant force comprising of Sangheili and Unggoy infantry and a Banshee squadron.]]
[[File:HW Covenant render logoles.png|thumb|300px|[[Sangheili]], the initial leaders of the Covenant military.]]
The Covenant maintained pervasive armed forces to enforce order, conduct atmospheric and space combat operations, and generally carry out the Covenant's will throughout space. Unlike the [[UNSC]], however, the Covenant lacked a single unified military arm, and its armed forces were instead comprised of several organizations overseen by various ministerial bodies.{{Ref/Book|Id=rulebook|Halo: Fleet Battles core rulebook|Page=7}} The Covenant's military capability was most overtly embodied in its spaceborne [[Covenant fleet|fleets]], ranging from small [[battle group]]s to entire armadas. Various task-based groups served under these fleets, including the occupational ground forces and the [[Special Warfare Group]], which contained the [[Special Operations|Special Operations Division]].
The Covenant maintained pervasive armed forces to enforce order, conduct atmospheric and space combat operations, and generally carry out the Covenant's will throughout space. Unlike the [[UNSC]], however, the Covenant lacked a single unified military arm, and its armed forces were instead comprised of several organizations overseen by various ministerial bodies.<ref name="fb">'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''', ''Core Rulebook - page 7''</ref> The Covenant's military capability was most overtly embodied in its spaceborne [[Covenant fleet|fleets]], ranging from small [[battle group]]s to entire armadas. Various task-based groups served under these fleets, including the occupational ground forces and the [[Special Warfare Group]], which contained the [[Special Operations|Special Operations Division]].


Covenant troops were heavily segregated by species, with the [[Sangheili]] originally serving as their leadership caste. In the field, [[Unggoy]] were deployed as cannon fodder [[file]]s, [[Kig-Yar]] were used as support and snipers, and Sangheili were commanders and fought in warrior [[lance]]s. Weapons and technology were restricted by species and rank; only Sangheili received [[Sangheili personal energy shield|personal energy shields]] and [[energy sword]]s, only Kig-Yar received [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|point defense gauntlets]], and Unggoy only received basic weapons and [[Unggoy combat harness|armor]] depending by rank. The reasons for these restrictions were often cultural; for instance, Sangheili viewed wielding shield gauntlets as dishonorable and that "lesser species" did not deserve their privileged weapons. This discrimination among the Covenant military was centuries old, but the dynamic was occasionally changed by violent rebellion. The [[Unggoy Rebellion]] caused Sangheili to mix their units with Unggoy and give them better training. Likewise, the [[Great Schism]] put [[Jiralhanae]] in command of former Sangheili units, gave them [[Jiralhanae power armor|personal shielded armor]], and made their tribal [[pack]]s a prominent military unit.
Covenant troops were heavily segregated by species, with the [[Sangheili]] originally serving as their leadership caste. In the field, [[Unggoy]] were deployed as cannon fodder [[file]]s, [[Kig-Yar]] were used as support and snipers, and Sangheili were commanders and fought in warrior [[lance]]s. Weapons and technology were restricted by species and rank; only Sangheili received [[Sangheili personal energy shield|personal energy shields]] and [[energy sword]]s, only Kig-Yar received [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|point defense gauntlets]], and Unggoy only received basic weapons and [[Unggoy combat harness|armor]] depending by rank. The reasons for these restrictions were often cultural; for instance, Sangheili viewed wielding shield gauntlets as dishonorable and that "lesser species" did not deserve their privileged weapons. This discrimination among the Covenant military was centuries old, but the dynamic was occasionally changed by violent rebellion. The [[Unggoy Rebellion]] caused Sangheili to mix their units with Unggoy and give them better training. Likewise, the [[Great Schism]] put [[Jiralhanae]] in command of former Sangheili units, gave them [[Jiralhanae power armor|personal shielded armor]], and made their tribal [[pack]]s a prominent military unit.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


==Technology==
== Technology ==
[[File:Charging Zealot.png|thumb|250px|[[Energy shielding]] and [[active camouflage]] were reverse-engineered from Forerunner technology.]]
[[File:Charging Zealot.png|thumb|250px|[[Energy shielding]] and [[active camouflage]] were reverse-engineered from Forerunner technology.]]
Covenant technology has been often described as more imitative rather than innovative,<ref name="copyme">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 241'' (''"The Covenant’s science is imitative rather then innovative, a by-product of this societal ‘absorption,’"'' Dr. Halsey continued. ''"This is not to say that they are lacking intelligence, however. During our first encounter, they gathered computer and network components from our destroyed ships... and they learned at an astonishing pace."''); '''2010 edition''', ''page 275''</ref><ref name="copymetwo">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 87'' (Cortana: ''"The Covenant were imitative, not innovative; at least, that's what all the ONI intelligence gathered on the collection of alien races had reported. She had thought this was an exaggeration, propaganda to bolster human morale."'')</ref> as they are based largely on mimicry and reverse-engineering of the leftover Forerunner artifacts they have discovered. Such examples are their exceedingly accurate [[slipspace]] [[astrogation|navigation]], near-instantaneous [[Slipstream space#Communications|interstellar communication]], the manipulation of extremely high volumes of plasma energy from sublight travel, short-range translocation of matter, a great influence over gravity and repulsor-based technologies,{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}} and man-portable application of energy manipulation.<ref name="techtier">'''[[Bestiarum]]''': ''[[Technological Achievement Tiers]]''</ref> Much of the Covenant's rapid technological advancement was made by stripping Forerunner [[Shield world#Conservation sphere|shield worlds]] of useful material early in the hegemony's existence.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', [[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Excerpt from ''The Punished Deeds, Vol. III'']]</ref> The Covenant also gained many improvements in weapons and spacecraft technology thanks to the technologies found in the [[Ten Cities of Edification]] on [[Zhoist]].<ref name="SS26">''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 26</ref> In the Covenant, ecclesiastical authorities ultimately oversee even the most trivial modifications to existing designs. Improvements or alterations require layers of bureaucracy to navigate and often take decades to gain approval from the Prophets.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''' - ''[[Phoenix Logs]] - Wraith Invader''</ref> As a result, some designs, technology and vessels have remained in service for many centuries with little alteration to their base design.
Covenant technology has been often described as more imitative rather than innovative,<ref name="copyme">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 241'' (''"The Covenant’s science is imitative rather then innovative, a by-product of this societal ‘absorption,’"'' Dr. Halsey continued. ''"This is not to say that they are lacking intelligence, however. During our first encounter, they gathered computer and network components from our destroyed ships... and they learned at an astonishing pace."''); '''2010 edition''', ''page 275''</ref><ref name="copymetwo">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 87'' (Cortana: ''"The Covenant were imitative, not innovative; at least, that's what all the ONI intelligence gathered on the collection of alien races had reported. She had thought this was an exaggeration, propaganda to bolster human morale."'')</ref> as they are based largely on mimicry and reverse-engineering of the leftover Forerunner artifacts they have discovered. Such examples are their exceedingly accurate [[slipspace]] [[astrogation|navigation]], near-instantaneous [[Slipstream space#Communications|interstellar communication]], the manipulation of extremely high volumes of plasma energy from sublight travel, short-range translocation of matter, a great influence over gravity and repulsor-based technologies,<ref name="wp cov">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Covenant'']</ref> and man-portable application of energy manipulation.<ref name="techtier">'''[[Bestiarum]]''': ''[[Technological Achievement Tiers]]''</ref> Much of the Covenant's rapid technological advancement was made by stripping Forerunner [[Shield world#Conservation sphere|shield worlds]] of useful material early in the hegemony's existence.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', [[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Excerpt from ''The Punished Deeds, Vol. III'']]</ref> The Covenant also gained many improvements in weapons and spacecraft technology thanks to the technologies found in the [[Ten Cities of Edification]] on [[Zhoist]].<ref name="SS26">''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'', Chapter 26</ref> In the Covenant, ecclesiastical authorities ultimately oversee even the most trivial modifications to existing designs. Improvements or alterations require layers of bureaucracy to navigate and often take decades to gain approval from the Prophets.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''' - ''[[Phoenix Logs]] - Wraith Invader''</ref> As a result, some designs, technology and vessels have remained in service for many centuries with little alteration to their base design.


Although innovation is not one of the Covenant's strong suits, the Covenant has shown considerable advancement in bridging the technological gap with newly-encountered species. For example, in the first encounter of the Human-Covenant War, the Covenant learned of the humans' computer systems and of their language from salvaging human-computer and network components from destroyed human ships.{{Ref/Reuse|copyme}} This knowledge benefited the Covenant greatly in understanding the humans' military operation, to the extent that the UNSC enacted the [[Cole Protocol]] to deter the Covenant from finding human [[Human colonies|colony worlds]] and [[Earth]]. In another scenario, during the preliminary of the [[Fall of Reach]], the Covenant crippled [[Reach]]'s telecommunication network to prevent the colony world from contacting reinforcements and placed numerous [[Deployment spire|teleportation spires]] to deploy its forces without having to face directly with the planet's orbital defenses.<ref name="Reachgame">''Halo: Reach''</ref>
Although innovation is not one of the Covenant's strong suits, the Covenant has shown considerable advancement in bridging the technological gap with newly-encountered species. For example, in the first encounter of the Human-Covenant War, the Covenant learned of the humans' computer systems and of their language from salvaging human-computer and network components from destroyed human ships.{{Ref/Reuse|copyme}} This knowledge benefited the Covenant greatly in understanding the humans' military operation, to the extent that the UNSC enacted the [[Cole Protocol]] to deter the Covenant from finding human [[Human colonies|colony worlds]] and [[Earth]]. In another scenario, during the preliminary of the [[Fall of Reach]], the Covenant crippled [[Reach]]'s telecommunication network to prevent the colony world from contacting reinforcements and placed numerous [[Deployment spire|teleportation spires]] to deploy its forces without having to face directly with the planet's orbital defenses.<ref name="Reachgame">''Halo: Reach''</ref>


The Covenant culture has religious taboos that prevent them from fully exploring what the Forerunners employed to create that technology.<ref name="ency224">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 224''</ref> In some cases, Covenant technology imitates the effects of the Forerunner technology it is based on while the underlying science remains largely beyond their grasp. An example of this is the Covenant's predominant use of [[plasma]] in their weapons rather than the more exotic [[hard light]] and particle streams utilized by the Forerunners,<ref name="EVGplasma">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 103''</ref> or the Covenant's [[pinch fusion reactor]]s in contrast to the Forerunners' ability to harness [[vacuum energy]]. The Covenant also never developed advanced [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] technology due to their religious doctrine; they believed that a [[Associated intelligence|powerful AI]] had once betrayed the Forerunners, and as such they had a ban on actually sapient machine intelligences. The few Covenant AIs that have been encountered include [[Ascendant Justice's AI|an AI]] that was stationed aboard the ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'' and destroyed by [[Cortana]],<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''' ''page 170''</ref> [[Truth and Reconciliation's AI|one]] based on the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'', as well as the [[Seeker (AI)|Seeker]], sent to infiltrate UNSC systems and alert the Covenant to the location of Earth. Cortana's copy also referenced several AIs being present in the ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]''{{'}}s systems when the Spartans infiltrated the station.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''' ''page 320''</ref>
The Covenant culture has religious taboos that prevent them from fully exploring what the Forerunners employed to create that technology.<ref name="ency224">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 224''</ref> In some cases, Covenant technology imitates the effects of the Forerunner technology it is based on while the underlying science remains largely beyond their grasp. An example of this is the Covenant's predominant use of [[plasma]] in their weapons rather than the more exotic [[hard light]] and particle streams utilized by the Forerunners,<ref name="EVGplasma">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 103''</ref> or the Covenant's [[pinch fusion reactor]]s in contrast to the Forerunners' ability to harness [[vacuum energy]]. The Covenant also never developed advanced [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] technology due to their religious doctrine; they believed that a [[Associated intelligence|powerful AI]] had once betrayed the Forerunners, and as such they had a ban on actually sapient machine intelligences. The few Covenant AIs that have been encountered include [[Ascendant Justice's AI|an AI]] that was stationed aboard the ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'' and destroyed by [[Cortana]],<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''' ''''page 170''</ref> [[Truth and Reconciliation's AI|one]] based on the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'', as well as the [[Seeker (AI)|Seeker]], sent to infiltrate UNSC systems and alert the Covenant to the location of Earth. Cortana's copy also referenced several AIs being present in the ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s systems when the Spartans infiltrated the station.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''' ''page 320''</ref>


The Forerunners' ubiquitous [[hard light]] technology was never completely understood by the Covenant,<ref name="wages">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]] Volume II''', ''"[[Wages of Sin]]"'', ''page 291''</ref> although they managed to develop at least one hard light-based device in the [[Prelate]]s' shield gauntlets.<ref name="Shadow of Intent">'''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''', ''page ??''</ref> However, they did possess advanced energy field shaping and complex [[holography]]. This technology was advanced enough to produce realistic and tangible simulacra of physical objects. The [[holo-drone]], for example, generates an independent decoy of the operator capable of inflicting physical harm on the enemy despite its incorporeal nature;<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref> the [[Type-27 hologram|T-27 holographic decoy]] is a more basic variation of this concept. The Covenant applied forcefield technology in a broad range of roles, from the San'Shyuum's spherical [[stasis field]]s to contain beverages such as tea{{Ref/Reuse|Halo page 154}} to the enormous [[Energy barrier|fields]] used to hold in ''High Charity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s atmosphere while the holy city's exterior dome was still under construction.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 20''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 8]]''</ref>
The Forerunners' ubiquitous [[hard light]] technology was never completely understood by the Covenant,<ref name="wages">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]] Volume II''', ''"[[Wages of Sin]]"'', ''page 291''</ref> although they managed to develop at least one hard light-based device in the [[Prelate]]s' shield gauntlets.<ref name="Shadow of Intent">'''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''', ''page ??''</ref> However, they did possess advanced energy field shaping and complex [[holography]]. This technology was advanced enough to produce realistic and tangible simulacra of physical objects. The [[holo-drone]], for example, generates an independent decoy of the operator capable of inflicting physical harm on the enemy despite its incorporeal nature;<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle]]''</ref> the [[Type-27 hologram|T-27 holographic decoy]] is a more basic variation of this concept. The Covenant applied forcefield technology in a broad range of roles, from the San'Shyuum's spherical [[stasis field]]s to contain beverages such as tea{{Ref/Reuse|Halo page 154}} to the enormous [[Energy barrier|fields]] used to hold in ''High Charity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s atmosphere while the holy city's exterior dome was still under construction.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 20''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 8]]''</ref>
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Covenant architecture is known for its curved, organic and sophisticated looking style, primarily based on the aesthetic tastes of the [[San'Shyuum]] with loose connections with [[Sangheili]] designs. Even military vehicles were fashioned after San'Shyuum aesthetics early on, incorporating many of the Sangheili designs over the Covenant's history.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}} Constructed of distinctive purple, blue or white metal, these colors are the main focus of Covenant design and distributed throughout their starships, vehicles, and weapons. The materials they use are unknown to the UNSC but are very strong and resilient.
Covenant architecture is known for its curved, organic and sophisticated looking style, primarily based on the aesthetic tastes of the [[San'Shyuum]] with loose connections with [[Sangheili]] designs. Even military vehicles were fashioned after San'Shyuum aesthetics early on, incorporating many of the Sangheili designs over the Covenant's history.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}} Constructed of distinctive purple, blue or white metal, these colors are the main focus of Covenant design and distributed throughout their starships, vehicles, and weapons. The materials they use are unknown to the UNSC but are very strong and resilient.


The Covenant possess a variety of medical technologies, including the life-extension treatments the San'Shyuum have used for some time.{{Ref/Reuse|bestSan}} The San'Shyuum Prelates were also known to have used a form of biological augmentation to greatly enhance their normally frail bodies.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}} As an idiosyncrasy of their warrior culture, the Sangheili view the notion of doctors as dishonorable.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 143''</ref> However, as injuries are an inevitable byproduct of combat, the Covenant military still employs a number of medical amenities. Among these are [[automated surgery suite]]s, featured on Covenant ships to treat wounds received in combat,<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 259''</ref> and [[magnetic splint]]s which are used to hold broken bones in place. The [[Huragok]] (both the common [[Builder]] kind and the [[Lifeworker]] variation) also provided medical aid in addition to their primary role of maintaining Covenant technology.{{Ref/Reuse|Halo page 256}}<ref name="Halo page 152">'''Halo: Hunters in the Dark''', ''page 152''</ref> It was known that even after suffering major injuries, after only minutes of treatment the patient would feel back to normal without as much as a scar to show for it.{{Ref/Reuse|Halo page 152}}<ref>'''Halo: Hunters in the Dark''', ''page 349''</ref>
The Covenant possess a variety of medical technologies, including the life-extension treatments the San'Shyuum have used for some time.{{Ref/Reuse|bestSan}} The San'Shyuum Prelates were also know to have used a form of biological augmentation to greatly enhance their normally frail bodies.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}} As an idiosyncrasy of their warrior culture, the Sangheili view the notion of doctors as dishonorable.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 143''</ref> However, as injuries are an inevitable byproduct of combat, the Covenant military still employs a number of medical amenities. Among these are [[automated surgery suite]]s, featured on Covenant ships to treat wounds received in combat,<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 259''</ref> and [[magnetic splint]]s which are used to hold broken bones in place. The [[Huragok]] (both the common [[Builder]] kind and the [[Lifeworker]] variation) also provided medical aid in addition to their primary role of maintaining Covenant technology.{{Ref/Reuse|Halo page 256}}<ref name="Halo page 152">'''Halo: Hunters in the Dark''', ''page 152''</ref> It was known that even after suffering major injuries, after only minutes of treatment the patient would feel back to normal without as much as a scar to show for it.{{Ref/Reuse|Halo page 152}}<ref>'''Halo: Hunters in the Dark''', ''page 349''</ref>
 
Some novel technologies that were never widely adopted could be seen in San'shyuum headgear.{{Ref/Game|Id=Sovreign|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=[[SOVEREIGN-class armor|Sovereign Spear]] - Helmet Description|Quote=The ceremonial gear of Prophet suzerains, cardinals, and heralds is a surprising source of novel Covenant technologies that never found wider adoption.}}


===Spacecraft===
===Spacecraft===
{{Main|Covenant starship}}
[[File:1771441-gallery.png|thumb|250px|The ''[[Resplendent Fervor]]'' [[Modular Dispersal Technology|separates its aft section]] while the bow enters [[slipstream space]].]]
[[File:1771441-gallery.png|thumb|250px|The ''[[Resplendent Fervor]]'' [[Modular Dispersal Technology|separates its aft section]] while the bow enters [[slipstream space]].]]
For the Covenant species, interstellar travel was made easy due to the reverse-engineered technology. Like humans, Covenant vessels can enter [[Slipstream space]] and travel significantly faster than light. However, the Covenant equivalent of the [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] is far more efficient and reliable, relying on a series of "micro-jumps" to maneuver through the slipstream. Covenant vessels do not suffer the "temporal fluidity" of faster-than-light to such a degree as human vessels, arriving at the precise time and location that they intend. However, after a slipspace jump Covenant vessels generally experience a temporary power outage, leaving the vessel vulnerable to attack. As a result, Covenant battlegroups are much more efficient when acting as a coordinated group, and can strike more quickly and decisively.{{Ref/Reuse|ency224}}
For the Covenant species, interstellar travel was made easy due to the reverse-engineered technology. Like humans, Covenant vessels can enter [[Slipstream space]] and travel significantly faster than light. However, the Covenant equivalent of the [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] is far more efficient and reliable, relying on a series of "micro-jumps" to maneuver through the slipstream. Covenant vessels do not suffer the "temporal fluidity" of faster-than-light to such a degree as human vessels, arriving at the precise time and location that they intend. However, after a slipspace jump Covenant vessels generally experience a temporary power outage, leaving the vessel vulnerable to attack. As a result, Covenant battlegroups are much more efficient when acting as a coordinated group, and can strike more quickly and decisively.{{Ref/Reuse|ency224}}
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Covenant starships use [[repulsor engine]]s for propulsion in space, rather than the more traditional [[fusion engine]]s utilized by humanity or the advanced [[reaction drive]]s used by Forerunners.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 331''</ref> Covenant drive systems seem to be propelled by an unusual combination of gravity "waves" and some form of highly reactive plasma displacement, but the actual means and method of propulsion is currently beyond human understanding.{{Ref/Reuse|ency224}} Both starships and ground vehicles are equipped with various forms of [[anti-gravity technology]], allowing ships to hover easily inside an atmosphere and allowing frictionless movement of vehicles across terrain. The Covenant are also able to manipulate exceedingly large amounts of plasma energy by recycling detritus from sublight travel.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}}
Covenant starships use [[repulsor engine]]s for propulsion in space, rather than the more traditional [[fusion engine]]s utilized by humanity or the advanced [[reaction drive]]s used by Forerunners.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 331''</ref> Covenant drive systems seem to be propelled by an unusual combination of gravity "waves" and some form of highly reactive plasma displacement, but the actual means and method of propulsion is currently beyond human understanding.{{Ref/Reuse|ency224}} Both starships and ground vehicles are equipped with various forms of [[anti-gravity technology]], allowing ships to hover easily inside an atmosphere and allowing frictionless movement of vehicles across terrain. The Covenant are also able to manipulate exceedingly large amounts of plasma energy by recycling detritus from sublight travel.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}}


Covenant manufacturing plants, such as the [[Assembly Forges]], employ highly sophisticated manufacturing methods which allow them considerable freedom in the design of individual ships. While all Covenant vessels fall into one of several universal design patterns, every ship can be custom-made to fit the preferences of individual shipbuilders and fleet masters.{{Ref/Site|Id=have s'moa|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-have-s-moa|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Have S'Moa|D=16|M=1|Y=2021|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-have-s-moa.html}}
Covenant manufacturing plants, such as the [[Assembly Forges]], employ highly sophisticated manufacturing methods which allow them considerable freedom in the design of individual ships. While all Covenant vessels fall into one of several universal design patterns, every ship can be custom-made to fit the preferences of individual shipbuilders and fleet masters.<ref name="have s'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder: Have S'moa'']</ref>


===Weaponry===
===Weaponry===
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Plasma weapons typically use a rechargeable power cell to provide power to their internal components. Covenant plasma weapons are effective but crude, and most automatic-fire plasma weapons are prone to overheating. To compensate, most weapons have vents that open to discharge excess heat and plasma when they overheat, although such weapons are rendered inoperable as the excess heat is dissipated. Once the energy of the plasma weapon is depleted, it must be recharged or discarded. To date, the means by which plasma weapons can be recharged is still unknown to UNSC forces. The most remarkable handheld plasma projectile weapons are a variety of [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistol]] (by far the most widely used small arm) and the [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|plasma rifle]]. Notable vehicular plasma weapons include various [[plasma cannon|cannons]] and [[plasma mortar|mortars]], while warships are armed primarily with [[Plasma turret|plasma torpedo turrets]].
Plasma weapons typically use a rechargeable power cell to provide power to their internal components. Covenant plasma weapons are effective but crude, and most automatic-fire plasma weapons are prone to overheating. To compensate, most weapons have vents that open to discharge excess heat and plasma when they overheat, although such weapons are rendered inoperable as the excess heat is dissipated. Once the energy of the plasma weapon is depleted, it must be recharged or discarded. To date, the means by which plasma weapons can be recharged is still unknown to UNSC forces. The most remarkable handheld plasma projectile weapons are a variety of [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistol]] (by far the most widely used small arm) and the [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|plasma rifle]]. Notable vehicular plasma weapons include various [[plasma cannon|cannons]] and [[plasma mortar|mortars]], while warships are armed primarily with [[Plasma turret|plasma torpedo turrets]].


Though rarer, the Covenant occasionally use projectile weapons, the most common of these being [[Needle-based weaponry|unconventional crystal-based weapons]] such as the [[Type-33 Needler]] and the {{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}. These weapons appear to use some type of chemical that forms a hard, razor-sharp crystal on contact with the atmosphere; [[Blamite|the material]] is mined on [[Suban]], one of [[Sanghelios]]' moons. Certain medium- to long-range weapons fire these crystals at high speeds, allowing them to strike targets accurately at long distance. Other mid-range weapons fire them at very slow speeds, and through unknown means "steer" them towards enemy targets. Needles fired in either of these ways will penetrate the flesh or armor of a target, and several seconds after coming to rest will explode into thousands of tiny, sharp fragments that can maim or cripple a target. When a certain number of needles have penetrated the same target, they will detonate simultaneously, producing a much larger explosion that kills the target instantly.
Though rarer, the Covenant occasionally use projectile weapons, the most common of these being unconventional crystal-based weapons such as the [[Type-33 Needler]] and the {{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}. These weapons appear to use some type of chemical that forms a hard, razor-sharp crystal on contact with the atmosphere; [[Blamite|the material]] is mined on [[Suban]], one of [[Sanghelios]]' moons. Certain medium- to long-range weapons fire these crystals at high speeds, allowing them to strike targets accurately at long distance. Other mid-range weapons fire them at very slow speeds, and through unknown means "steer" them towards enemy targets. Needles fired in either of these ways will penetrate the flesh or armor of a target, and several seconds after coming to rest will explode into thousands of tiny, sharp fragments that can maim or cripple a target. When a certain number of needles have penetrated the same target, they will detonate simultaneously, producing a much larger explosion that kills the target instantly.
   
   
With the introduction of the Jiralhanae as a major military caste within the Covenant, their weapons found widespread use among their own kind. Utilizing crude, spike-like metal projectiles in place of plasma; conventional explosives and incendiaries; and sharp blades, they are more primitive, yet in many cases more dangerous -fitting, considering the nature of their creators. Brute weapons include the [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Spiker]] carbine, the [[Type-52 Mauler|Mauler]] shotgun-pistol, and the [[Type-25 Brute Shot|Brute Shot]] grenade launcher.
With the introduction of the Jiralhanae as a major military caste within the Covenant, their weapons found widespread use among their own kind. Utilizing crude, spike-like metal projectiles in place of plasma; conventional explosives and incendiaries; and sharp blades, they are more primitive, yet in many cases more dangerous -fitting, considering the nature of their creators. Brute weapons include the [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Spiker]] carbine, the [[Type-52 Mauler|Mauler]] shotgun-pistol, and the [[Type-25 Brute Shot|Brute Shot]] grenade launcher.


The Covenant employ melee weapons in addition to their already fearsome arsenal. The best known is the [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]], used solely by the [[Sangheili]]. Creating a double blade of superheated plasma, it has both ceremonial and martial value to Sangheili warriors and its possession is closely monitored. Another is the Jiralhanae [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]], which seems to be the Brutes' cultural equivalent to the energy sword. However, rather than using a blade of plasma, it generates a gravitational field which can cause tremendous damage within a several-meter radius.
The Covenant employ melee weapons in addition to their already fearsome arsenal. The best known is the [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]], used solely by the [[Sangheili]]. Creating a double blade of superheated plasma, it has both ceremonial and martial value to Sangheili warriors and its possession is very closely monitored. Another is the Jiralhanae [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]], which seems to be the Brutes' cultural equivalent to the energy sword. However, rather than using a blade of plasma, it generates a gravitational field which can cause tremendous damage within a several-meter radius.


===Vehicles===
===Vehicles===
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==Sphere of influence==
==Sphere of influence==
===Species===
The Covenant's expansive interstellar empire was based within the [[Orion Arm]] of the [[Milky Way]] galaxy,{{Ref/Reuse|wp axl}}<ref name="warfleet galaxy">''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', p. 12-13</ref><ref name="wp sanshyuum">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sanshyuum '''Halo Waypoint''': ''San'Shyuum'']</ref>{{Ref/Note|The [https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant Halo Waypoint article] for the Covenant claims that the empire "dominated much of the galaxy". However, most sources (including ''Halo: Warfleet'' and several Waypoint articles) agree that the Covenant Empire was based out in the Orion Arm.}} with the mobile holy city [[High Charity]] as their capital.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}} At the height of its power, the Covenant encompassed thousands of systems. Befitting its vastness, the governance of the Covenant's interstellar dominion was highly complex; occasionally worlds or entire sub-domains vanished from the records maintained at High Charity, only for contact to be re-established decades later. The [[High Council]] was responsible for the administration of these interstellar territories, assigning tithes and levies, and allocating resources across the numerous member worlds.<ref>''Halo: Warfleet'', p. 52</ref> San'Shyuum governors handled administrative duties on a local scale; most of them joined the rest of the species on their mass exodus during the Great Schism.<ref name="warfleet 54">''Halo: Warfleet'', p. 54</ref>
{{Quote|Most of those we encountered in our search were compelled to join our Union. To take part in a movement that promised freedom for allegiance, salvation for service!|The [[Prophet of Regret]]{{Ref/Level|H2|[[Regret (Halo 2 level)|Regret]]}}}}
 
The Covenant is made up of a variety of alien species from different parts of the galaxy. Organized into a caste system by the San'Shyuum, the different species of the Covenant are united by their blind faith in the promise of the Great Journey.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''' ''page 14''</ref> In addition to the core member species listed below, there are a number of peripheral client species—known collectively as the [[Covenant fringe]]—that were never fully integrated into the Covenant, though some provided various advantages to the hegemony.{{Ref/Site|Id=wp axl|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/axl|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Characters|Page=Axl|D=19|M=1|Y=2021|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/axl.html}}
Some species, such as the [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Lekgolo]], had created colonies of their own before their incorporation into the Covenant. These worlds would be absorbed into the empire after the species joined the Covenant. Covenant space would grow to include new worlds as the hegemony expanded throughout the spiral arm, and even [[Forerunner]] installations were settled by the Covenant. Despite the massive size of the empire, the Covenant would generally leave a newly discovered world untouched, unless the world held religious or practical significance. Base worlds established by the [[Sangheili]] were considered the Covenant's primary worlds.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}} Since the incorporation of the Jiralhanae, the [[San'Shyuum]] settled them on resource-rich worlds to guard them from anyone seeking to claim them for themselves, although the Jiralhanae lacked the ability to mine the resources themselves.<ref name="esc1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref>
 
After the dissolution of the Covenant and the exodus of the local San'Shyuum governors,{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet 54}} many of the Covenant's colonies fell under the control of the hegemony's various [[Covenant remnants|splinter factions]], while others were claimed by unaffiliated members of the Covenant client species, especially the Sangheili or Kig-Yar. Some worlds were contested between species and governments,{{Ref/Reuse|HE5}} while [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s were established between the [[Unified Earth Government]] and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] to allow colonies to be administrated by multiple species.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', ''"[[Oasis]]"''</ref>
 
===Known colonies===
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*[[Urs system]]
**[[Sanghelios]] – Sangheili homeworld
***[[Qikost]] – Sangheili colony
***[[Suban]] – Sangheili colony
*[[Qom Yaekesh system]]
**[[Janjur Qom]] – [[San'Shyuum]] homeworld
***[[Plaon]] - San 'Shyuum colony
*[[Oth Sonin system]]
**[[Doisac]] – Jiralhanae homeworld
***[[Warial]] – Jiralhanae colony
***[[Teash]] – Jiralhanae colony
*[[Tala system]]
**[[Balaho]] – [[Unggoy]] homeworld
***[[Buwan]] – Small Covenant outpost colony
*[[Y'Deio system]]
**[[Ap'ot]] – Orbital port city
**[[Chu'ot]]
***[[Eayn]] – Kig-Yar homeworld
**[[Dal'koth]] – Kig-Yar asteroid colony
**[[T'vao]] – [[T'vaoan]] asteroid homeworld
*[[Napret system]]
**[[Palamok]] – [[Yanme'e]] homeworld
***[[Ka'amoti]] – Yanme'e colony
***[[Oquiu]] – Yanme'e colony
*[[Sephune System]]
**[[Sephune III]]
*[[Svir system]]
**[[Te]] – Lekgolo homeworld
***[[Rantu]] – Lekgolo colony
***[[Rentus]] – Lekgolo colony
*[[51 Pegasi system]]
**[[51 Pegasi B]]
***[[Pegasi Delta]] – Home to a starship fuel refinery and staging area
{{Col-2}}


However, not every species encountered by the Covenant was deemed worthy of even providing them with conversion in exchange for services, though their worlds still fell under Covenant control. These species were poorly documented by the [[Sangheili]] and have not been contacted nor cataloged by the [[Unified Earth Government]], even after the Covenant's fall.{{Ref/Site|Id=HWNCF66|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-bulkhead-banter|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=News, Canon Fodder|Page=Bulkhead Banter (Issue 66)|D=16|M=1|Y=2021|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-bulkhead-banter.html}}
*[[Buta system]]
**[[Zhoist]] - A revered Covenant world home to the [[Ten Cities of Edification]] and [[Ring of Mighty Abundance]], a massive Covenant fleet resupply base. Destroyed by UNSC forces in [[Operation: SILENT STORM]] in [[2526]].


{| class="wikitable sortable"
*[[Salia system]]
! Image !! Species !! Description
**[[Saepon'kal]] – Sangheili fortress world. Devastated by orbital [[NOVA bomb]] detonation in [[2552]]
|-
**[[Salia III]]
|[[File:Regret render.png|100px|right|link=San'Shyuum]] || [[San'Shyuum]] || The highest political caste in the Covenant, the San'Shyuum, or "Prophets" as they are known by humans, led the Covenant and exerted complete control over all religious and political affairs. Though physically weak, Prophets wielded power through absolute command of the Covenant and scavenged [[Forerunner]] technology, leaving the task of conquest to the Sangheili and the other races. Along with the Sangheili, the San'Shyuum had members on the Covenant High Council.
|-
|[[File:Halo 2 Anniversary Zealot.png|140px|right|link=Sangheili]] || [[Sangheili]] || The Sangheili, or "Elites" as they are known by humans, served as the military leaders of the Covenant before the Great Schism. Along with the San'Shyuum, the Sangheili were one of the two founding races of the Covenant, and were the only race other than the San'Shyuum to have members on the High Council. The Sangheili are the only race within the Covenant permitted to build and command starships within the Covenant, though the crews are always composed of a mix of races.<ref>'''Sybex Halo PC Guide''' ''page 48''</ref>
|-
|[[File:Reach - Chieftain.png|140px|right|link=Jiralhanae]] || [[Jiralhanae]] || The Jiralhanae, or "Brutes" as they are known by humans, were the most recent addition to the Covenant, and served as soldiers and bodyguards within the Covenant military until their promotion during the Great Schism. Although initially of low status within the hierarchy, the Jiralhanae gained greater prominence within the Covenant prior to the Great Schism, with the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae, Tartarus, answering to the Hierarchs themselves. After the Sangheili were deposed, the Jiralhanae were given command of the Covenant military.
|-
|[[File:HReach - Mgalekgolo.png|140px|right|link=Mgalekgolo]] || [[Lekgolo]] || The Lekgolo are a race of worm-like creatures that can combine to form large, intelligent assemblages called [[Mgalekgolo]], known by humans as "Hunters". Clad in nearly impenetrable armor and armed with their trademark Assault Cannon, they served as the Covenant's heaviest ground troops. Many of these creatures joined the Sangheili during the Great Schism.
|-
|[[File:HReach - Unggoy.png|140px|right|link=Unggoy]] || [[Unggoy]] || Hailing from Balaho, the Unggoy, or "Grunts" as they are known by humans, were the most common and low-ranking caste of the Covenant. They breathe methane gas, and thus must wear a large tank on their back full of methane to survive on other planets. Relations between the Unggoy and the Kig-Yar are strained in the best of times. Many of these creatures joined the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae during the Great Schism.
|-
|[[File:JackalMinor.png|140px|right|link=Kig-Yar]] || [[Kig-Yar]] || The Kig-Yar, or "Jackals" or "Skirmishers" as they are known by humans,{{Ref/Reuse|flood}} were the scouts and marksmen of the Covenant military due to their superior senses. They were among the lower Covenant castes and are about 6'2" tall.
|-
|[[File:Yanmee H2A.png|140px|right|link=Yanme'e]] || [[Yanme'e]] || The Yanme'e, or "Drones" as they are known by humans, are flying, insectoid species that served almost exclusively as engineers in the Covenant Empire. They were eventually replaced by the Huragok, and were used as aerial combatants against the UNSC, who are inexperienced at fighting airborne infantry.
|-
|[[File:Engineer renderized.png|140px|right|link=Huragok]] || [[Huragok]] || The Huragok, or "Engineers" as they are known by the humans, are an artificial species created by the Forerunners. They only conversed with the San'Shyuum or individuals who learn their language.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 55''</ref> The Huragok performed the physical labor of excavating and gathering data on Forerunner artifacts. In military terms, they were generally a non-militant race. Many of the Huragok joined the Sangheili during the Great Schism.
|}
===Worlds===
{{Main|Covenant worlds}}
The Covenant's expansive interstellar empire was based within the [[Orion Arm]] of the [[Milky Way]] galaxy,{{Ref/Reuse|wp axl}}<ref name="warfleet galaxy">''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', p. 12-13</ref>{{Ref/Site|Id=wp sanshyuum|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sanshyuum|Site=Halo Waypoint|Section=Universe, Species|Page=San'Shyuum|LocalArchive=https://archives.halopedia.org/waypoint/www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sanshyuum.html}}{{Ref/Note|The [https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant Halo Waypoint article] for the Covenant claims that the empire "dominated much of the galaxy". However, most sources (including ''Halo: Warfleet'' and several Waypoint articles) agree that the Covenant Empire was based out in the Orion Arm.}} with the mobile holy city [[High Charity]] as their capital.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}} At the height of its power, the Covenant encompassed thousands of systems. Befitting its vastness, the governance of the Covenant's interstellar dominion was highly complex; occasionally worlds or entire sub-domains vanished from the records maintained at High Charity, only for contact to be re-established decades later. The [[High Council]] was responsible for the administration of these interstellar territories, assigning tithes and levies, and allocating resources across the numerous member worlds.<ref>''Halo: Warfleet'', p. 52</ref> San'Shyuum governors handled administrative duties on a local scale; most of them joined the rest of the species on their mass exodus during the Great Schism.<ref name="warfleet 54">''Halo: Warfleet'', p. 54</ref>


Some species, such as the [[Kig-Yar]] and [[Lekgolo]], had created colonies of their own before their incorporation into the Covenant. These worlds would be absorbed into the empire after the species joined the Covenant. Covenant space would grow to include new worlds as the hegemony expanded throughout the spiral arm, and even [[Forerunner]] installations were settled by the Covenant. Despite the massive size of the empire, the Covenant would generally leave a newly discovered world untouched, unless the world held religious or practical significance. Base worlds established by the [[Sangheili]] were considered the Covenant's primary worlds.{{Ref/Reuse|wp cov}} Since the incorporation of the Jiralhanae, the [[San'Shyuum]] settled them on resource-rich worlds to guard them from anyone seeking to claim them for themselves, although the Jiralhanae lacked the ability to mine the resources themselves.<ref name="esc1">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 1|Issue #1]]''</ref>
*[[Ealen system]]
**[[Ealen IV]] – Industrial world; [[terraforming|terraformed]] to produce [[plasma]]
 
*[[Korfo system]]
**''[[Station of Constant Sustenance]]'' – Resupply station; decommissioned following the Covenant's collapse, stripped for valuable components since
 
*[[Ven system]]
**[[Ven III]]


After the dissolution of the Covenant and the exodus of the local San'Shyuum governors,{{Ref/Reuse|warfleet 54}} many of the Covenant's colonies fell under the control of the hegemony's various [[Covenant remnants|splinter factions]], while others were claimed by unaffiliated members of the Covenant client species, especially the Sangheili or Kig-Yar. Some worlds were contested between species and governments,{{Ref/Reuse|HE5}} while [[Joint Occupation Zone]]s were established between the [[Unified Earth Government]] and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] to allow colonies to be administrated by multiple species.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', ''"[[Oasis]]"''</ref>
'''Worlds in unknown systems'''
*[[Malurok]] (Decided Heart) – Sangheili base planet
*[[K7-49]] – Major shipyard. [[Operation: PROMETHEUS|Sabotaged]] by [[SPARTAN-III Alpha Company]] in [[2537]]
*[[Heian]] – A world with a significant logistics base
*[[Duraan]] – A sparsely populated Sangheili frontier colony
*[[Oth Lodon]] – Gas giant located near the Jiralhanae home system
*[[Hesduros]] – Remote Sangheili colony
*[[Karava]] – Backwater Sangheili colony in contested space
*[[Rahnelo]] – A Sangheili frontier colony
*[[Ulgethon]] – Ancient Sangheili colony
*[[Yonhe]] – [[Yonhet]] homeworld
*[[Unidentified moon (Headhunters)|Unidentified moon]] – home to a Forerunner excavation site attacked by [[SPARTAN-III]] [[Headhunters]]
*[[Glyke]] - Sangheili colony and major shipyard. [[Operation: SUNSPEAR|Destroyed]] by [[Gray Team]] just after the end of the Human-Covenant War
{{Col-end}}


==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
==Non-canon and dubious canon appearances==
===Odd One Out===
===Odd One Out===
{{Not canon|category=no}}
{{notcanon|category=no}}
The '''Covenant''' is an empire consisting of at least the San'Shyuum and Jiralhanae at war with humanity.{{Ref/Film|[[Halo Legends]]|Story=Odd One Out}}
The '''Covenant''' is an empire consisting of at least the San'Shyuum and Jiralhanae at war with humanity.{{Ref/Film|[[Halo Legends]]|Story=Odd One Out}}
===Fracture: Blackguard===
===Fracture: Blackguard===
{{Notice/Fracture|Blackguard|category=no}}
{{Notice/Fracture|Blackguard|category=no}}
The '''Covenant''' hordes are enemies of humanity.{{Ref/Game|Id=Margrave|H3|[[Blackguard]] Margrave chest [[Armor customization (Halo 3)|armor permutation]]}}
The '''Covenant''' hordes are enemies of humanity.{{Ref/Game|Id=Margrave|H3|[[Blackguard]] Margrave chest [[Armor customization (Halo 3)|armor permutation]]}}
[[File:HTV-Contact-Sangheili.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Covenant Sangheili in the ''[[Silver Timeline]].]]
===Silver Timeline===
===Silver Timeline===
{{Notice/Silver|category=no}}
{{Notice/Silver|category=no}}
{{Main|Silver Timeline}}
The '''Covenant''' is a mutispecies religious hegemony attempting to eradicate humanity and locate Halo.{{Ref/Film|Id=Reckoning|TV|Episode=Reckoning}}
The '''Covenant''' is a mutispecies religious hegemony attempting to [[Human-Covenant War/Silver|eradicate]] humanity and locate Halo.{{Ref/Film|Id=Reckoning|TV|Episode=Reckoning}} The Covenant's incorporated species include the Sangheili,{{Ref/Film|TV|Episode=[[Contact]]}} San'Shyuum,{{Ref/Film|TV|Episode=[[Unbound]]}} Jiralhanae, Unggoy, Kig-Yar,{{Ref/Film|TV|Episode=[[Reckoning]]}} and Lekgolo.{{Ref/Film|TV|Episode=[[Emergence]]}} ''[[High Charity/Silver|High Charity]]'' served as the mobile capital-ship for the Covenant.{{Ref/Site|Id=silver|URL=https://halotheseries.tv/|Site=Halo: The Series|Page=Dr. Catherine Halsey's Computer|D=25|M=3|Y=2022|LocalArchive=Dr. Catherine Halsey's Computer}} One of the holiest sites in the Covenant is [[Raas Kkhotskha]] in the [[Aspero system]].{{Ref/Book|Id=makingof|[[The Making of Halo The Series: Hope, Heroism, Humanity]]|Page=150-151}}
 
===Fracture: Entrenched===
===Fracture: Entrenched===
{{Notice/Fracture|Entrenched|category=no}}
{{Notice/Fracture|Entrenched|category=no}}
The '''Covenant''' is a zealous organization of humans mutated by radiation at war with the Unified Nations Security Confederation.{{Ref/Site|Id=TLSM1|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/story-shard-the-last-sky-marshal#part-1|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=STORY SHARD: THE LAST SKY MARSHAL|D=15|M=6|Y=2022}}
The '''Covenant''' is a zealous organization of humans mutated by radiation at war with the United Nations Security Confederation.{{Ref/Site|Id=TLSM1|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/story-shard-the-last-sky-marshal#part-1|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=STORY SHARD: THE LAST SKY MARSHAL|D=15|M=6|Y=2022}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
Line 290: Line 358:
File:HaloWars-CovenantSymbol.png|The emblem used to identify the Covenant faction in ''Halo Wars'', fashioned after a Hierarch's headdress.
File:HaloWars-CovenantSymbol.png|The emblem used to identify the Covenant faction in ''Halo Wars'', fashioned after a Hierarch's headdress.
File:HCE_CovenantSpecies_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the various Covenant species created early in the development of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE_CovenantSpecies_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the various Covenant species created early in the development of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HW LECover-Wide.jpg|Ripa 'Moramee leads a Covenant force comprising of Sangheili and Unggoy infantry and a Banshee squadron.
File:HFOR-Covenant.png|A hologram of multiple Covenant species in ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''.
File:HFOR-Covenant.png|A hologram of multiple Covenant species in ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''.
File:Covenant LogoHD.png|The Sangheili scripture for the word Covenant. First seen in a ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'' promo and later in [[Sunaion]].  The image is a Photoshop recreation.
File:Covenant LogoHD.png|The Sangheili scripture for the word Covenant. First seen in a ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'' promo and later in [[Sunaion]].  The image is a Photoshop recreation.
Line 296: Line 365:
File:TruthAndReconciliation replica.jpg|The Sangheili sigils for the Covenant on a replica of the {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''.
File:TruthAndReconciliation replica.jpg|The Sangheili sigils for the Covenant on a replica of the {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''.
File:Covenant SymbolHorizontal.png|Horizontal version of the Symbol of the Covenant.
File:Covenant SymbolHorizontal.png|Horizontal version of the Symbol of the Covenant.
File:Covie Lance1.jpg|Kig-Yar and Unggoy listening to the sermons of a Prophet.
File:HTV-Contact-Sangheili.jpg|Covenant Sangheili in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.
File:HW X06Covenant.jpg|[[Sangheili]], the initial leaders of the Covenant military.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 346: Line 414:
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
Line 361: Line 430:
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
Line 395: Line 463:
*''[[Halo Infinite: Memory Agent]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite: Memory Agent]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season One]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Contact]]''
**''[[Unbound]]''
**''[[Unbound]]''
Line 406: Line 474:
**''[[Transcendence]]''
**''[[Transcendence]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
*''[[Winter Contention]]''
*''[[Halo: Sunrise on Sanghelios]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Sunrise on Sanghelios]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Saturn Devouring His Son]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Hippocratica]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series Season Two]]''
**''[[Sanctuary (TV Series)|Sanctuary]]''
**''[[Sword (TV Series)|Sword]]''
**''[[Visegrád (TV Series)|Visegrád]]''
**''[[Reach (TV Series)|Reach]]''
**''[[Aleria (TV Series)|Aleria]]''
**''[[Halo (TV Series)|Halo]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireside]]''
*''[[Halo: Age of Retribution]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


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