Editing San'Shyuum

{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post|FA}}
{{Species infobox
|name=San'Shyuum
|image=[[File:H2A - San'Shyuum Councilors.jpg|303px]]
|latin=''Perfidia vermis''<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/species/sanshyuum '''Halo Waypoint''': ''San'Shyuum'']</ref>
|classification=
|subspecies=
|diet=Omnivorous
|height=213.4 cm (7')–226.1 cm (7'5")<ref name="universe"/>
|weight=81.4 kg (179.4 lbs)–96.6 kg (212.9 lbs)<ref name="universe"/>
|distinctions=Long necks, humanoid features<ref name="universe"/>
|lifespan=Over two hundred years<ref name="Best">'''[[Halo 3]]''', ''[[Bestiarum]]''</ref>
|homeworld=[[Janjur Qom]]<ref name="universe"/><ref name="qom">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/janjur-qom '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Janjur Qom'']</ref>
|techlevel=[[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 2: Interstellar|Tier 2]]<ref name="universe"/><ref name="Best"/>
|notable-person=*[[Boru'a'Neem]]<ref name="SoI40"/>
*[[Breaking Shadow]]<ref>'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''page 39''</ref>
*[[Hod Rumnt]]<ref name="h2heretic"/>
*[[Lod Mron]]<ref name="h2heretic"/>
*[[Mken 'Scre'ah'ben]]<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 5'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
*[[Ord Casto]]<ref name="h2heretic">'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Heretic]]''</ref>
*[[Tem'Bhetek]]<ref name="SoI5">'''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''', ''pages 5-11'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
*[[Zo Resken]]<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 184'' (Google Play edition)</ref>
|othernames=*Prophets<ref name="Conversations">'''Halo 2''', ''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''</ref>
*Holy Ones<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 7'' (2010)</ref>
|languages=[[San'Shyuum language]]
}}
{{Quote|I don't think I like them. Too charming. Slippery.|[[Chakas]], referring to the San'Shyuum<ref>'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''', ''page 166''</ref>}}

'''San'Shyuum''' ([[Latin]] ''Perfidia vermis'',<ref name="Best"/> meaning "worms of treachery"),<ref>[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=865756 '''halo.bunge.org''': ''Bestiarum Latin names translated'']</ref> also known as '''Prophets''' by many individuals, are a near-extinct [[Sentience|sapient]] species native to [[Janjur Qom]]. Prior to the [[Great Schism]] in [[2552]], the San'Shyuum served as the leadership caste of the [[Covenant]]. By that time, the San'Shyuum had exerted complete control over the Covenant's [[Covenant religion|religious]] and political affairs.<ref name="Best"/>

Contemporary San'Shyuum civilization developed on a planet rich in artifacts left behind by the [[Forerunner]]s, whom the Covenant would later revere as gods.<ref name="Conversations"/> Prophets derived their legitimacy as leaders as well as their colloquial names from this connection. The San'Shyuum of the Covenant originated from the [[Reformists]], a radical faction that believed Forerunner technology should be deeply analyzed and fled Janjur Qom aboard the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] after a [[San'Shyuum Schism|lengthy civil war]].<ref name="enc30">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 30'' (2011)</ref> According to the San'Shyuum, their homeworld was later allegedly destroyed in [[648 BCE]] as the result of a natural [[Supernova|stellar collapse]]. Because of this, they elected to make their home on the mobile planetoid station [[High Charity]], powered by the Dreadnought.<ref name="Best"/>

The San'Shyuum waged a fierce and bloody [[War of Beginnings|war]] against the [[Sangheili]] between [[938 BCE|938]] and [[852 BCE]],<ref name="enc30"/> halted only by their realization that the war would never come to an end.<ref name="Conversations"/> The two races united to learn their secrets, forming a mutually beneficial arrangement that would eventually become the Covenant, although they typically regarded themselves as above the Sangheili. The Sangheili became the protectors of the Prophets while the Prophets dedicated themselves to studying their "gods" and learning the secrets behind the "ascension" they left on.<ref name="primer">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=697 '''bungie.net''': ''A Covenant Primer: The Best of the Bestiary'']</ref>

Since the activation of the [[Halo Array]] and the subsequent [[Reintroduction|reseeding]], the San'Shyuum population has diminished. While their population at the time of the reintroduction was 500,000,000,<ref name="Best"/> there were only 23,831,463 living San'Shyuum by 2552. After the [[Flood]] invasion of High Charity, the majority of their species was consumed and it was estimated that less than a thousand members of the species still lived, assuming that the destruction of Janjur Qom did in fact occur.<ref name="Best"/> However, a flotilla of starships which had managed to evacuate surviving San'Shyuum from High Charity has been determined to be capable of supporting multiple thousands of San'Shyuum.<ref name="SoI40">'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 40'' (Google Play edition)</ref> The current whereabouts of this flotilla are unknown to most in the known galaxy.<ref name="TR">'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[The Return]]", ''page 328''</ref><ref name="GL">'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 256''</ref>

==History==
===Prehistory===
{{Quote|The San'Shyuum are not naturally inclined to war. They are a handsome, intelligent race, besotted with eternal sexuality and youth. They hoped to spend their lives in luxury. For all that, their science was extraordinary.|The [[Ur-Didact|Didact]], referring to the prehistoric San'Shyuum<ref name="c113">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 113''</ref>}}
[[File:HM-CharumHakkor.png|thumb|300px|left|A city on Charum Hakkor, the capital of the Human-San'Shyuum empire.]]
Early on in their first space-faring civilization, the San'Shyuum mined material in the [[Oort cloud#San'Shyuum home system|Oort cloud]] surrounding their [[San'Shyuum home system|home system]] for starship fuel.<ref name="c143">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 143''</ref> Later, the San'Shyuum achieved remarkable technological sophistication, and after encountering the [[prehistoric human civilization]], the San'Shyuum and the humans formed [[Human-San'Shyuum alliance|an alliance]], based on the planet [[Charum Hakkor]], forming a major power in the [[Orion Arm]] of the galaxy.<ref name="c113"/> The San'Shyuum were commonly regarded as a peaceful species.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''[[Halo: Cryptum/Glossary|Glossary]]''</ref> During this period, they encountered the [[Flood]] for the first time, but the spread of the infection was successfully pushed back by their human allies while it was still relatively minor. The empire later collapsed when the San'Shyuum surrendered to the [[Forerunner]]s during the [[human-Forerunner wars]].<ref name="c113"/>

The Forerunners established a [[quarantine shield]] that encompassed Janjur Qom and two other inner planets in the system. Under the watch of the [[Confirmer]] and the [[fortress-class vessel]] ''[[Deep Reverence]]'', the San'Shyuum inhabited Janjur Qom, one other planet, and the [[moon]]s of both worlds.<ref name="c170">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''pages 170-171''</ref> The San'Shyuum managed to regain a comfortable lifestyle, with light commerce and travel between the quarantined worlds under their "control". Abandoning their hedonistic lifestyles for guidance under religious elders,<ref name="c210">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''pages 210-218''</ref> the San'Shyuum were overtly "model citizens" to the Forerunners.<ref name="c170"/> However, as the Confirmer grew lax in his duties, the San'Shyuum began stockpiling outdated Forerunner weaponry on the third quarantined planet.<ref name="c210"/><ref>'''Halo Cryptum''', ''page 198''</ref> During the [[Forerunner-Flood war]], the [[Librarian]] visited Janjur Qom to secure specimens of San'Shyuum for [[Conservation Measure|preservation]] from the [[Halo Array]]. The San'Shyuum elders correctly suspected that a catastrophe was imminent, and launched [[Battle of Janjur Qom|a short-lived uprising]] against their Forerunner overseers. All San'Shyuum on the planet were subsequently killed when [[Halo Array|a Halo]] was fired on a low power setting nearby.<ref>'''[[Halo: Primordium]]''', ''pages 167-168''</ref> The surface of Janjur Qom remained scarred from the battle for millennia to come and while the events themselves were forgotten, San'Shyuum myth held that their kind had once been punished for rebellion against their gods in the ancient past.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 95-96''</ref>

The San'Shyuum were successfully preserved on [[Installation 00]] and were thus sheltered from [[Great Purification|the firing]] of the Halo Array in [[97,445 BCE]]. The species was given time to grow and be observed on the Ark wherein Janjur Qom's temperate ecosystem was imitated for them.<ref name="ptk">'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', "[[Promises to Keep]]"</ref> Interestingly, some San'Shyuum were also permitted to live among humans on the Ark during their time of reacclimation preceding reintroduction as the first species to undergo such a process.<ref>''[[Halo: Rebirth]]''</ref> Some curious San'Shyuum would also occasionally find their way near the Forerunners who inhabited the Ark and overhear their conversations; the Forerunners believed no harm would come of allowing this, assuming the San'Shyuum would forget what they had heard shortly after their reintroduction.<ref name="ptk"/> After around a century after [[Great Purification|the firing]] of the Halo Array, five hundred million San'Shyuum were [[Reintroduction|reintroduced]] to their homeworld;<ref name="Best"/> due to simple logistics, they were the last species to be reseeded by the Forerunners.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fractures]]''', "[[Promises to Keep]]", ''pages 84-85''</ref>

Having eventually lost nearly all memory of the Forerunners, the San'Shyuum discovered Forerunner technology on their homeworld and based their religion around the artifacts they found.<ref name="ENC115">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 115''</ref> Meanwhile, a fragment of [[Mendicant Bias]] took control of the [[keyship]], named ''[[Anodyne Spirit]]'', that reseeded Janjur Qom and attempted to take it to [[Earth]], but the starship ultimately crashed on the San'Shyuum homeworld.<ref name="qom"/>

===War of Wills===
{{Quote|So many worlds contain their leavings and their structures, but only ours was blessed with a ship, a teacher. It taught us all how to unlock the secrets of space and time, to build ships of our own that sail the stars to spread the word. But it also seemed to ever nudge us in a direction, to build weapons of war—energy that could burn or sear flesh, vaporize bone.|The [[Minister of Discovery]] in his final confessions, prior to his death<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "[[Wages of Sin]]", ''page 289''</ref>}}
[[File:HM-Keyship.png|thumb|300px|Stoic and Reformist forces battle around the Forerunner Dreadnought.]]
Following the activation of the Halo Array, the San'Shyuum recovered faster than most species, with their technological advancements enhanced by the presence of numerous Forerunner relics on their planet.<ref name="enc120">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 120'' (2011)</ref> The San'Shyuum redeveloped technology, language, and culture and philosophy based on their observation of these Forerunner artifacts, having little to no knowledge of their species' previous conflicts with the Forerunners.<ref name="universe"/> In [[2200 BCE]], a radical group of San'Shyuum believed that they should enter into the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] present on their planet and learn from its technology. The majority of the San'Shyuum considered the claim to be heresy, leading to the radical San'Shyuum rebelling. As the [[War of Wills]] begun, two factions emerged: the conservative [[Stoics]], who refused to enter and desecrate the Dreadnought, and the militant progressive [[Reformists]], radicals who wanted to develop new technologies by entering and studying the Dreadnought.<ref name="enc120"/><ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 118'' (2009); ''pages 124-125'' (2011)</ref><ref name="ch262">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 262''</ref>

Towards the climax of the war, approximately one thousand of the most radical Reformists broke into the Dreadnought and occupied it.<ref name="universe"/> While they learned how to activate and commandeer the vessel, the Reformists occasionally raided Stoic territory to collect and stock the ship with natural resources and supplies.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 57'' (Google Play edition)</ref> In [[2100 BCE]], the Reformists finally learned how to activate the Dreadnought. The outraged Stoics were unable to take action, since even their fury toward the Reformists could not bring them to destroy the object of their reverence. The Reformists then took flight from Janjur Qom, breaking off a massive chunk of rock in doing so. This piece of rock would later become the foundation of [[High Charity]], the future holy city of the [[Covenant]].<ref name="enc120"/><ref name="ch262"/> With the help of the Forerunner technology from the Dreadnought, the Reformists were able to survive and travel the galaxy.<ref name="enc120"/>

Although the Reformists had achieved victory and left the Stoics behind, they realized that they were doomed due to the small number that had joined their cause to control the Dreadnought.<ref name="ch262"/> With an extremely small gene pool, they enacted strict controls around mating to prevent potentially disastrous inbreeding. The Stoics continued to inhabit Janjur Qom and developed [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Tier 5]] technology on their own, still refusing to "desecrate" Forerunner artifacts. Later, a task force of the nascent Covenant would covertly procure [[Needful Maidens|a small group]] of healthy females from Janjur Qom to ensure genetic diversity in the space-faring San'Shyuum.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 108''</ref> The San'Shyuum in the Covenant would later maintain that Janjur Qom had been destroyed circa [[648 BCE]] by its star going [[supernova]], although this information could not be verified. At some point, the Reformists encountered [[Huragok]] aboard [[M-series facility|M-series facilities]] and enlisted them to work with Forerunner relics.<ref name="Best"/>

===War and the Covenant===
{{Quote|Hmm… yes, they were accomplished manipulators—back before the firing of the array. I see at least that hasn't changed.|[[343 Guilty Spark]], speaking to [[Sesa 'Refumee]]<ref>'''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 7]]''</ref>}}
[[File:H2A Terminals - Prophets.png|thumb|250px|left|Several San'Shyuum Reformists at the time of their first contact with the Sangheili.]]
The Reformist San'Shyuum encountered the [[Sangheili]] in [[938 BCE]], and the [[War of Beginnings]] soon began when a hostile first contact resulted due to vastly differing beliefs. As with the San'Shyuum Stoics, the Sangheili believed that [[Forerunner]] technology should not be touched or used for personal gain, while the San'Shyuum believed that it should be reverse-engineered to further their own technology.<ref name="enc120"/> Their first meeting on the Sangheili [[Sangheili colonies|frontier colony]] of [[Ulgethon]] resulted in a bloody engagement.<ref name="h2a t6">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 6]]''</ref> Physically, the Sangheili were far superior—one Sangheili warrior was the equal to at least ten San'Shyuum.<ref name="ch147">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 147''</ref> However, technologically, the San'Shyuum had the advantage. The San'Shyuum had the Forerunner Dreadnought under their control, and proceeded to wipe out the Sangheili armada using hit-and-run tactics. [[Sanghelios]], the Sangheili homeworld, was even attacked by the Reformists as the conflict waged on. Eventually, the Sangheili realized that their only chance for survival lay in using the Forerunner relics on their planet to engineer more effective weapons.<ref name="enc30"/> This forced the Sangheili to abandon their convictions, and with the core reason of their conflict now gone, the two races united in [[852 BCE]] to form the early Covenant, with the San'Shyuum as the head religious leaders and the Sangheili as the military backbone and defenders of the Prophets.<ref name="enc120"/>

The [[Writ of Union]] was ratified by both species, which established the Covenant. Following the terms of the treaty, the San'Shyuum's Dreadnought was decommissioned and made the center point and power source of High Charity, a mobile planetoid and holy capital of the Covenant.<ref name="ch147"/> The San'Shyuum established themselves as the dominant ruling caste of the Covenant. Over the years of the Covenant Empire's existence, other species were encountered within the [[Orion Arm]] and incorporated into the Covenant. These client species worked as either soldiers or laborers for the Covenant and worshiped the San'Shyuum and their teachings, at least overtly.<ref name="enc120"/> The San'Shyuum were essentially in total control of a powerful, unified empire stretching across hundreds of worlds and billions of individuals.<ref name="universe"/>

===Human-Covenant War===
[[File:H2ATruth2.png|thumb|250px|The High Prophet of Truth, the principal Hierarch during the Human-Covenant War.]]
{{Quote|Who would doubt the Prophets? What have they foretold that has not come to pass?|The High Prophet of Truth<ref name="h2grave">'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref>}}
In [[2525]], three San'Shyuum learned that the recently discovered [[human]]s were the [[Reclaimer|inheritors]] of the Forerunners' [[Mantle]], decreed by the Forerunners themselves.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 275''</ref> Realizing that this revelation could dismantle the Covenant, these San'Shyuum initiated a political coup against the Covenant's High Prophets and ascended to the position of Hierarchs themselves, with the support of the High Council. Now taking the titles of the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophets of Truth]], [[Prophet of Mercy|Mercy]], and [[Prophet of Regret|Regret]], the Hierarchs of the Covenant declared [[Human-Covenant War|a holy war]] against humanity.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 381-385''</ref> As the war dragged on for decades, the Sangheili's near-complete control of the Covenant military proved to be a source of friction and distrust from the San'Shyuum, including Truth.<ref name="universecov">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Covenant'']</ref> Many San'Shyuum feared that the Sangheili would eventually rebel and turn against them.<ref name="universe"/> With several San'Shyuum seeking to overthrow the Sangheili, the loyal [[Jiralhanae]] were secretly armed and empowered by Truth and his allies.<ref name="universecov"/>

At some point during the Covenant's long history, the [[Sharquoi]], dangerous creatures once altered for use by the [[Forerunners]], were discovered. A few were brought aboard ''High Charity'' and the remainder were left in stasis on the world where they were found. The hierarchs kept the existence of the Sharquoi secret from the rest of the Covenant, but rumors spread and a small amount of San'Shyuum and Sangheili came to know about them regardless. Some of these individuals begged for the beasts to be used against the humans during the war, but nothing like this ever came to pass because though they could have unleashed Sharquoi, they lacked [[Vertex|the means to control]] them.<ref name="Envoy13">''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' Chapter 13</ref>

In [[2552#November|November 2552]], with the [[activation index]] of [[Installation 05]] under Covenant control, the Covenant's Great Journey appeared near. With the assassination of the High Prophet of Regret, Truth faulted the Sangheili and eventually ordered the massacre of the [[Sangheili High Councilor]]s to prevent the election of another San'Shyuum in place of Regret.<ref name="council">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/high-council '''Halo Waypoint''': ''High Council'']</ref> This ultimately resulted in the [[Great Schism]] and the fragmentation of the Covenant. The Sangheili abandoned the Covenant and declared a war of their own against the San'Shyuum and Jiralhanae,<ref name="uprising">'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[Uprising]]''</ref> with many eventually allying with humanity.<ref name="journey">'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> Further events led to a [[Flood]] [[Fall of High Charity|outbreak]] on High Charity that led to the deaths of millions of San'Shyuum.<ref name="Best"/> Simultaneously, many San'Shyuum traveled to the surface of Installation 05 in preparation for the Great Journey, inadvertently avoiding Flood infection.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "Wages of Sin", ''page 300''</ref> Ultimately, the firing of Installation 05 was averted and the Covenant forces in [[Coelest system|the system]] either retreated or were destroyed.<ref name="journey"/> With the death of Truth in December 2552, the Covenant was destroyed by the allied human and Sangheili forces.<ref name="h3covenant">'''Halo 3''', campaign level, ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref>

With the outbreak of the Flood and its subsequent arrival at the holy city, the San'Shyuum had experienced two extinction events within a "single great cycle". Only those individuals who were permanently posted somewhere other than High Charity are certain to have survived, though many San'Shyuum still held positions aboard Sangheili ships at the time of the Great Schism,<ref name="Best"/> leading to their deaths at the hands of betrayed and furious Sangheili.<ref name="TR"/> The Covenant War ultimately resulted in the deaths of millions of San'Shyuum and the species' current total population was estimated at less than one thousand.<ref name="Best"/> However, unbeknownst to the rest of the galaxy, a sizable population of San'Shyuum were evacuated from High Charity aboard a flotilla of starships, which promptly fled the doomed holy city.<ref name="SoI40"/> In addition, one individual, the former Prophet of Clarity [[Zo Resken]], settled on the [[Ussan]] world known as [[the Refuge]] following his escape. With ''High Charity'''s loss, administration of Covenant colonies fell to San'Shyuum governors but they soon absconded their positions to join the exodus, leaving local warlords and factional leaders to fill the voids.<ref>''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', page 54</ref>

===Post-Covenant War===
{{Quote|There will be some San'Shyuum who deserve the full measure of our fury, and others who will not. I would like the opportunity to try to sort one from the other, if I can.|Rtas 'Vadum, revealing his intentions to find the remaining San'Shyuum<ref name="SoI83">'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 83'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}}
[[File:HM - SOI.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Tem 'Bhetek engages [[Tul 'Juran]] and [[Rtas 'Vadum]] aboard the ''Shadow of Intent''.]]
With their population at [[Extinction|dangerously low]] levels following the loss of High Charity, and now having to contend with the wrath of their former guardians, the San'Shyuum gave their new Jiralhanae protectors access to all the technology they had. Immediately following the collapse of the Covenant and the end of the Human-Covenant War, however, the remaining San'Shyuum apparently vanished into hiding. The Sangheili had heard rumors that the San'Shyuum went on the Great Journey, but most disregarded them.<ref name="TR"/> As this coincided with the disappearance of most Huragok, others believed that the San'Shyuum may have taken the Huragok with them when they fled. By [[2558]], limited numbers of San'Shyuum continued to be encountered within the [[Unified Earth Government]]'s and the former Covenant's sphere of influence in the galaxy.<ref name="Waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/catalog-interaction/4c3e1c6f-6519-4ee0-83a4-4bac13bf07a3/posts?page=43#post847 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction'']</ref> Notable among these was [[Alo Sebukah]], who was found by the [[UNSC]] in a damaged skiff orbiting [[Substance]] and taken to [[Midnight Facility]] for interrogation and indefinite incarceration.<ref name="lootcrate8"/>

About a year after the Covenant's fall, in [[2553]], [[Tem'Bhetek]] and [[Boru'a'Neem]]—a former [[Prelate]] and [[Minister (title)|Minister]] of [[Ministry of Preparation|Preparation]], respectively—sought revenge against the Sangheili, having [[Tem'Bhetek's faction|departed]] from the hidden San'Shyuum flotilla to do so.<ref name="SoI40"/> Utilizing [[Prototype Halo installation|a prototypical Halo]], the two San'Shyuum plotted to eradicate all life on Sanghelios and its moons. However, their plan was foiled by the crew of ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' led by [[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]], ultimately resulting in the deaths of both San'Shyuum.<ref name="SoI75">'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''pages 75-80'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Accessing data aboard the Prelate's [[Spear of Light|ship]], 'Vadum learned of the San'Shyuum flotilla and estimated that it was large enough to carry thousands of San'Shyuum. Following slipspace trajectories from the Prelate's ship, 'Vadum intended to locate the surviving San'Shyuum and determine who among them should be spared or slain as [[war criminal]]s.<ref name="SoI81">'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''pages 81-83'' (Google Play edition)</ref> 

On [[2558#October|October 28, 2558]], [[Cortana]], leader of the faction of rogue [[artificial intelligence]]s calling themselves the [[Created]], broadcast a message wherein she invited the San'Shyuum (among other select ex-Covenant races) to either accept her offer of protection and prosperity or to suffer her wrath.<ref name="guardians">'''Halo 5: Guardians''', campaign level, ''[[Guardians (level)|Guardians]]''</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Biology==
===Anatomy and physiology===
[[File:H2A Terminals - Scribe close-up.jpg|thumb|250px|right|A close-up of the face of a San'Shyuum.]]
Regarded as a highly intelligent race, the San'Shyuum are a gangly, bipedal species, with very long, serpentine necks and limbs. With an average height of 213.4 centimeters (7 feet) to 226.1 centimeters (7 feet and 5 inches) and an average weight of 81.4 kilograms (179.4 pounds) to 96.6 kilograms (212.9 pounds), the San'Shyuum are a tall and lithe species. San'Shyuum have frail skeletal structures which require slow and delicate movement.<ref name="universe"/> Members of the species generally have elongated heads, with prehensile,<ref name="bc62">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 62-66''</ref> salamandrine lips. The slick skin of the San'Shyuum changes complexion with age; younger members of the species have light brown skin, with the complexion paling with age. Hair sparsely covered the body of a San'Shyuum, though many individuals had most, if not all, hair removed from their bodies.<ref name="ch143">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 143-145''</ref> San'Shyuum have two large, amphibian-like eyes that vary in color among individuals, including shades of violet,<ref name="SoI5"/> brown, green,<ref name="bc53">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 53''</ref> and blue. One San'Shyuum may have two distinct eye colors; having one dark green eye and one deep blue eye was once considered to be auspicious among San'Shyuum, but now denotes the individual as a member of a genetic line that was overbred.<ref name="SoI5"/> Young adult San'Shyuum have shorter necks, more prominent noses and chins and closer eyes than their elder counterparts, resulting in a marked resemblance to [[human]]s,<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 216''</ref> enough for the two species to find one another attractive.<ref name="c170"/> San'Shyuum blood is colored red and differing blood types exist among the species. According to human designations, one of these types is referred to as E+.<ref name="lootcrate8">'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #8]]''</ref>
[[File:HTRmc-Conviction-Corpse.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The blood and corpse of a San'Shyuum.]]
The San'Shyuum evolved on the low gravity planet of [[Janjur Qom]] and tend to have some degree of difficulty moving in higher-gravity environments. Although younger San'Shyuum are significantly stronger and capable of walking upright, the majority of San'Shyuum in the Covenant are very elderly, and this combined with a life of physical inactivity leaves most of the Covenant's San'Shyuum withered and weak. As a result, most San'Shyuum wear some form of anti-gravity device.<ref name="universe"/> However, they are still capable of moving unaided, if only for a brief period of time.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 95'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Prehistoric San'Shyuum were typically very lithe and muscular; both the [[Forerunner]]s and humans considered the San'Shyuum to be very beautiful.<ref name="c170"/> After their surrender in the [[human-Forerunner wars]], the San'Shyuum began to place their trust in the wisdom of often-paraplegic elders, though their warriors retained the musculature for which their species was renowned.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 215''</ref> 

Millennia later, the San'Shyuum [[Reformists]] would come to adopt a similar sedentary lifestyle, although the [[Stoics]] who inhabited Janjur Qom remained noticeably more muscular, healthy, fit and could stand upright due to the planet's higher gravity and their genetic diversity.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 107''</ref> Some records suggest that the prehistoric San'Shyuum were genetically manipulated by the Forerunners at the end of the human-Forerunner wars, resulting in an unfortunate physical reduction of their species as punishment for [[Human-San'Shyuum alliance|their alliance]] with humanity.<ref name="universe"/>

San'Shyuum have distinct, often fur-covered, lobes of skin hanging underneath their chin similar to a beard, known as "wattles".<ref name="ch143"/> Typically, only when an individual was deep into adulthood did a wattle weigh enough to slump down to their chin.<ref name="ch152">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 152''</ref> As a result, the majority of younger San'Shyuum did not have prominent wattles, at least not under their chins.<ref name="h2a t6"/> San'Shyuum also have fleshy, hanging appendages on either side of their head;<ref name="ch152"/> despite their resemblance to ears, San'Shyuum ears are actually lobeless and located on the backs of their heads.<ref name="SoI5"/>

San'Shyuum are tridactyly-fingered—meaning that they have three digits on each hand, including a shorter thumb—with narrow, highly tactile hands.<ref name="universe"/> They are capable of, though typically unwilling, using handheld weaponry. Their prehensile,<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 147''</ref> gnarled feet<ref name="ch152"/> have three toes each, which are bent backward so that a San'Shyuum's weight is balanced on the knuckles of its feet.<ref name="h2grave"/><ref name="h3covenant"/> Their feet are often atrophied to a point of uselessness. This unconventional foot structure further complicates their movement when they are not being supported by anti-gravity systems.<ref name="universe"/><ref name="Toes" group="note">The hooked toes, in addition to the remainder of their primatoid physiology, may suggest the San'Shyuum evolved from arboreal ancestors.</ref>

===Reproduction and life cycle===
{{Quote|It is upon me! And, as you and I are not on the Roll of Celibates, and as our people are in tragic need of offspring, of continuation… I suggest that when the mood strikes us this evening, we look to the possibility of generating a new San'Shyuum life…|[[Cresanda]] to her mate, [[Mken 'Scre'ah'ben]], during a time of Reproductive Yielding<ref name="bc62"/>}}
[[File:H2AMercy1.jpg|thumb|250px|The Prophet of Mercy, an elderly San'Shyuum.]]
The fertility cycle of a female San'Shyuum is short and rather uncommon, with a great amount of time in between each one. When the female was fertile, specific hormones caused male San'Shyuum to have a greater desire for [[Reproduction|procreation]] with their mate.<ref name="bc62"/> The species apparently give birth to live offspring.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 171''</ref> Female San'Shyuum generally give birth to a single child, though broods of twins and triplets are possible. Pregnancy and childbirth becomes increasingly difficult with advanced age.<ref name="ch261">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 261-265''</ref> The fertility cycle of the San'Shyuum was referred to as the time of Reproductive Yielding.<ref name="bc62"/> Due to the relatively small population of fertile San'Shyuum, the species' population growth dwindled and recessive traits were expressed with greater frequency with each successive generation, despite [[Roll of Celibates|efforts]] within San'Shyuum society to maintain genetic stability and prevent the spread of recessive traits. However, further in the past, some chose to keep their bloodlines "pure", as one's lineage is an important component of one's identity. The [[Sebalim'tet]] lineage is one such bloodline.<ref name="Best"/><ref name="lootcrate8"/> During the Covenant's waning years, the [[Ministry of Preparation]] utilized Forerunner [[Lifeworker]] machinery within the [[Sacred Promissory]] that has been sourced from the so-called Dreadnought to alter a San'Shyuum's genes; [[Biological augmentation|augmented]] as [[Prelate]]s, these San'Shyuum were able to breed without spreading recessive traits to offspring and were used in offensive roles.<ref>'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 29'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Prelates were created with the assistance of [[chirurgeon]]s, who accomplished this work not only on ''High Charity'' but also aboard specialized [[DSC-class support ship|DSC-class agricultural support ships]] fitted with the appropriate arcane Forerunner instrumentation.<ref>''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'' ''page 69''</ref>

The lifespan of a San'Shyuum is extensive, largely as a result of advanced medical technology intended to ensure longevity, with many San'Shyuum living for hundreds of years.<ref name="universe"/> Such a process began in about [[1552]], approximately one thousand years before the collapse of the Covenant. Currently, more than a quarter of their population are now super-bicentenarians.<ref name="Best"/> With age, hair grows more sparsely and white, the skin pales,<ref name="ch143"/> and physical ailments such as [[Wikipedia:arthritis|arthritis]] develop.<ref name="bc161">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 161-163'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Elder San'Shyuum in the Covenant were forced to use their herbal medicines regularly.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 48''</ref> The San'Shyuum were also remarkably long-lived by the time of the Forerunners; the [[First Prophet]], for example, was over nine thousand years old by [[97,445 BCE]].<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 216''</ref>

==Culture==
===Society===
{{Quote|Please don't ask me how many Prophets the Covenant had. Even one of them was too damn many for me.|[[Spartan Operations#Rank structure|Spartan]] [[Edward Buck]]<ref>'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''', ''page 60'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}}
[[File:H2A Terminals - Stewards.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Two [[steward]]s escort a [[luminary]] aboard the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s flagship, ''[[Solemn Penance]]''.]]
During the prehistoric time of the [[Forerunner]]s, the San'Shyuum culture was centered around the pursuit of beauty and pleasure. The species was known throughout the galaxy for their hedonism, their beauty, and their skills at manipulating other races with their nearly universal appeal.<ref name="c113"/><ref name="c170"/> Following their surrender at the end of the [[human-Forerunner wars]], however, their culture became centered around the guidance of elderly, often-paraplegic, religious leaders known as prophets. The San'Shyuum were also renowned for their production of excellent alcoholic beverages such as [[kasna]].<ref name="c183">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''pages 181-184''</ref> Some contemporary San'Shyuum indulge in stimulants such as [[hookah tobacco]], produced from [[herbal synthesizer]]s.<ref name="ch143"/> Herbal tea is also a popular beverage among San'Shyuum,<ref name="ch151">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 151-154''</ref> sometimes flavored with [[sea flower]] and [[sky spice]].<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 233''</ref>

The San'Shyuum scarcely discussed the specifics of their culture with other species. Before the [[Covenant]] was formed, the one thousand or so San'Shyuum [[Reformists]]—who believed in using Forerunner technology for their use and wished to explore the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] they had discovered—left their homeworld, leaving the [[Stoics]] behind.<ref name="enc120"/><ref name="ch262"/> The resulting calamity meant that the Covenant San'Shyuum population was reduced to a few thousand, forcing the species to carefully manage their gene pool to prevent the loss of beneficial genes and the introduction of undesirable traits, with individuals possessing negative recessive traits placed in the [[Roll of Celibates]] to prevent their breeding.<ref name="ch261"/> Those who managed the Roll were incredibly strict to ensure that genetic diversity was maintained.<ref name="ENC"/> Not even Hierarchs were above the influence of the Roll. However, if they should have such sexual urges, the San'Shyuum will use concubines. Should a pregnancy should occur, it must be aborted or the children will be killed at birth and the father sterilized. The fertility cycles of female San'Shyuum are short and far between, which would make it difficult for San'Shyuum to have children. As a result, San'Shyuum of [[High Charity]] held a celebration called a [[birthing period]] for when a child was conceived.<ref name="ch261"/> On this event, even the strict [[Committee of Concordance]] loosened its public decency laws.<ref>'''Halo: Shadow of Intent''', ''page 28'' (Google Play edition)</ref> The prehistoric, quarantined San'Shyuum also once celebrated procreation, as the San'Shyuum populations were heavily controlled to prevent overpopulation.<ref name="c183"/>

San'Shyuum have an assortment of titles, most notably the title of [[High Prophet]]. The title of [[Minor Prophet]] is subordinate to that of Prophet, but still relatively high. Both titles dealt with religious and political matters within the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 6'' (2010)</ref> [[High Lord]] was a San'Shyuum title that existed in the Covenant's early history and was comparatively low in San'Shyuum society.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 20'' (Google Play edition)</ref> At least during the [[Ages of Conflict|First Age of Conflict]], the Reformist San'Shyuum possessed a caste system in which those born of a lower-caste brood were destined for a life of servitude as [[Steward]]s to their superiors, such as High Lords.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 4''</ref> The role of Steward continued to be in effect by [[2552]].<ref name="h2aterminal1">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 1]]''</ref> [[Cleric]]s were employed by the San'Shyuum to fulfil medicinal duties;<ref name="ch152"/> [[Vice Cleric]]s were subordinate to them.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''Bonus Content'' (2010)</ref>

===Role within the Covenant===
{{Quote|Every member of the Covenant shall walk the path. None will be left behind when our Great Journey begins. That is the Prophets' age-old promise, and it shall be fulfilled!|The [[Prophet of Regret|High Prophet of Regret]], during the Battle of Installation 05<ref name="regret">'''Halo 2''', campaign level, ''[[Regret (level)|Regret]]''</ref>}}
[[File:H2A-TruthAndMercy.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The High Prophets of Truth and Mercy.]]
The San'Shyuum made up the ruling religious caste of the Covenant Empire.<ref name="enc118">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 118'' (2010)</ref> The San'Shyuum held a vital position in the Covenant because they were solely responsible for studying the holy Forerunner artifacts and using them to develop new technologies,<ref name="ch152"/> and also because they managed political affairs and maintained order in the Covenant. [[San'Shyuum High Councilor]]s held over one hundred seats on the [[Covenant]] [[High Council]],<ref name="ch271">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 271''</ref> sharing this responsibility with the [[Sangheili]]<ref name="h2heretic"/> until the dawn of the [[Great Schism]] in 2552. The primary goal of San'Shyuum within the Covenant was to locate, study, and incorporate Forerunner technology to fully understand and advance the Great Journey.<ref name="ENC"/> Covenant society as a whole was based on the expectation of the San'Shyuum leading the other species of the empire to transcendence.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 119'' (2011)</ref> The Covenant's ruling caste appeared to encompass both the San'Shyuum and the Sangheili, though the San'Shyuum ultimately had more power within the empire as they were believed to be "the voice of the Gods". In actuality, the two species had an uneasy coexistence by 2552, and there was a significant amount of political infighting among the ruling caste.<ref name="enc118"/>

[[File:H2A-HighCouncilSession.jpg|thumb|250px|San'Shyuum and Sangheili High Councilors.]]
At any given time, the Covenant was headed by a triumvirate of San'Shyuum, known as the [[Hierarchs]]. Although the High Council had an equal representation of both the San'Shyuum and Sangheili, the Hierarchs that led the council ultimately dictated all policies and decisions.<ref name="universecov"/> Below the Hierarchs, the High Councilors of the Covenant determined legislation and executed the day-to-day affairs of the government.<ref name="council"/> [[Minister (title)|Ministers]], whom also held office as High Councilors, headed the ministerial bodies that made up part of the Covenant's executive branch. [[Vice Minister|Vice ministers]] served as the deputies to their ministers, substituting in for their minister on the High Council if they were unable to attend a session. [[Senior staffer|Senior]] and [[junior staffer]]s were positions within a ministry, serving to aid their superiors in dealing with ministry matters.<ref name="ch151"/> Early in the Covenant's history, San'Shyuum once held a more active position within the military, serving as starship captains, gunners, and officers.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 79'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Eventually, the military was under near-total control of the Sangheili,<ref name="universecov"/> though the San'Shyuum held seats on the martial [[Council of Masters]].<ref name="cp144">'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 144''</ref> 

As the representatives of the gods, the Prophets held a great amount of power over the other races of the Covenant, earning reverential titles such as "Holy One" and "Eminence".<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 110'' (Google Play edition)</ref> They were protected at all times by [[legion]]s of [[Covenant Honor Guard|Honor Guardsmen]], whom would loyally defend the San'Shyuum to the death,<ref name="ch151"/> and rarely involved themselves in combat, preferring to dedicate themselves to studying Forerunner artifacts.<ref name="primer"/> However, important events to the Covenant usually required a high-ranking Prophet, such as a Hierarch, to be present. Both the architecture and the structural aesthetics of weapons and vehicles of the Covenant was predominantly San'Shyuum in nature and design, with Sangheili architecture conforming to the San'Shyuum's preferences over time.<ref name="universecov"/>

===Religion and spirituality===
{{Quote|The Great Journey is not merely a matter of being ready militarily, though that is of importance. But truly, those who seek the light of the seven Rings must be purified within, utterly convinced of the truth of the Prophets, to the last vestige of their being, and willing to die for the cause without hesitation.|[[Qurlom]], on devotion to the Great Journey<ref name="bc22">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 22'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}}
[[File:H2A Terminals - Sangheili before Hierarchs.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The San'Shyuum served as the spiritual leaders of the Covenant's religion.]]
Early San'Shyuum religion held that the Forerunner artifacts on Janjur Qom were holy and the examination of these artifacts—in too great a depth—was considered [[Heretic|heresy]]; however the San'Shyuum did slowly study the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]], the focal point of the ancient San'Shyuum religion.<ref name="enc120"/> Between [[2200 BCE|2200]] and [[2100 BCE]], [[San'Shyuum Schism|a civil war]] broke out between [[Stoics|two]] [[Reformists|factions]] with differing opinions on the treatment of Forerunner artifacts. The Reformists, whom believed that Forerunner technology should be utilized, boarded the Dreadnought and left Janjur Qom.<ref name="ch262"/> Over the centuries that followed, the San'Shyuum Reformists—which eventually founded the Covenant—refined their own religion and beliefs, and ultimately served as the architects of the [[Covenant religion]]. With the establishment of their empire, the San'Shyuum titled themselves the religious leaders of the Covenant.<ref name="ENC"/>

The contemporary San'Shyuum religion is based off Forerunner documents found within terminals of the Dreadnought. However, the San'Shyuum misunderstood these documents, and misinterpreted the firing of the [[Halo Array]] as a means of transcending life. The San'Shyuum termed this process the "Great Journey"<ref name="enc118"/> and believed that the Forerunners had initiated the first Great Journey to transcend to the divine beyond. The San'Shyuum believed that transcendence led to godhood.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 58''</ref> The San'Shyuum made their religion the focus of the Covenant, with all of its client species working together to discover the "Sacred Rings" and begin the Great Journey; though, some species and even San'Shyuum were less pious then others.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 23'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Although they worshiped the Forerunners as gods, San'Shyuum of the Reformists initially treated Forerunner artifacts without veneration, at least until the establishment of the Covenant in a successful effort to pacify the Sangheili who believed that the artifacts were to be respected.<ref name="Best"/>

Some San'Shyuum practiced [[asceticism]], a form of Forerunner worship that advocated extreme humility in the presence of Forerunner technology.<ref name="ch143"/> Led by the [[Philologist]], the ascetic priests were followers of the ideology that were responsible for the insertion of trained [[Lekgolo]] into the inner workings of the Forerunner Dreadnought on High Charity, with the intentions of gaining more knowledge on the keyship.<ref name="ch271"/> Asceticism practitioners lacked interest in personal hygiene and fashion, with unkempt hair and skin, humble robes, and operating [[anti-gravity chair]]s of stone, rather than metal.<ref name="ch143"/>

===Fashion and dress===
[[File:UnknownHierarch.jpg|thumb|250px|The dress of a mid-22nd century Hierarch.]]
San'Shyuum politicians generally dress themselves in robes—sometimes made of [[Wikipedia:Filigree|filigreed]] material.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 62'' (Google Play edition)</ref> The robes varied in complexity and color, with the overall design of the robe typically reflecting the personality of its wearer. Personal designs on robes ranged from golden thread on a scarlet robe to represent interlinked planetary systems to a simple white robe.<ref name="bc19">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 19-20'' (Google Play edition)</ref> San'Shyuum that oversaw an engagement from the frontlines—at least during the [[War of Beginnings]]—wore an ornately sewn ceremonial robe with hidden body armor underneath.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 7'' (Google Play edition)</ref> San'Shyuum captains wore a uniform robe sewn with stars indicating the systems they served in.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 88'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Some San'Shyuum also wore jewellery, such as "earrings" on the fleshy appendages that hung from their heads; such jewellery was popularly worn among males to indicate that they had not yet committed to a single mate.<ref name="ch152"/>

The majority of mature San'Shyuum use an anti-gravity chair to support themselves,<ref name="ch143"/> a more advanced form of the wheeled chairs they used before the activation of the Halo Array.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 211''</ref> Many San'Shyuum additionally don an [[anti-gravity belt]] for support while out of their chairs.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 214''</ref> Higher-ranking Prophets, such as the Hierarchs, use shielded anti-gravity thrones to support themselves. These however, are not so much for support as they are for personal defense—they are fitted with holographic emitters, an [[energy shield]] generator, a short-range [[Slipspace translocation|teleportation]] device, and built-in [[assault cannon]]s. In the event of assassins getting past their guards, they are able to defend themselves quite well with the assault cannons.<ref name="regret"/> In the Covenant, anti-gravity chairs improved in luxury, comfort, and power as its operator's position within the empire rose.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 149''</ref> Both the chairs and belts were often decorated by its operators.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 163'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Additionally, many San'Shyuum wore complex headpieces of varying design, frequently embedded with gems and sometimes wired for communication purposes.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 107'' (2010)</ref><ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 72'' (Google Play edition)</ref>

===Languages===
The San'Shyuum had their own [[San'Shyuum language|language]] that was the dominant dialect among the species. Modern San'Shyuum language is extremely different from the language spoken by their prehistoric ancestors; after the San'Shyuum's reseeding on Janjur Qom, the species' language was redeveloped based on their observation of Forerunner artifacts and scripts.<ref name="universe"/> By [[850 BCE]], the languages of both the Reformists and Stoics had not yet diverged into separate languages to an extent that prevented both cultures from communicating with one another.<ref name="bc133">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 133'' (Google Play edition)</ref> The San'Shyuum also utilize non-verbal communication as part of their language in the form of elaborate or simple hand,<ref name="bc8">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 8'' (Google Play edition)</ref> and occasionally head,<ref name="bc133"/> gestures that convey phrases, feelings, and even accents.<ref name="bc8"/><ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 16'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Other species were apparently unaware of this communication system.<ref name="bc8"/>

Following the Covenant's foundation, the San'Shyuum initially continued to speak their native language, having not completely translated the native languages of the Sangheili.<ref name="bc8"/> However, as the Covenant developed into a large empire, the official language of the Covenant became an advanced dialect of [[Sangheili (language)|Sangheili]]. The language became spoken by all members of the Covenant capable of doing so, even becoming the dominant language of the San'Shyuum.<ref name="universecov"/> Though some San'Shyuum continued to speak their native language, at least apparently during religious sermons.<ref name="regret"/> However, following the collapse of the Covenant, at least some San'Shyuum returned to speaking their native language amongst themselves.<ref name="SoI5"/>

===Naming conventions===
{{Quote|This is the Prophet of Regret, and this the Prophet of Mercy. And I, the least worthy of us all, am the Prophet of Truth.|The High Prophet of Truth, revealing the names he and his companions selected during their Ascension<ref name="ch384">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 384''</ref>}}
At birth, San'Shyuum are given a first name and a surname,<ref name="ENC"/> though some birth names are one word split by apostrophes; for example, [[Tem'Bhetek]] was often simply called "Tem".<ref name="SoI5"/> However, in the Covenant, if a San'Shyuum ascended to a certain level in the empire's political hierarchy, they preferred to be addressed by their title.<ref name="ENC"/> San'Shyuum of different political positions may hold the spiritual title of Prophet by which their species is known;<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 20, 214''</ref> the title generally includes a trait the individual claims to possess.<ref name="ENC"/> High-ranking San'Shyuum may call a subordinate Prophet by their original name to "put them in their place".<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 73'' (Google Play edition)</ref>

Some San'Shyuum are known by multiple cultural, political and religious titles; for example, [[Mken 'Scre'ah'ben]] held the titles of [[High Lord]], [[Ministry of Relic Safety|Minister of Relic Safety]], and the Prophet of Inner Conviction.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 22''</ref> Upon their [[Ascension]], San'Shyuum Hierarchs may select a regal name from a list of former High Prophets or choose their title based on the quality they publicly wish to emulate.<ref name="ENC"/> Though this is not always the case. The [[High Prophet of Truth]] chose the name "Truth" as a reminder to himself of the truths he must never tell, and the lies he would have to spin to prevent the Covenant from fragmenting.<ref name="ch384"/>

==Homeworld==
[[File:Waypoint - Janjur Qom.png|thumb|250px|Janjur Qom, the San'Shyuum homeworld.]]
{{Quote|This is the womb of my people. A million solar cycles and more of San'Shyuum history took place here. This was where San'Shyuum emerged from the seas; where they began to farm, to build, to create civilization. Where they shed their blood as they struggled with one another for sovereignty.|Mken 'Scre'ah'ben's thoughts on Janjur Qom, upon seeing the planet for the first time<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 102''</ref>}}
[[Janjur Qom]] was the homeworld of the San'Shyuum. The planet had an atmosphere comparable to [[Earth]] and [[Sanghelios]], and its only [[natural satellite]] was [[Plaon]]. The radical [[Reformist]] faction of San'Shyuum fled their homeworld aboard the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] and eventually formed the [[Covenant]], leaving the conservative [[Stoics]] behind. The San'Shyuum of Reformist lineage claim that Janjur Qom was destroyed when its star went [[supernova]] in [[648 BCE]]. This claim was viewed with suspicion by many in the Covenant who suspected that the San'Shyuum was attempting to hide their homeworld from the rest of the empire, though little was done to dispute it.<ref name="Best"/> After the establishment of the Covenant, the coordinates of Janjur Qom's location was known only to members of San'Shyuum leadership.<ref name="qom"/>

With the alleged destruction of Janjur Qom and the establishment of the Covenant, the Reformist San'Shyuum began building a new homeworld around the Dreadnought and the large piece of rock that had been inadvertently ripped out and taken away by the [[keyship]] when the vessel initially departed from the planet.<ref name="ch262"/> The new home of the San'Shyuum became known as [[High Charity]],<ref name="qom"/> and it soon became the holy capital of the Covenant Empire. Home to millions of the Covenant's politicians and constituents, High Charity also served as a mobile [[space station]]. In 2552, the San'Shyuum population on High Charity was approximately 23,831,463.<ref name="Best"/> High Charity was [[Fall of High Charity|destroyed]] in [[2552]] when the [[Flood]] managed to infect the holy city.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/high-charity '''Halo Waypoint''': ''High Charity'']</ref>

==Technology==
Prior to their quarantine in their [[San'Shyuum home system|home system]] and [[Great Purification|the firing]] of the [[Halo Array]], the San'Shyuum were one of the most technologically advanced species in the [[Milky Way]], becoming a space-faring race by developing their own starships.<ref name="c143"/> The San'Shyuum's was considered impressive even by the [[Forerunner]]s.<ref name="c113"/> The San'Shyuum were responsible for developing the [[Timelock|time bolt]], a temporal stasis field that brought the passage of time to a stop through sophisticated [[Slipstream space|higher-dimensional]] manipulation.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 121''</ref> [[Ancient humanity]] had even formed an [[Human-San'Shyuum alliance|alliance]] with the San'Shyuum to access the species' advanced technology.<ref name="c113"/>

Following the firing of the Halo Array and the San'Shyuum's [[Reintroduction|reseeding]] on [[Janjur Qom]], the species redeveloped their technology based on their observation of Forerunner artifacts.<ref name="universe"/> The Reformists developed their own technologies, such as [[Eye]] surveillance [[drone]]s, [[anti-gravity chair]]s and [[Anti-gravity belt|belts]], [[shuttle]]craft, [[drop pod]]s equipped with protective force fields, and pulse rifles.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 6-18''</ref> The Reformists also experimented with various [[active camouflage]] systems.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/active-camouflage '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Active Camouflage'']</ref> However, the [[Stoics]] largely resisted technological progress, perhaps fearing that technological advancement may have incurred the wrath of their gods.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 115''</ref> By [[850 BCE]], the Stoics had advanced little within the past millennium, maintaining a [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 5: Atomic Age|Tier 5 civilization by Forerunner standards]]. While the Stoics had simple satellites and some advanced weaponry,<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 104''</ref> their true skills rested within the fields of biotechnology and genetics. Genetically manipulating plants, Stoic warriors utilized [[folasteed]] as mounts; folasteed was essentially the forest itself creating riding mounts from itself for the soldiers.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 161-165''</ref>

[[File:H2A - Dreadnought.jpg|thumb|thumb|300px|left|The Forerunner Dreadnought, the origin of most early San'Shyuum advancements.]]
Within the [[Covenant]], the San'Shyuum combined their knowledge with [[Sangheili]] and other species, advancing their empire's technology level to [[Technological Achievement Tiers#Tier 2: Interstellar|Tier 2]]. As the Covenant came across new Forerunner artifacts, the San'Shyuum utilized these relics to build new technology for the Covenant.<ref>'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminal 9]]''</ref> Many of the San'Shyuum advancements came from the [[Forerunner Dreadnought]] the Reformists had originally taken from Janjur Qom. However, the Covenant's recovery and analysis of Forerunner technology under San'Shyuum direction was the origin of most of the empire's technology, with artifacts from numerous Forerunner sites providing substantial technological progress for the Covenant. Technological advancements yielded from Forerunner artifacts included slipstream space travel and [[Superluminal communications|communication]], the manipulation of extremely high volumes of [[plasma]] energy through recycling detritus from sublight travel, the basic control and utilization of [[hard light]], short-range [[Slipspace translocation|teleportation of matter]], and [[Anti-gravity technology|advanced influence]] over gravity and repulsor-based technologies, among other developments.<ref name="universecov"/> The San'Shyuum were responsible for the development and creation of a majority of the Covenant's technology, with the Sangheili and several other species relying solely on their Prophets of the latest technology and comforts.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 58''</ref> The San'Shyuum-controlled [[Ministry of Fortitude]] was the Covenant executive department charged with distributing technology to the empire's client species.<ref name="ch143"/> The San'Shyuum also placed restrictions on certain advanced technologies,<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/wraith '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Wraith'']</ref> such as disallowing Sangheili from donning the [[Assault harness|assault-class combat harness]].<ref name="h3description">'''Halo 3''', ''Assault armor description''</ref> The San'Shyuum also forbade others from modifying weapons that they had developed without a direct blessing from a [[Hierarch]], citing it as an act of [[Heretic|heresy]] otherwise.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/plasma-rifle '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Plasma Rifle'']</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 146''</ref> These restrictions were largely the result of paranoia among the San'Shyuum who feared that the Sangheili and other client species would revolt if they had access to certain advanced technologies.<ref name="universecov"/>

San'Shyuum pattern-language is notably difficult to master.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-armory-amore '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Armory Amore'']</ref> Covenant architecture was heavily influenced by the architecture of the San'Shyuum, though with some connections to Sangheili architecture.<ref name="universecov"/> Under the preferences of the San'Shyuum, the Covenant's architecture was elaborately ornamental<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-holiday-shipping '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Holiday Shipping'']</ref> and primarily comprised of large elegant, sweeping shapes—broad parabolic silhouettes that embellish even the most functional and utilitarian of devices. Metals and stone composites used by the Covenant and particularly the San'Shyuum are generally colored in shades of purple and gray, bonded together by a variety of exotic alloys using a tight hexagonal mesh.<ref name="universe"/> Most military vehicles were based entirely on San'Shyuum structural aesthetics early on, leading to changes in the Sangheili's own architecture to accommodate the preferences of their San'Shyuum leaders.<ref name="universecov"/> Conservative San'Shyuum bureaucrats had always been strict on the designs and technologies applied to vehicles and weapons, believing that the organic vehicle designs inspired by animals native to [[Sanghelios]] and its [[Sangheili colonies|colonies]] favored by the Sangheili had always been inelegant. After the Covenant's fall, many Sangheili returned to their original architectural style.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-designs-of-the-times '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Designs of the Times'']</ref>
{{Clear}}

==Behind the scenes==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of San'Shyuum}}
The San'Shyuum's appearance for their in-game debut in ''[[Halo 2]]'' was primarily designed by [[Bungie]] artists [[Shi Kai Wang]] and Eric Arroyo. The Prophets were originally designed to be unified with their [[anti-gravity chair]]s with movement fused with the Prophet's organic structures. The San'Shyuum were also designed to be feeble, yet sinister. The three [[Hierarchs]] featured in ''Halo 2'' were each individually designed.<ref>'''[[The Art of Halo]]''', ''pages 55-56''</ref>

A recurring theme with San'Shyuum names and titles is that they are frequently ironic counterpoints to their behavior. For example, the [[Prophet of Truth]] was prone to lying, the [[Prophet of Mercy]] was very harsh towards others, the [[Prophet of Regret]] was headstrong and unapologetic, and the [[Prophet of Restraint]] stepped down as a result of high sexual exploits when it was forbidden for him to do so, therefore showing a lack of restraint. The San'Shyuum are the only species of the Covenant (discounting those of the [[Covenant fringe]]) not featured in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.<ref>''[[Halo: Reach]]''</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:H2-ProphetSanShyuum-Concept.jpg|Early concept art for ''Halo 2''.
File:Prophet.png|An early render of a Prophet.
File:H2 - Regret.png|The High Prophet of Regret as he appeared in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2prophets.gif|The High Prophet of Mercy along with Regret.
File:Mercy.jpg|The High Prophet of Mercy in ''Halo 2''.
File:1225417639 Truth and mercy.jpg|The High Prophets of Truth and Mercy in ''Halo 2''.
File:Prophet Councillors.jpg|San'Shyuum High Councilors in ''Halo 2''.
File:Holo Truth.png|The High Prophet of Truth preaching from a [[portable holo-pedestal]] in ''Halo 3''.
File:Prophet of Regret.jpg|The High Prophet of Regret in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Truth_ODST.jpg|The High Prophet of Truth in ''Halo 3: ODST''.
File:Anime Prophet.JPG|[[Unidentified Prophet (Heian)|A Prophet]] in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[The Babysitter]]''.
File:TheDuelProphet.png|[[Unidentified Prophet (Sanghelios)|A Prophet]] in ''Halo Legends: [[The Duel]]''
File:H2A - RegretGravemind.jpg|The [[Flood]]-infected High Prophet of Regret in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:Fleet Battles - Minister of Etiology.jpg|The [[Minister of Etiology]], a [[Minor Prophet]] of the Covenant, in ''Halo: Fleet Battles''.
File:HTMCC H2A Achievement THEChipsDubbo.jpg|Prophet concept art for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-Terminals_SanShyuum_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of ancient San'Shyuum for ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' terminals.
File:H2A-Terminals_SanShyuum_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of ancient San'Shyuum for ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' terminals.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{Fm}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Halo: The Flood#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
**''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
**''[[Bestiarum]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[The Return]]''
**''[[Wages of Sin]]''
{{col-3}}
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
*''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Primordium]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Silentium]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Rebirth]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' {{Mo}}
{{col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{C|Hologram only}}
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition|Limited Edition]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Fractures]]''
**''[[Lessons Learned]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[What Remains]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Promises to Keep]]''
**''[[Rossbach's World (story)|Rossbach's World]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Hunting Party]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]'' {{mo}}
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
{{col-end}}

==Note==
<references group="note"/>

==Sources==
{{Reflist|3}}

{{Covenant}}

[[Category:San'Shyuum| ]]
[[Category:Sapient species]]
[[Category:Covenant species]]
[[Category:Host species]]