Hierarchs: Difference between revisions

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==Appointment and succession==
==Appointment and succession==
The inauguration of a new set of Hierarchs generally coincided with the beginning of a new [[History of the Covenant|Age]]. In order to become a Hierarch, a San'Shyuum would have to receive the "blessing" of the [[05-032 Mendicant Bias|Oracle]] of ''High Charity''. However, the Oracle had not spoken for millennia. Instead, the ascension process of a Hierarch was steeped in political machinations and often the bribery of the Oracle's keeper—the [[Philologist]].<ref name="enc125"/><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 274''</ref> After speaking with the Oracle, the three San'Shyuum would announce their intentions to replace the current Hierarchs in front of the High Council and state their reasons. Although possible to announce their intent to the Council without a third San'Shyuum, it would make them seem less legitimate and a third individual would have to be selected after the announcement.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 286-287''</ref> However, unseating a Hierarch was not an easy task, as the Hierarchs would often try to use all the influence they had at their disposal to keep their title and prevent the declaration of a new Age.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 156''</ref> After being approved of by the High Council, a grand ceremony known as the [[Ascension]] would occur to formally declare the coming of a new Age and introduce the new Hierarchs to the rest of the Covenant. Then, the newly-risen Hierarchs would humbly ask the Oracle to bless the new Age. Upon their ascension, a Hierarch may choose a regal name from a list of former Hierarch names.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 379-383''</ref>
The inauguration of a new set of Hierarchs generally coincided with the beginning of a new [[History of the Covenant|Age]]. In order to become a Hierarch, a San'Shyuum would have to receive the "blessing" of the [[Mendicant Bias|Oracle]] of ''High Charity''. However, the Oracle had not spoken for millennia. Instead, the ascension process of a Hierarch was steeped in political machinations and often the bribery of the Oracle's keeper—the [[Philologist]].<ref name="enc125"/><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 274''</ref> After speaking with the Oracle, the three San'Shyuum would announce their intentions to replace the current Hierarchs in front of the High Council and state their reasons. Although possible to announce their intent to the Council without a third San'Shyuum, it would make them seem less legitimate and a third individual would have to be selected after the announcement.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 286-287''</ref> However, unseating a Hierarch was not an easy task, as the Hierarchs would often try to use all the influence they had at their disposal to keep their title and prevent the declaration of a new Age.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 156''</ref> After being approved of by the High Council, a grand ceremony known as the [[Ascension]] would occur to formally declare the coming of a new Age and introduce the new Hierarchs to the rest of the Covenant. Then, the newly-risen Hierarchs would humbly ask the Oracle to bless the new Age. Upon their ascension, a Hierarch may choose a regal name from a list of former Hierarch names.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''pages 379-383''</ref>


During the appointment of a new Age and a new set of Hierarchs, it was acceptable for one of the previous Hierarchs to keep their title and position, and continuing serving as a Hierarch alongside two new ones. While this generally allowed for a smoother transition, bitterness would often ensure.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 268''</ref> A Hierarch could step down from the throne if they believed that their health was becoming a concern.<ref name="bc51"/> However, a retired Hierarch could still voice their opinion in the High Council.<ref name="bc161"/> In the rare event of the death of a Hierarch, another high-ranking and influential San'Shyuum would be given the opportunity to replace the missing Hierarch.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 208''</ref>
During the appointment of a new Age and a new set of Hierarchs, it was acceptable for one of the previous Hierarchs to keep their title and position, and continuing serving as a Hierarch alongside two new ones. While this generally allowed for a smoother transition, bitterness would often ensure.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 268''</ref> A Hierarch could step down from the throne if they believed that their health was becoming a concern.<ref name="bc51"/> However, a retired Hierarch could still voice their opinion in the High Council.<ref name="bc161"/> In the rare event of the death of a Hierarch, another high-ranking and influential San'Shyuum would be given the opportunity to replace the missing Hierarch.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 208''</ref>
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