Sangheili High Councilor: Difference between revisions

High Councilor
Political information
Government:	Covenant; Swords of Sanghelios; Jul 'Mdama's Covenant
Member of:	High Council
Duties:	Political leadership
Headquarters:	High Charity
Historical information
Formation:	c. 850 BCE
Abolished:	November 3, 2552
Notable individuals:	Duru 'Scoahamee; K'hurk 'Bornisamee; Torg 'Gransamee; Raas 'Yajadai;

Latest revision as of 13:20, November 8, 2024

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This article is about Sangheili title. For Forerunner title, see Councilor (Forerunner).

High Councilor is a high-tier Sangheili political title within the Covenant.

History[edit]

During the Covenant's early years, only the Hierarchs served on what would be the High Council. Eventually, the Council was established and organized sometime in 850 BCE and consisted of a select number of San'Shyuum and Sangheili governmental delegates—the precursors to the Sangheili High Councilors, as outlined in the Writ of Union.^[1]

In 2525, the Minister of Fortitude, the Philologist Hod Rumnt, and the Vice Minister of Tranquility went before the High Council and announced their intentions to replace the current Hierarchs of the Covenant. Although they were initially reluctant, they accepted the bid and the three became the new Hierarchs.^[2] In 2535, the San'Shyuum High Councilors reorganized the Covenant fleet, against the desires of the Sangheili Councilors.^[3] After the High Prophet of Regret's death on Installation 05, the High Prophets of Truth and Mercy publicly replaced the Sangheili Honor Guardsmen with the Jiralhanae. This decision was not approved of by the High Council,^[4] and the Sangheili High Councilors viewed this as a violation of the Writ of Union and threatened to resign from the High Council.^[5] During the Battle of Installation 05, the San'Shyuum and Sangheili High Councilors were to meet in the Control Room of Installation 05 to allegedly witness the activation of the installation and the beginning of the Great Journey. However, only some of the Sangheili Councilors and former Honor Guardsmen—particularly the ones that opposed the Changing of the Guard, but were unwilling to resign from their positions—had arrived at the Control Room. Suddenly, a large contingent of heavily armed Jiralhanae, led by Captain Melchus, entered the Control Room and proceeded to massacre the Councilors, following the orders of the High Prophet of Truth as part of his plan to replace Sangheili with Jiralhanae in Covenant society.^[6]^[7]

The surviving High Councilors, along with the rest of their species, did not hold unified opinions on how to proceed following the Great Schism. Some joined Thel 'Vadam's cause to ally with the humans, though others attempted to bring what remained of the Covenant Empire under complete Sangheili rule, scrambling to grab power and influence when possible. Following the Human-Covenant War, some High Councilors served in Jul 'Mdama's reformed Covenant faction, while others led small, independent factions with reclaimed Covenant assets.^[8]

Function and duties[edit]

Councilors during a High Council session.

The Councilor is one of the highest positions attainable by a Sangheili warrior, whether militarily or politically, although the title of Arbiter is more culturally significant in Sangheili society. Councilors act as members of the Covenant High Council, along with the San'Shyuum High Councilors. Their power is derived directly from the High Council, under only the Hierarchs, making them some of the most important roles held in all of Covenant society.^[9] The Sangheili Councilors were also involved with the Hierarchs' ascension ceremony. All the Councilors would gather before the newly-appointed Hierarchs and one Sangheili Councilor would ask for the names of each High Prophet.^[2]

Because of the militaristic culture of the Sangheili, many Councilors had backgrounds as high-ranking members of the Covenant military. It was common for Evocati, in particular, to pursue a career as a Councilor.^[10]

Equipment[edit]

Because warfare is the primary purpose of Sangheili participation in the Covenant, Councilors are extremely skilled warriors in almost all forms of armed and hand-to-hand combat. As Sangheili are ranked according to the numbers of kills obtained, Councilors are likely to have served in the military long before achieving their title.

Councilors typically carry the iconic energy sword, which also serves as a symbol of their aristocratic status. They are also known to wield plasma rifles.

To protect them on the battlefield, Councilors are equipped with an extremely durable harness, similar in appearance to the standard issue version, but with superior armor compared to that worn by lesser ranks, similar to that of the Special Operations Sangheili in Halo CE. Their energy shields are capable of taking an enormous amount of damage, equivalent to the shields of an Evocatus, however unlike Evocati they do not falter when hit with a melee attack. Councilors are easily recognizable by their ornate headdresses, which cover most of their face and extend far behind their heads. Their armor is a pearlescent white in color, similar to the armor worn by Sangheili Ultras.

Trivia[edit]

The headdress worn by Sangheili Councilors noticeably resembles the head crest of the Xenomorph queen from the movie Aliens.

Gallery[edit]

A model of a Councilor for Halo 2: Anniversary.
A Councilor in Halo 2.
A Councilor wielding an energy sword.
A Councilor wielding a plasma rifle.
A Councilor in combat.
A Councilor shown from behind.
A Councilor in Halo 2: Anniversary.
A Sangheili Councilor being held prisoner in the Bastion of the Brutes.
A Sangheili Councilor breaking free another during the Battle of Installation 05.
Two Councilors in the Bastion of the Brutes.
The death of the Councilors.
A cutout of a Sangheili High Councilor from the Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition).

List of appearances[edit]

Halo 2 (First appearance)
Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
Halo: Contact Harvest
Halo: The Cole Protocol (Mentioned only)
Halo: Broken Circle
Halo 2: Anniversary
- Terminals
Halo: Age of Retribution

Sources[edit]

^ Halo: Broken Circle, page 159
^ ^a ^b Halo: Contact Harvest, page 380
^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 349
^ Halo: Broken Circle, pages 217-218
^ Halo 2, campaign level Sacred Icon
^ Halo 2, campaign level Uprising
^ Halo: Broken Circle, pages 218-221
^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Lore of the Rings
^ Halo 2, campaign level The Heretic
^ Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Log of War

[1] Halo: Broken Circle, page 159

[ch380-2] Halo: Contact Harvest, page 380

[3] Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 349

[bc217-4] Halo: Broken Circle, pages 217-218

[5] Halo 2, campaign level Sacred Icon

[6] Halo 2, campaign level Uprising

[7] Halo: Broken Circle, pages 218-221

[8] Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Lore of the Rings

[9] Halo 2, campaign level The Heretic

[cf_low-10] Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Log of War

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Ratings}}
+{{Status|Canon}}
-{{Era|TF|H2|GOO|HW|}}
+{{Fact cleanup}}
-{{Covenant Rank Infobox
+{{Disambig header|Sangheili title|[[Forerunner]] title|Councilor (Forerunner)}}
-|name='''Councilor'''
+{{Title infobox
-|image=[[Image:Sangheili Councilor 01.png|300px]]
+|name=High Councilor
-|species=[[Sangheili]]
+|image=[[File:H2A Sangheili-Councillor.png|225px]]
-|weapons=*[[Energy Sword]]
+|type=
-*[[Plasma Rifle]]
+|government=[[Covenant]]<br>
-*[[Covenant Carbine]]
+[[Swords of Sanghelios]]<br>
-*[[Particle Beam Rifle]]
+[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]
-*Any weapon given in [[Halo 2]] Campaign
+|memberof=[[High Council]]
-|equipment=[[Elite Personal Energy Shield]]
+|duties=Political leadership
-|vehicles=
+|term=
-|missions=
+|style=
-|role=Political Leaders/Possible Military Leaders
+|headquarters=''[[High Charity]]''
-|notable=[[Soha 'Rolamee]]
+|formation=c. [[850 BCE]]
-|affiliation=[[Covenant]] later [[Covenant Separatists]]
+|reorganized=
+|abolished=[[2552#November|November 3, 2552]]
+|notable=*[[Duru 'Scoahamee]]
+*[[K'hurk 'Bornisamee]]
+*[[Torg 'Gransamee]]
+*[[Raas 'Yajadai]]
 }}
-'''Councilor''' is the highest possible rank attainable for any [[Sangheili]], apart from [[Arbiter (Rank)|Arbiter]].
+'''High Councilor''' is a high-tier [[Sangheili]] political title within the [[Covenant]].
-==Background==
+==History==
-The Councilor is believed to be the highest rank attainable by a Sangheili warrior, whether militarily or politically, although the rank of Arbiter is religiously more significant in Sangheilian society. They act as members of the [[High Council|Covenant High Council]], along with the [[Prophets#Lesser_Prophets|Lesser Prophets]]. Their power is derived directly from the High Council, under only the [[Hierarchs]], making them some of the most important roles held in all of [[Covenant]] society.<ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[The Heretic (Level)|The Heretic]]''</ref>
+During the [[Covenant]]'s early years, only the [[Hierarchs]] served on what would be the [[High Council]]. Eventually, the Council was established and organized sometime in [[850 BCE]] and consisted of a select number of [[San'Shyuum]] and [[Sangheili]] governmental delegates—the precursors to the Sangheili High Councilors, as outlined in the [[Writ of Union]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''', ''page 159''</ref>
-Councilors have been described as "[[Aristocrat]]s" by lesser races, and the fact that they are permitted to wield [[Energy Swords]] prevents them from marrying, though they can still mate with any female they wish to, married or unmarried, to pass on the "swordsman" genes. Only one Councilor has ever been named, [[Soha 'Rolamee]], who was executed by a [[Lesser Prophet]], indicating that even Elite Councilors are still beneath even lower [[Prophet]]s.<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', page 178</ref>
+In [[2525]], the [[Prophet of Truth|Minister of Fortitude]], the [[Prophet of Mercy|Philologist Hod Rumnt]], and the [[Prophet of Regret|Vice Minister of Tranquility]] went before the High Council and announced their intentions to replace the current [[Hierarchs]] of the Covenant. Although they were initially reluctant, they accepted the bid and the three became the new Hierarchs.<ref name="ch380">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 380''</ref> In [[2535]], the San'Shyuum High Councilors reorganized the [[Covenant fleet]], against the desires of the Sangheili Councilors.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 349''</ref> After the High Prophet of Regret's death on [[Installation 05]], the High Prophets of Truth and Mercy publicly [[Changing of the Guard|replaced]] the [[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Sangheili Honor Guardsmen]] with the [[Jiralhanae]]. This decision was not approved of by the High Council,<ref name="bc217">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 217-218''</ref> and the Sangheili High Councilors viewed this as a violation of the Writ of Union and threatened to resign from the High Council.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon]]''</ref> During the [[Battle of Installation 05]], the San'Shyuum and Sangheili High Councilors were to meet in the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room]] of [[Installation 05]] to allegedly witness the activation of the installation and the beginning of the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]]. However, only some of the Sangheili Councilors and former Honor Guardsmen—particularly the ones that opposed the Changing of the Guard, but were unwilling to resign from their positions—had arrived at the Control Room. Suddenly, a large contingent of heavily armed Jiralhanae, led by [[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]] [[Melchus]], entered the Control Room and proceeded to massacre the Councilors, following the orders of the High Prophet of Truth as part of his plan to replace Sangheili with Jiralhanae in Covenant society.<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 218-221''</ref>
-Because the pursuit of honor in battle is the sole pursuit of Sangheili society,<ref>''[[Bestiarum]]''</ref> service in the [[Covenant Military]] is compulsory, with all pursuits secondary. As such, it is safe to assume that Councilors are, or have been, an important part of the Covenant Military, with their political and governmental duties still held as a secondary duty. It is therefore likely that Councilors have killed a large amount of enemies.
+The surviving High Councilors, along with the rest of their species, did not hold unified opinions on how to proceed following the Great Schism. Some joined [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s cause to ally with the humans, though others attempted to bring what remained of the Covenant Empire under complete Sangheili rule, scrambling to grab power and influence when possible. Following the [[Human-Covenant War]], some High Councilors served in [[Jul 'Mdama]]'s [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|reformed Covenant faction]], while others led small, [[Covenant remnants|independent factions]] with reclaimed Covenant assets.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/canon-fodder-lore-of-the-rings '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Lore of the Rings'']</ref>
-A large number of the Councilors were present at [[Installation 05|Delta Halo]], supposedly to witness the activation of the Halo ring. In truth, it was a ruse in order for the [[Jiralhanae|Brute]] to begin their slaughter, depriving the Sangheili of a large amount of their leadership caste. While there were survivors of the genocide, it is not known how many, or whether they returned to serve as the leaders of the remaining Sangheili.
+==Function and duties==
+[[File:H2A - Tartarus and HighCouncil.png|thumb|250px|left|Councilors during a High Council session.]]
+The Councilor is one of the highest positions attainable by a Sangheili warrior, whether militarily or politically, although the title of [[Arbiter]] is more culturally significant in Sangheili society. Councilors act as members of the [[High Council|Covenant High Council]], along with the [[San'Shyuum High Councilor]]s. Their power is derived directly from the High Council, under only the [[Hierarchs]], making them some of the most important roles held in all of Covenant society.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Heretic]]''</ref> The Sangheili Councilors were also involved with the Hierarchs' [[Ascension (ceremony)|ascension]] ceremony. All the Councilors would gather before the newly-appointed Hierarchs and one Sangheili Councilor would ask for the names of each High Prophet.{{Ref/Reuse|ch380}}
-==Combat==
+Because of the militaristic culture of the Sangheili, many Councilors had backgrounds as high-ranking members of the [[Covenant military]]. It was common for [[Sangheili Ultra|Evocati]], in particular, to pursue a career as a Councilor.<ref name="cf low">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/log-of-war '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Log of War'']</ref>
-Because warfare is the primary purpose of Sangheili participation in the Covenant, Councilors are extremely skilled warriors in almost all forms of armed and hand-to-hand combat. As Sangheili are ranked according to the numbers of kills obtained, Councilors are likely to have slaughtered a significant amount, likely being retired [[Zealot]]s, since Councilors are rarely seen in battle.
-Councilors typically carry the iconic [[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|Energy Sword]], which also serves as a symbol of their status as aristocrats. With only select few Sangheili military ranks, such as [[Zealots]] and [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]], are permitted this and they are adept at close-combat with the sword. They are also, albeit infrequently, armed with [[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle|Plasma Rifles]], with their accuracy unmatched. Like an Ultra Elite, they will let loose a war cry and switch to their Energy Sword if an enemy gets too close to them. The Arbiter is capable of replacing their original weapons with Covenant, [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] or Brute weapons, though they hold the latter in disdain. However, when facing [[Tartarus]], they'll often use [[Type-50 Sniper Rifle System|Beam Rifles]] and [[Type-51 Carbine|Carbines]], but they'll soon drop them and activate their Energy Sword when their shields are down.
+{{clear|left}}
-In addition to their great skill in combat, Councilors are also equipped with an extremely durable [[Sangheili Combat Harness|Combat Harness]], similar in appearance to the standard issue version, but with superior armor compared to that worn by lesser ranks, similar to that of the [[Special Operations Officer|SpecOps]] in [[Halo: Combat Evolved|Halo CE]]. Additionally, the built-in energy shielding system is capable of taking an enormous amount of damage, equivalent to that of an Elite Ultra: they can withstand up to three [[M90 Close Assault Weapon System|Shotgun]] blasts in close range, devastating melee attacks from behind, a hit from the [[Fist of Rukt]], multiple [[Plasma Grenades]] or [[Fragmentation Grenades]] and even surviving a blast from a [[M19 SSM Rocket Launcher|Rocket Launcher]] and a slash from an Energy Sword, even when their shield is down. Halo 2 is the only game in which you see and work with Councilors.
+==Equipment==
+Because warfare is the primary purpose of Sangheili participation in the Covenant, Councilors are extremely skilled warriors in almost all forms of armed and hand-to-hand combat. As Sangheili are ranked according to the numbers of kills obtained, Councilors are likely to have served in the military long before achieving their title.
-== Physical Appearance ==
+Councilors typically carry the iconic [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]], which also serves as a symbol of their aristocratic status. They are also known to wield [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|plasma rifles]].
-Councilors are easily recognizable by their large, distinct and oddly shaped, ornate headdresses, fixed to a traditional Elite [[Sangheili Combat Harness|Helmet]]. Their armor, normally the standard [[Sangheili Combat Harness|Combat Harness]] adorned by most other regular service Elites (with the exception of the helmet), are a pearlescent white, or metallic-silver color, very similar to that worn by Ultra Elites, the only difference being that they have no steel markings on their armor as many other Elite ranks do. Councilors sometimes wear a different helmet that has the same basic shape, but has different designs and is more open.
-== Appearances ==
+To protect them on the battlefield, Councilors are equipped with an extremely durable [[Sangheili harness|harness]], similar in appearance to the standard issue version, but with superior armor compared to that worn by lesser ranks, similar to that of the [[Special Operations Sangheili]] in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved|Halo CE]]''. Their energy shields are capable of taking an enormous amount of damage, equivalent to the shields of an Evocatus, however unlike Evocati they do not falter when hit with a melee attack.  Councilors are easily recognizable by their ornate headdresses, which cover most of their face and extend far behind their heads. Their armor is a pearlescent white in color, similar to the armor worn by [[Sangheili Ultra]]s.
-The Councilors are only seen in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''. Their infrequence in numbers leads to their appearance being only three times throughout the entire campaign.
-*''[[The Heretic (Level)|The Heretic]]'' - Elite Councilors were seen in the [[Council Chamber]] of ''[[High Charity]]'' during the shaming of the former [[Supreme Commander]] of the ''[[Fleet of Particular Justice]]'' (Thel 'Vadamee) before he was anointed as the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]].
-*''[[Gravemind (Level)|Gravemind]]'' - An [[Honor Guard Councilor]] is seen after killing all the Brutes, Hunters, and Elites in the [[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]], with a pair Elites following him. It is unknown if this is a different rank or a type of Councilor.
-*''[[Uprising (Level)|Uprising]]'' - Many Elite Councilors were taken to the surface of Installation 05 shortly before the start of the [[Great Schism|Civil War of the Covenant]] to prepare for the activation of the "Ringworld" by the [[Sacred Icon]] at the [[Control Room]] of Delta Halo.<ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Uprising (Level)|Uprising]]'', ending cut scene</ref> However, they were massacred by Tartarus's Brutes at the beginning of the Great Schism, although a few were taken alive at the [[Bastion of the Brutes]].
-*''[[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]'' - While the Arbiter was on his path to invade the Brute-controlled [[Control Room]] and prevent the activation of Installation 05, he passed through the Bastion of the Brutes and came across a small force-field prison guarded by Brutes and [[Jackal]]s. The Arbiter unlocked the cages, bringing forth two Councilors and two [[Hunter]]s. Later in the climatic battle that defeated Tartarus, numerous Councilors fought with their Energy Swords against the [[Brute Chieftain]], alongside many Zealots and [[Spec Ops Elite]]s, however many fell to the [[Fist of Rukt]].<ref>''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[The Great Journey (Level)|The Great Journey]]''</ref>
-*High Council members are seen in Halo Wars: Genesis when [[Ripa 'Moramee]] is being tried for his failed attempt at overthrowing his clan leader. Even though they are council members, they do not wear the armor that is seen in Halo 2 but instead wear simple robes.
 ==Trivia==
-*A large number of Councilors will help you fight Tartarus, along with Zealots and Spec-Ops Elites.
+{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Sangheili Councilors}}
-*The headdresses worn by Sangheili Councilors closely resemble the Queen's head, from the movie "Aliens"; though it it smaller and narrower. In addition, both Halo's Covenant Empire and Aliens' titular species have caste systems.
+The headdress worn by Sangheili Councilors [[List of references to Aliens in the Halo series|noticeably resembles]] the head crest of the Xenomorph queen from the movie ''[[Wikipedia:Aliens (film)|Aliens]]''.
 ==Gallery==
 <gallery>
-Image:'Nodotee.JPG|A Councilor in combat.
+File:H2A - Sangheili Councilor model.jpg|A model of a Councilor for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
-Image:Councilor4.jpg|A Councilor shown from behind.
+File:Sangheili Councilor 01.png|A Councilor in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
-File:Sangheili Councilor Helmet design.svg|A fan render of the Councilor headdress.
+File:H2 Elite Councilor.png|A Councilor wielding an energy sword.
+File:Councilor1.jpg|A Councilor wielding a plasma rifle.
+File:Councilor in combat.jpg|A Councilor in combat.
+File:Councilor4.jpg|A Councilor shown from behind.
+File:H2A - Sangheili Councilor.jpg|A Councilor in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
+File:HTMCC-H2A Imprisoned Sangheili Councillor.jpg|A Sangheili Councilor being held prisoner in the [[Bastion of the Brutes]].
+File:HTMCC-H2A Sangheili Councillor Breakout.jpg|A Sangheili Councilor breaking free another during the Battle of Installation 05.
+File:H2ASangheiliCouncilors.png|Two Councilors in the Bastion of the Brutes.
+File:H2A Terminals - Murder of the Councilors.jpg|The death of the Councilors.
+File:Enc22-SangheiliCouncilor.png| A cutout of a Sangheili High Councilor from the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
 </gallery>
-==References==
+==List of appearances==
-<references/>
+*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}
+*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
+*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
+*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'' {{Mo}}
+*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
+*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
+**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
+*''[[Halo: Age of Retribution]]''
+==Sources==
+{{Ref/Sources}}
-==Related Pages==
+{{Sangheili Ranks}}
-*[[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]]
-*[[Ultra Elite|Ultra]]
-*[[High Prophet]]s
-*[[High Council]]
-*[[Honor Guard Councilor]]
-*[[Council Chamber]]
-{{Elite Ranks}}
+[[Category:Sangheili ranks and titles|Councilor]]
-[[Category:The Covenant]]
-[[Category:Elites]]
-[[Category:Ranks]]