Changing of the Guard

Rtas 'Vadumee: "This is unprecedented. Unacceptable."

High Prophet of Truth: "Recommissioning the Guard was a radical step. But recent events have made it abundantly clear that the Elites can no longer guarantee our safety."

— Conversation between Special Operations Commander Rtas 'Vadumee with High Prophet of Truth during the changing.

The Changing of the Guard was a radical replacement of the Sangheili Honor Guards with the Jiralhanae Honor Guards.^[1] It was one of many events that led to the downfall of the Covenant.

History

After the assassination of the High Prophet of Regret by John-117, the remaining two Hierarchs made the unilateral decision to reassign the Sangheili Honor Guards, replacing them instead with Jiralhanae. While the Hierarchs claimed that the Sangheili were no longer capable of protecting them, in reality, the Prophet of Truth had abandoned Regret to his fate, in order to solidify his control over the Covenant.^[2]

The Changing of the Guard sparked outrage amongst the Elites, who viewed it as an insult to their people. Not only had the Hierarchs made the decision without consulting the High Council, but the order itself was in flagrant violation of the Writ of Union, the founding document of the Covenant. Subsequently, the Elites on the Council threatened to resign. In response, the High Prophets declared the Sangheili to be traitors to the Covenant, and encouraged the other races to turn against their former commanders and remain loyal to the Prophets, igniting the civil war.^[3]

However, the High Prophets had not foreseen the support the Sangheili still had among much of the Covenant. Many Unggoy and Mgalekgolo continued to follow their Sangheili masters and joined the Arbiter's Fleet of Retribution, and the conflict between them and the now Jiralhanae-led Covenant troops loyal to the Prophets began the Great Schism.^[4]^[5]

Trivia

The High Prophet of Truth took a dismissive approach to the early rumblings of discontent, deeming the event merely an "exchange of hats".^[2]
"Changing of the Guard" is a phrase used in modern-day England, as well as Commonwealth countries, signifying the changing between different shifts of guards who protect the royal family and government.

Gallery

A Sangheili Ultra passes his Honor Guard armor to a Jiralhanae.
The Arbiter arrives at the Sanctum as a procession of Brutes arrive to assume their new Honor Guard rank from the Sangheili.
Arbiter Thel 'Vadamee walks past two Honor Guards after they are stripped of their post.
A newly-appointed Brute Honor Guard stands at the ready.
Commander Rtas 'Vadumee voices the Sangheili's condemnation of the Prophets' edict.